Abstract
Background. Sexual dysfunction is a common complication in men with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise and spirulina supplementation on the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes, oxidative stress indices in testicular tissue, and serum sex hormone levels in diabetic rats.
Methods. A total of 35 male Wistar rats were selected and divided into 5 groups: (1) Control group, (2) Diabetes group (streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg), (3) Diabetes+Exercise group (streptozotocin+treadmill running for 6 weeks), (4) Diabetes+Spirulina group (streptozotocin+500 mg/kg Spirulina daily), and (5) Diabetes+Exercise+Spirulina group. Serum hormone levels were assessed using ELISA, oxidative stress indices in testicular tissue were measured by spectrophotometry, and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes was evaluated using RT-PCR.
Results. The results of the present study demonstrated that diabetes induction led to a significant decrease in serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as a significant reduction in body weight and testicular index. Additionally, a significant decrease in antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT, and GPx), an increase in MDA levels, and an upregulation in Bax expression were observed, while Bcl-2 expression was significantly downregulated (P<0.001). In contrast, therapeutic interventions, especially exercise +Spirulina, significantly ameliorated diabetes-induced disturbances compared to the diabetes group (P≤ 0.05).
Conclusion. The combination of exercise and Spirulina supplementation, through improvement in sex hormone secretion, control of oxidative stress, and modulation of apoptotic pathways in testicular tissue, may be effective in attenuating reproductive disorders in diabetic subjects.
Practical Implications. The findings of this study support the combined effects of exercise and Spirulina as a non-pharmacological strategy for managing diabetes-related reproductive disorders. This interventional approach may be beneficial in the clinical management of fertility impairments in diabetic patients by improving hormonal balance, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting testicular tissue apoptosis.