Ameliorative effect ofStevia rebaudianaBertoni on sperm parameters,in vitrofertilization, and early embryo development in a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of diabetes

Abstract

Summary Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. It is well known that men with diabetes frequently experience reproductive disorders and sexual dysfunction. In fact, sperm quality has a significant effect on fertilization success and embryo development. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of Stevia rebaudiana hydroalcoholic extract on serum testosterone levels, sperm parameters, in vitro fertilization (IVF) success, and in vitro embryonic developmental potential to reach the blastocyst stage in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mouse model of diabetes. In this research, 30 male mice were distributed randomly into control, diabetic (streptozotocin 150 mg/kg) and diabetic + Stevia (400 mg/kg) groups. The results revealed a decrease in body and testis weight and elevated blood fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels in the diabetic group, compared with the control. However, Stevia treatment significantly increased body and testis weight, while serum FBS levels were decreased compared with the diabetic group. In addition, Stevia significantly increased blood testosterone levels compared with the diabetic group. Moreover, sperm parameters were improved considerably by Stevia treatment compared with the diabetic group. Furthermore, Stevia administration significantly promoted IVF success rate and in vitro development of fertilized oocytes compared with the diabetic group. In summary, our data indicated that Stevia enhanced sperm parameters, IVF success, and in vitro embryonic developmental competency in diabetic mice, probably because of its antioxidant effects. Therefore, Stevia could ameliorate sperm parameters that, in turn, increase fertilization outcomes in experimental-induced diabetes.

Garden Cress Seed Oil Abrogates Testicular Oxidative Injury and NF-kB-Mediated Inflammation in Diabetic Mice

“…Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement safe compounds with plausible protective effects against oxidative and inflammatory changes induced by diabetes. In this regard, several studies have demonstrated the benefits of various medicinal plants and their derived bioactive phytochemicals in the management of diabetes-induced male infertility [59][60][61][62]. Lepidium sativum L., also known as Garden cress/Hab El Rashad, is a comparatively fast-growing annual herb that belongs to the family Brassicaceae [63].…”