Protective effect of Vitamin E (α‑tocopherol) on nickel‑induced alteration of testicular pathophysiology in alloxan‑treated diabetic rats

Jameel Gulab Jargar; Saeed Yendigeri; Salim Abbasali Dhundasi; Kusal Kanti Das

Jameel Gulab Jargar Department of Physiology, Al‑Ameen Medical College, Bijapur, Karnataka, India
Saeed Yendigeri Department of Pathology, Al‑Ameen Medical College, Bijapur, Karnataka, India
Salim Abbasali Dhundasi Department of Physiology, Al‑Ameen Medical College, Bijapur, Karnataka, India
Kusal Kanti Das Department of Physiology, BLDE University’s Shri B.M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Vijapura, Bijapur, Karnataka, India

Keywords: Diabetes, Nickel, Oxidative stress, Testicular dysfunction, α‑tocopherol

Abstract

Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a global problem associated with increased formation of free radicals and decrease in antioxidant potential. Nickel generates free radicals and induces oxidative and nitrosative stress with depletion of antioxidants. Vitamin E is the most effective chain‑breaking antioxidant against lipid peroxidation. Therefore, the present study was intended to evaluate the possible protective effect of Vitamin E (α‑tocopherol) on oxidative stress in the testis of diabetic rats exposed to nickel. Methods: Diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate (15 mg/100 g b.wt, i.p.) in adult male Wistar albino rats. Diabetic rats in respective groups were exposed to nickel sulfate (2.0 mg/100 g b.wt, i.p) and α‑tocopherol (10 mg/100 g b.wt, i.m.) alone as well as in combination on alternate days until the tenth doses. Testicular cholesterol and protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), nitric oxide, and lipid peroxide were evaluated by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer. Testicular histopathology was also evaluated. Results: Exposure of diabetes and nickel showed significantly decreased body weight, testicular‑somatic index, testicular cholesterol and protein, AST, ALT, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxide levels. Simultaneous α‑tocopherol supplementation showed remarkable improvement in all these alterations. We observed damage in testicular architecture with, tortuous seminiferous tubules, foci of congestion, necrosis, loss of spermatogenesis > 75% and loss of germ cell layer in diabetic and nickel‑exposed diabetic rats. Testis of simultaneous α‑tocopherol supplemented diabetic rats showed many normal seminiferous tubules and normal spermatogenesis (≥50%). Conclusion: Vitamin E (α‑tocopherol) supplementation could exert a protective effect on the testis of diabetic rats exposed to nickel by suppressing the increased oxidative stress.