The present study is to clarify the effect of
insulin-producing cells (IPCs) derived from adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) on diabetic-induced impairments as the abnormalities of testicular tissues, oxidative stress of testes, and defects of spermatogenesis. Diabetes was stimulated by
streptozotocin (STZ) injection in male adult Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Diabetes was confirmed by taking two highly consecutive fasting
blood sugar readings; more than 300 mg/dl; within one week. Five million of IPCs derived from AT-MSCs; encased in TheraCyte
capsule; were then directly transplanted (one implant for each rat) subcutaneously in diabetic rats. Implants were maintained for 3 months and the fasting
blood sugar of the transplanted rats was observed every month. At the end of the experiment; serum
testosterone,
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and
luteinizing hormone (LH) were also estimated. The sperm parameters (count, motility, and abnormality) were recorded. In testicular tissue; GPX4, Bcl2, and Bax levels were evaluated, while oxidative stress and
antioxidant enzymes activities were measured in the testes homogenate. Also, histopathological alterations were examined in the testes cross-section. In the results, it was found that IPCs treatment enhanced the serum
testosterone, FSH, and LH levels. Diabetic-induced impairments in the sperm parameters were noticeably improved post-IPCs
transplantation in the diabetic rats. Moreover, the treatment improved the diabetic-associated testicular oxidative stress. Also, it was recognized that the Bax expression decreased, while, GPX4 and Bcl2 expression increased in the treated rats. Meanwhile, the abnormalities showed in the histopathological studies of the hyperglycemic rat's testes were attenuated post-treatment. So, IPCs
transplantation improved diabetes and consequently protected against
hyperglycemia-induced testicular damages.