Effects of Diabetes Mellitus on the Reproductive System of Adult Male Mice After One Cycle of Spermatogenesis

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Poor management of hyperglycemia leads to complications that can reduce quality of life. Diabetes mellitus has been associated with damage to the reproductive system. The present study examines effects of diabetes mellitus on the reproductive system in alloxan-induced diabetic mice after one cycle of spermatogenesis. Materials and Methods: Twelve (12) mice divided into "control" and "diabetic" groups of six (6) animals each were used. Diabetes was induced in adult male mice by intraperitoneal injection with a single dose of 220 mg/kg body weight of alloxan. After 40 days, sperm density, morphology, and motility were assessed by standard methods. Serum levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH were measured. In addition, testes and epididymis were removed for histological study. Results: Highly significant (P < 0.001) reductions in serum testosterone, FSH, and LH levels, as well as normal and motile sperm counts of 21% and 34% respectively were observed in the diabetic group. The control group had three times more sperm than the diabetic group. The histological increased inter-tubular spaces, loss of interstitial tissue, degeneration of seminiferous tubules, and almost complete reduction of sperm count in the epididymal duct. Conclusion: Chronic hyperglycemia is therefore deleterious to the male reproductive system of mice. It leads to hypogonadism, which causes dysfunction of the male reproductive system, and can lead to infertility in men with diabetes mellitus.