Quercetin attenuates testicular oxidative stress associated with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

The Metabolic Syndrome (MS) generates oxidative stress (OS) altering the male fertility. Quercetin (Qc) supplementation could improve this condition due to its antioxidant properties. Objective: to clarify the mechanisms by which MS affects testicular tissue and to determine if these alterations are reversed by treatment with Qc. Four groups of male Wistar rats were used: Control (C, n: 5), C + Qc (n: 4, 50mg / kg / day, orally, 15 days), MS (n: 4, 10% fructose in water, 45 days) and MS + Qc (n: 4, SM 30 days plus 15 days with Qc treatment). The study time was 45 days. Body weight and abdominal circumference were measured and serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and testosterone were measured. In epididymis samples, vitality, motility and number of spermatozoa were determined. Glutathione (GSH) and catalase activity (CAT) were quantified in the testis homogenates. The histology of the testes was analyzed with hematoxylin / PAS. ANOVA and Bonferroni were performed (significant differences at p <0.05). MS was confirmed by body weight gain, a decrease in waist circumference, blood glucose (mg/dL) (221.6±13.3 vs 143.0±13.0) and triglycerides (392.7±85.7 vs 86.9±21.9) and a decrease in HDL-cholesterol (25.0±1.1 vs 34.8±0.6). Qc normalized the biochemical parameters. Serum testosterone was similar in all groups. MS produced GSH depletion (nmol/mg prot.) (31.7±1.4 vs 45.1±0.5) and increased CAT activity (IU/mg prot.) (16.1±0.6 vs 9.8±1.6). Qc partially restored the tripeptide levels and normalized the enzyme activity. The area of ​​the testicular sections and the thickness of the cell layer in the seminiferous tubules were lower in the MS group. At the end of the study, all groups presented complete spermatogenesis and the same concentration and motility of spermatozoa. The results suggest that MS produces OS and alters testicular tissue. Although complete spermatogenesis occurs during the development of MS, OS could be the mechanism by which fertility would be affected at longer times. Qc normalizes the testicular redox status and improves the general conditions of MS, which could prevent the development of male subfertility.