Context: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of several physiological alterations.
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of MetS on rats spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.
Materials and methods: We developed a MetS rodent model using high-sugar and high-fat diet.
Results: MetS rats showed severe disorders in sperm parameters. Interestingly, a significant increase in malondialdehyde level and a decrease in the antioxidant activities were observed. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed Bax down-regulation and Bcl-2 up-regulation. A decrease in testosterone level was identified, correlated with the CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and 17β HSD testicular marker down-regulation. Finally, MetS rats showed an up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines receptors IL-1R and IL-6R.
Conclusion: MetS induced severe testis toxicity in male rats. Mets markedly distorted sperm parameters, inhibited the transcription of steroidogenic enzymes and led to oxidative stress, inflammation, and alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratioin testicular tissues.
Keywords: Metabolic syndrome; apoptosis; oxidative stress; rats; spermatic parameters.