Alleviation of Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction by Chlorogenic Acid in Male Rats via Combating Redox Imbalance

Diabetes Mellitus is a multifaceted metabolic disorder that extends its deleterious effects beyond glucose homeostasis, impacting various organ systems. Reproductive dysfunction, particularly in males, is a consequential complication associated with diabetes. This study investigates the potential ameliorative effects of chlorogenic Acid (CGA), a dietary phenolic acid on diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats, with a focus on restoring redox balance. Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to albino wistar rats to induce experimental diabetes and rats were divided into five groups (n = 5); control, diabetic control, diabetic/metformin (Met)-treated, diabetic/CGA (100 and 150 mg/kg) treated. Diabetic rats showed the reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GST), and reduced glutathione content as well as increased levels of lipid peroxidation marker in their testicular tissues when compared to control rats. CGA administration over a period of 28 days induces marked enhancements in body and testis weight, testes-body weight ratio, suppresses MDA levels, mitigates seminiferous tubule degeneration and disruption, and reinstates antioxidant enzymes, leading to substantial alleviation of testicular injury. The observed effects are intricately linked to the antioxidant capabilities of CGA, emphasizing its therapeutic utility in mitigating the adverse consequences of diabetes on male reproductive health. This research sheds light on a novel avenue for managing diabetes-associated complications, offering insights for potential therapeutic strategies to safeguard male reproductive function in the diabetic population.