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Evidence of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in the testis of prepubertal diabetic rats

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 21, pages 198–206 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Earlier, we have shown the occurrence of oxidative impairments and their progression in the testis of diabetic adult rats. This study investigated the vulnerability of immature testis to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in a prepubertal (PP) diabetic rat model. PP male rats (4/6-week-old) rendered diabetic by an acute dose of streptozotocin were monitored for induction of oxidative stress in testis cytosol/mitochondria. Diabetic rats of both age groups showed severe hyperglycemia, testicular atrophy and marked oxidative damage as evidenced by enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species, hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde levels (4 week>6 week). Mitochondrial dysfunctions manifested as reduction in the activities of aldehyde dehydrogenase, tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, enhanced activities of oxidative phosphorylation enzymes, perturbations in calcium homeostasis and membrane potential. These evidences suggest that an immature testis is vulnerable to oxidative stress under diabetes, which may play a significant role in the development of testicular degeneration, leading to impaired fertility in adulthood.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) New Delhi, Government of India (DST-SR/SO/AS-48), to the senior author. The first author (KNC) gratefully acknowledges the granting agency for the financial assistance in the form of a Junior Research Fellowship.

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  1. Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India

    K N Chandrashekar &  Muralidhara

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  1. K N Chandrashekar
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Correspondence to Muralidhara.

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Chandrashekar, K., Muralidhara Evidence of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in the testis of prepubertal diabetic rats. Int J Impot Res 21, 198–206 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2009.9

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