Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress has the potential to induce impotence, especially in diabetic patients. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) agonists can potentiate antioxidants in a wide variety of tissues. However, no available evidence exists showing a direct antioxidant effect on testicular tissue in the setting of diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether PPAR-alpha agonists can act directly to protect testicular tissue from oxidative damage. Methods: Male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were randomly allocated into four groups: normal control (N), normal treated (NF), diabetic (D), and diabetic treated (DF) (n = 6 for each group). Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin STZ (40 mg/kg). Two treatment groups (diabetic and nondiabetic) were treated with fenofibrate daily for 8 weeks (80 mg/kg orally). At the end of 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and blood and testicular tissue samples collected. Nitrate, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels, and the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes were evaluated. The data were analyzed via two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with P < 0.05 taken as significant. Results: Diabetes significantly augmented free radicals, as attested by an increase in nitrate levels in testicular tissue, reduced activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes, and enhanced malondialdehyde content. These changes lead to oxidative stress in testicular tissues. Treatment with fenofibrate in the diabetic group improved oxidative stress by potentiation of antioxidant elements and a reduction in nitrate and malondialdehyde production. Conclusion: Diabetes has a potent effect in promoting the development of oxidative damage in testicular tissue. The PPAR-alpha agonist fenofibrate improves the redox state and may prevent oxidative stress in the setting of diabetes-induced oxidative stress.