Background: Many complications have been detected for diabetes mellitus which is considered one of the most dangerous metabolic diseases. Little is known for reproductive complications of oral antidiabetic drugs.
Aim of Work: This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of common oral antidiabetic drugs (Metformin and Sitagliptin) on adult male albino rat testes through biochemical, histological, immune histochemical and morphometric studies.
Material and Methods: Fifty adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups, control group (GI), Metformin group (GII) and Sitagliptin group (GIII). Testes were cut off and processed for histological study by using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Mallory trichrome (M.T) and electron microscope examination. Immunohistochemical examination as Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) , Androgen receptor (AR), and Caspase3 stains were done. Serum testosterone, Malondialdehyde (MDA), sperm count and motility were measured. Morphometric studies were also done.
Results: Testes of Sitagliptin rats show marked destruction of many seminiferous tubules (S.Ts). Damage of their lining germinal epithelium and vacuolation of its cytoplasm and marked reduction in number of sperms in lumen are seen. Interstitial Leydig cell show degenerative changes. Marked deposition of collagen fibers between S.Ts is observed. Strong positive reaction for Caspase 3 and weak reaction in PCNA and AR stains are seen.
Testes of Metformin rats show less histopathological changes. Many tubules have nearly intact layers of germinal epithelium, and some sperms in lumen. Moderate deposition of collagen fibers between tubules is noticed. Moderate reaction with Caspase 3, PCNA and AR stains are observed. These changes are in harmony with electron microscopic findings which are seen in all groups.
Conclusion: Both Metformin and Sitagliptin drugs have destructive histological effects on the testes but Sitagliptin has more marked effect. So, in young aged diabetic male, it's preferable to use Metformin drug with continuous follow up.