Olive Leaves Extract Effects on Sperm Quality Following Experimentally-Induced Diabetes in Rats

The experimental model of streptozotocine (STZ)-induced diabetes explains changes in the male reproductive system as part of the disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the olive leaf extract effects on STZ-induced diabetes and to examine its modulatory effects on sperm quality. Twenty adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups: the first group served as untreated control. Groups 2, 3 and 4 of rats were injected STZ (65 mg/kg). The animals which exhibited blood glucose levels higher than 250 mg/dl by days 4-6, were considered as diabetic rats. Groups 3 and 4 received olive leaf extract (100 and 150 mg/kg, orally) and vehicle to the control and diabetic rats (group 2) for 10 consecutive days. Glycated haemoglobin percentage (%HbA1c) as a diabetic index significantly decreased in the animals that ingested 150 mg/kg of the extract compared to the diabetic group (P<0.001). Olive leaf extract (150 mg/kg) could improve sperm quality of the treated rats against STZ deleterious effects in the diabetic rats, however, total sperm motility was significantly higher in the diabetic rats (P<0.001). Cholesterol concentration significantly increased in the diabetic and the extract-treated groups compared to the controls (P<0. 01), and triglyceride level significantly decreased in the extract-treated animals (150 mg/kg) compared to the diabetic and the 100 mg/kg extract groups (P<0.01). Our data suggest that olive leaf extract possesses beneficial antidiabetic effects on STZ-induced diabetes in rats and may be a good candidate to reduce diabetes complications in men.