Effect of Crocin on Bax, Bcl-2, and Oxidative Stress Markers in the Testis Tissue of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Type 1 diabetes is a high-prevalent endocrine disease and causes oxidative stress in the testis tissue. In the treatment of diabetes, the tendency toward herbal medicines use is increasing. This study aimed to investigate the crocin effect on the Bax, Bcl2 (B-cell lymphoma 2), and anti-oxidant levels of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

 This experimental study was performed at Payam Noor University. In total, 24 rats were divided into 4 groups, as follows: control, untreated diabetic, and 2 crocin-treated (50, 100 mg/mL, 25 days intraperitoneal injection) diabetic groups. The diabetic groups were diabetic rats receiving the Intraperitoneal (IP) injection of Streptozotocin (STZ). On day 25, the testicles were dissected to evaluate antioxidant enzymes, Bax and Bcl2. The obtained results were analyzed in SPSS using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) test.

 The pro-apoptotic Bax and malondialdehyde levels in the treated group with a concentration of 100 mg/mL of crocin was significantly reduced, compared to the treated group with a concentration of 50 mg/mL of crocin and the control group. However, the level of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 and glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes in the treated group with a concentration of 100 mg/mL of crocin significantly increased, compared to the treated group with a concentration of 50 mg/mL of crocin, and the control group (P<0.05). Such finding indicates the effect of crocin concentration. Additionally, crosin significantly reduced the glucose level in diabetic rats.

 Crocin improved the antioxidant indicators and diabetes-induced damages in the testis tissue of diabetic rats.