Effect of crocin on hormones of pituitary-ovarian axis in type one diabetic rat’s model

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes reproductive disorders by dysfunction of the endocrine glands. Due to the role of crocin in modulation of antioxidant defense system, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of crocin on hormones of pituitary-ovarian axis in type one diabetic rat’s model. In this experimental study, 28 wistar female rats were allocated into 4 equal groups. Groups of control, diabetic control and two treated diabetic group with crocin (concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg). The diabetes in diabetic control and treated diabetic groups was induced using an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. Estrous cycle in rats was identical by sex hormones. Crocin was intraperitoneally injected into treated diabetic groups for 25 days. Saline solution was injected to the animals of control and diabetic control groups. At the end of treatment period, the serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone was measured by ELISA. The statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey tests. In comparison with diabetic control group, dose-dependent administration of crocin with concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg was significantly increased serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone (p<0.05). Based on results, crocin probably improves endocrine disorders in patients with diabetes by increases serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone.