Volume 15, Issue 4 (Iranian South Medical Journal 2012)                   Iran South Med J 2012, 15(4): 263-274 | Back to browse issues page

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1- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sceinecs, Fars, IRAN
Abstract:   (14006 Views)

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common carbohydrate metabolic disorder, with defective insulin secretory or insulin receptor function, or both. We examined the protective effect of testosterone against the destruction of pancreatic β-cells by streptozotocin (STZ). Material and Methods: This empirical cross-sectional research involved 56 adult male rats (mean wt 220 g) randomized to: group 1, food and water group 2, olive oil injection group 3, STZ-induced DM group 4, castrated rats group 5, gonadectomy + STZ group 6, gonadal hormone + STZ group 7, gonadal hormone + STZ + gonadal hormone. Testosterone enanthate was injected intramuscularly (50 mg/kg in group 6, 4 weeks before DM induction, and 50 mg/kg in group 7, 4 weeks before and 2 weeks after DM). Diabetes was induced by 60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal STZ (STZ 20130 Sigma-Aldrich) in citrate buffer. Data were analyzed using SPSS16 software. Results: In groups 6 and 7 (testosterone) blood glucose was significantly lower than in groups 3 and 5 (P ≤ 0.001). Groups 6 and 7 also had higher serum insulin concentrations (P ≤ 0.05) and absolute numbers of islet cells compared to other groups (P≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Testosterone exerted a protective effect against early STZ-induced apoptotic damage to pancreatic β-cells.

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Type of Study: Original | Subject: General
Received: 2011/02/16 | Accepted: 2011/09/4 | Published: 2012/11/6

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