EFFECTS OF EXTRACT ALLIUM CEPA L. AND S-METILCYSTEIN IN THE PREVENTION OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN TESTÍCULES OF DIABETIC RATS INDUCED BY ESTREPTOZOTOCIN
Diabetes mellitus, Onion extract, Testicular morphophysiology, Immunohistochemistry
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a complex, endocrine and diffuse disease that requires continued medical assistance for glycemic control, also for the reduction of risk factors. DM is marked by metabolic abnormalities and chronic complications, with infertility being one of the most recently mentioned, characterized by reduced testosterone levels and changes in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. The use of herbal medicines, in the combat or prevention of some pathologies, has been increasing over the years, since it is a low cost alternative and easy to reach for the population. The extract of Allium cepa L. (onion) has already been reported as hypoglycemic and antilipemic. The amino acid extracted from this extract, called S-methylcysteine, presents even more positive results in studies related to nervous tissue. The acquisition of new therapies that may aid in the treatment of diabetes is extremely important, since it has a direct impact on the well-being of society. Thus, this work aims to investigate the morphofunctional, biochemical and morphometric aspects of the testicular tissue of diabetic rats treated with extract of A. cepa L. and with the amino acid S-methylcysteine. Male Wistar rats weighing 230-300 g were divided into the following groups: normoglycemic control, diabetic, diabetic treated with the extract of A. cepa L. and diabetic treated with the amino acid S-methylcysteine. DM was induced by streptozotocin and the treatment was performed by gavage daily for a period of 4 weeks. After euthanasia, the testes were collected for histological analysis of tissue integrity (Hematoxylin and Eosin) and alterations in the parenchyma (Picrosirius red). Morphometric parameters were analyzed by toluidine blue staining. Immunohistochemical marking was performed to determine the presence of testosterone receptors in the testicular tissue. With the results of this research, we hope to contribute to the knowledge about mechanisms related to the morphological and receptor alterations in the testicular tissue of diabetic rats, besides providing support for future studies aimed at investing in the use of onion extract, as well as the isolated amino acid, as forms of treatment for the disease