A study on walnut effect on reproductive system of adult male rats.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a degenerative disease that has deleterious effects on male reproductive function, possibly through an increase in oxidative stress. Walnut is known as an antioxidant that may be effective on decreasing free radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate walnut consumption effects on testis and prostate in diabetic Wistar male rats induced by STZ. Materials and Methods: Diabetes mellitus was induced by STZ (60mg/kg) in wistar male rats. Rats were randomly divided in 5 groups (6 rats in each group) included: normal diet and healthy (sham), Diabetic by normal diet (control) and Diabetic by 6, 9 & 12% walnut (experimental groups) in their diet. Testis weight, prostate weight and seminiferous tubules diameters were evaluated for each groups. Results: Blood sugar was significantly increased in three times of testing (p<0.001). Prostate and right testis weight significantly decreased in experimental and control groups compare to sham group (p<0.05). Left testis weight significantly decreased in experimental (6 and 9%) and control groups compare to sham group (p<0.05). In 12 % walnut, there was no significant difference compare to sham group. Seminiferous diameters in control group significantly decreased and in experimental groups no significant difference in compared to sham groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our data showed that, walnut as an antioxidant source had a significant improvement effects on reproductive system as testis and prostate in diabetes-induced male rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]