Metformin improves Reproductive Function in Diabetic female Sprague-dawley rats
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology
Abstract
The female reproductive system provides several functions including ovulation, pregnancy and childbirth. The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing rapidly worldwide and it is associated with reproductive complications. Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic drug used in the management of DM. The present study investigates the effect of metformin in relation to reproductive function in alloxan-induced diabetic female rats. Rats were divided into four groups. Diabetes was induced with alloxan in the rats followed by a six week treatment with metformin. The pattern of the estrous cycle followed by the ova count were observed and recorded. Plasma hormonal levels of estradiol, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). Oxidative stress parameters and expression of estrogen receptors in the ovaries were determined. Results showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the proestrus and estrus phases, with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the diestrus phase in the treated diabetic group. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in the ova count, estrogen receptor expression and plasma hormone levels of catalase and glutathione were observed in all diabetic rats and these were significantly increased (p<0.05) following the administration of metformin. In conclusion, metformin improves some reproductive function in the diabetic state by increasing the expression of estrogen receptors, increasing the number of ova shed during ovulation and conferring foetal and maternal protective effects. Hence more consideration should be given to its possible use in the management of reproductive complications in DM.
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Keywords
Diabetes mellitus, Metformin, Reproductive function, Oestrogen receptor
Citation
Ojulari L.S., Kadir E.R, Abdulazeez F.I., Nafiu A.B. & Adegoke O.A. (2017). Metformin improves Reproductive Function in Diabetic female Sprague-dawley rats. Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 32(1):93-105. Published by Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology. Available online at https://www.nsbmb.org.ng/journals/index.php/njbmb/issue/view/13