Ameliorative effect of combined low dose of Pioglitazone and omega-3 on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in diabetic rats.BACKGROUND
 Pioglitazone is one of the thiazolidinediones (TZDs) drugs that are selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ agonists used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).


 This study aims to explore the possible effect of low Pioglitazone dose and omega (ω-3) on rat male reproductive function.  Furthermore, we evaluated the add-on effect of combined use of low Pioglitazone dose of and ω-3 on reproductive functions in adult male T2DM rats.


 T2DM was induced in test groups and subdivided into non-treated T2DM, ω-3 treated, 0.6 mg/kg Pioglitazone treated, and combined treated group (orally by gavage).  Our findings revealed that treatment with low dose of Pioglitazone or ω-3 significantly lowered fasting plasma glucose and MDA levels, ameliorated diabetes effects on histological damage, improved antioxidant activity (SOD), significantly improved anti-apoptosis BCL-2 and proliferation (PCNA), remarkably elevated ERα, AR, 17β-HSD PPARγ, and PPARα expression with significant reduction in caspase-3, NF-kB genes expression and improved semen quality as well.  Small Pioglitazone dose and ω-3 possess beneficial effects on spermatogenic and steroidogenic functions in adult diabetic rat; while combined use of both has an add-on effect.
Pioglitazone
Ameliorative effect of combined low dose of Pioglitazone and omega-3 on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in diabetic rats.BACKGROUND

omega-3
Caspase-3, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSD) PPARγ, and PPARα genes expression were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).



RT-PCR