The Ameliorating Effect of Sodium Selenite on the Histological Changes and Expression of Caspase-3 in the Testis of Monosodium Glutamate-Treated Rats: Light and Electron Microscopic Study

Monosodium Glutamate Effect on The Expression of ɑ7nACHR and ɑ4nACHR Subunits in The Testicular Tissue

BACKGROUND

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular food flavor enhancer, and a glutamate subset that induces different toxicities such as hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and nephrotoxicity. This study was conducted to assess the effects of MSG on the α7 and α4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nACHR) protein subunits expression of adult rat testis and the safety role of vitamin C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this experimental research, 24 rats were haphazardly grouped into four equal groups (n=6) and orally gavaged for 30 days as follows: control group (distilled water gavage), MSG group (3 g/kg/b.w/ day), vitamin C group (150 mg/kg/b.w/day), and MSG+vitamin C group (3 g/kg/b.w/day+150 mg/kg/b.w/day, respectively) that rats of all groups on the 30th day were anesthetized, and the left testes were used for of α4 and α7 nACHR protein subunit evaluation by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Statistical computations were performed using Graph Pad Prism software.

RESULTS

The present study revealed a significant reduction in the expression and optical density (OD) of α7 nACHR and α4 nACHR in the seminiferous tubules and intertubular connective tissue in the MSG group compared to the control group. In the MSG+vitamin C group, the expression and OD of α7 nACHR and α4 nACHR increased in the seminiferous tubules and intertubular connective tissue but this improvement was not significant compared to the MSG group.

CONCLUSION

MSG decreased the expression level of nACHR protein subunits, α7 and α4, in the seminiferous tubules and interstitial testicular tissue. Vitamin C in the MSG+vitamin C group could not significantly improve the expression of α7 and α4 nACHR subunits in testicular tissue. Probably, MSG toxicity can be compensated with higher doses of vitamin C.

Nigella sativa-Floral Honey and Multi-Floral Honey versus Nigella sativa Oil against Testicular Degeneration Rat Model: The Possible Protective Mechanisms

The male reproductive function, particularly the testes, and the related hormones are sensitive to various xenobiotics. This work aimed for the first time to assess Nigella sativa floral honey (NS floral honey) and multi-floral honey (M-floral honey) versus Nigella sativa oil (NS oil) against rat testicular degeneration induced with azathioprine (AZA). A total of 40 male Wister rats were assigned into 5 groups: (1) control, (2) 15 mg/kg of AZA, (3) AZA + 1.4 mL/kg of M-floral honey, (4) AZA + 1.4 mL/kg of NS floral honey, and (5) AZA + 500 mg/kg of NA oil. Total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), free androgen index (FAI), gonadotrophins, sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), apoptosis markers, and redox status were assessed to clarify the possible protective mechanisms. Pituitary–testicular axis disruption, apoptosis markers, poor redox status, and sperm quality (count, viability, and motility) were set with AZA. Serum TT, SHBG, and absolute and relative testis weight were significantly restored in the NS oil and NS floral honey groups. Meanwhile, the NS oil group exhibited a significant elevation in FT and FAI. Serum gonadotrophins increased significantly in the NS floral honey (p < 0.01) and M-floral honey and NS oil (p < 0.05) groups. Testicular caspase-3, caspase-9, and nitric oxide showed significant improvement in the NS floral honey and NS oil groups. NS oil supplementation significantly normalized redox status (p < 0.05), whereas NS floral honey improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activity. Sperm quality exhibited a significant improvement in the NS oil group (p < 0.05). M-floral honey did not show reliable results. Although NS floral honey could protect against testicular damage, it did not upgrade to the level of improvement achieved with NS oil. We claim that further clinical studies are essential for focusing on the quality and quantity of bioactive constituents.

Effect of Nigella sativa L. Seed on the Kidney of Monosodium Glutamate Challenged Rats

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) consumption is responsible for a wide spectrum of health hazards including nephrotoxicity. The search for phytochemical strategies having broad safety profile to counter MSG toxicity is worthwhile. Nigella sativa L. seed (NSS) is very promising in this regard owing to its antioxidant and cytoprotective nature. Therefore, we attempted to investigate the potential protective effect of NSS on MSG-induced renal toxicity in rats. To accomplish this objective, fifteen adult Wistar albino rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups for 21 days: the control group received no treatment, MSG group supplemented with MSG at a dose of 30 g/kg feed, and MSG + NSS group supplemented with MSG at the same previous dose in conjugation with NSS at a dose of 30 g/kg feed. MSG and its combination with NSS failed to cause any significant difference in the kidney function parameters in comparison with the control. A significant elevation in lipid peroxides (LPO) level, glutathione-S-transferase activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase activity were found in MSG group. LPO level and TAC in MSG intoxicated rats significantly normalized by NSS ingestion. NO level showed absence of significant difference among all experimental groups. MSG elicited histopathological lesions such as decreased glycoprotein content and fibrosis however, NSS succeeded in enhancing all these features. MSG group showed positive glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase 2 immuno-expression whereas, MSG + NSS group showed weak immunostaining. A significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells was observed in MSG group compared to the control. On the other hand, MSG + NSS group exhibited a significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells. NSS mitigated MSG-induced renal impairments by ameliorating oxidative stress and exerting anti-apoptotic effect.

The Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles versus Royal Jelly against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats: A Light and Transmission Electron Microscopic Study

Background and Aim

Cisplatin (Cis) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent. However, it produces severe testicular toxicity. It was reported that some antioxidants could overcome this toxicity. Selenium nanoparticles and royal jelly (RJ) were among these reported antioxidants. Therefore, this study was designed to compare these two antioxidants in protecting the testes against Cis-induced toxicity.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted on sixty healthy adult male albino rats (weight: 200-220 g) randomized into six groups, ten animals each. Group I (control), Group II (animals received intragastric Nano Selenium), Group III (animals received intragastric RJ), Group IV (animals received an IP injection of Cis 7 mg/kg), Group V (animals received intragastric Nano Selenium, and Cis injection), and Group VI (animals received intragastric RJ and Cis injection). After 10 days, the animals were sacrificed by cervical decapitation. The testes were weighted, and specimens from the left testis were processed for histological and immunohistochemical techniques, whereas specimens from the right testes were prepared for transmission electron microscopic examination.

Results

Cis-treated animals had significantly reduced weight of their testes. Light microscopic examination revealed severe histopathological changes in the germinal epithelium and Leydig cells, confirmed with electron microscopic examination. There was a significant increase in the color area percentage of Caspase-3 immunostaining of the germinal epithelium and Leydig cells, compared to that of the control group. Group II and III were similar to control group. Both Groups V and VI revealed significant preservation compared to the Cis group.

Conclusion

Selenium nanoparticles and RJ partially improved testis from Cis-induced toxicity, However, there was no significant difference between both groups.

A Protein from Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese Yam) Improves Hydrocortisone-Induced Testicular Dysfunction by Alleviating Leydig Cell Injury via Upregulation of the Nrf2 Pathway

Leydig cell injury has been described as a primary driver of testicular dysfunction and is affected by oxidative stress. Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is used to improve testicular dysfunction in clinical and pharmacological research via its antioxidative activity, but the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of Chinese yam on testicular dysfunction and its suppression of Leydig cell oxidative damage remain unclear. In this study, we obtained a Chinese yam protein (DP1) and explored its effectiveness and possible mechanism in improving testicular dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. We established a testicular dysfunction model in rats using hydrocortisone (HCT). DP1 increased body weight and organ index, improved the deterioration in testicular morphology (including increasing the diameter of seminiferous tubules and thickness of germinal cell layers, inhibiting testicular cell apoptosis by increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and impeding collagen leakage by downregulating TGF-β1 and p-SMAD2/3 expression), and restored the testosterone content. In addition, DP1 enhanced the number of Leydig cells in rats and H₂O₂-induced TM3 Leydig cells, and the effect of DP1 on the apoptosis, fibrosis, and testosterone content of TM3 cells was similar to that observed in vivo. These changes were dependent on the regulation of oxidative stress, including significantly reduced intracellular 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels, enhanced superoxide dismutase activities, and decreased superoxide anion levels, which were confirmed via a superoxide overexpression system. Furthermore, we observed that DP1 promoted Nrf2 nuclear import and upregulated antioxidant factor expression in vivo and in vitro. However, Nrf2 silencing eliminated the ability of DP1 to increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, reduce the expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-SMAD2/3, and increase testosterone contents in H₂O₂-induced TM3 cells. In conclusion, DP1 reversed the HCT-induced testicular apoptosis and fibrosis and decreased testosterone contents by alleviating Leydig cell oxidative damage via upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway.

Toxicity and deleterious impacts of selenium nanoparticles at supranutritional and imbalance levels on male goldfish (Carassius auratus) sperm

BACKGROUND

Selenium has a major role in male reproduction and antioxidative mechanisms. Although deficiency of this element can result in damages to the body's organs, this metalloid can induce deleterious effects in organisms by causing oxidative stress. This study assessed the spermatotoxicity of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in goldfish (Carassius auratus) based on genotoxicity, antioxidant status, sperm quality, and histopathology.

METHODS

The fish with an average weight of 70 g (n = 288) were divided into four experimental groups (three replicates) and fed three times a day with SeNPs at different levels of 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg kg diet for 30 and 60 days.

RESULTS

After 30 and 60 days of feeding trial, compared to the control group, spermatocrit percentage markedly decreased at 1 mg kg SeNPs on day 30 as well as at 0.5 and 1 mg kg on day 60 (p < 0.05). Computer-assisted sperm analysis parameters especially VCL, VSL, and VAP decreased in response to SeNPs (p < 0.05). Percentage of fast speed progressive sperm cells was highest in fish fed with 0.1 mg kg SeNPs following the dietary experiment and significantly reduced in a SeNPs dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). In addition, the levels of Malondialdehyde and Glutathione peroxidase were significantly elevated in seminal plasma of all SeNPs-treated groups (p < 0.05). On day 60, DNA damage of sperm was greatly increased at 1 mg kg SeNPs (p < 0.05). Moreover, the highest percentage of spermatocyte and spermatid were observed at the highest dose of SeNPs while the highest percentage of spermatozoa was recorded at the lowest and moderate SeNPs doses.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that non-optimal doses of SeNPs could reduce sperm quality, induce oxidative stress, and DNA damage in sperm, and disrupt testis development.

Antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L. seeds on the testis of monosodium glutamate challenged rats

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely spread food additives that might cause male infertility. However, Nigella sativa L. seeds (NSS) could provide a solution. This study was designed to investigate the potential effects of NSS on rats ingesting MSG. To achieve this aim, adult male albino rats were randomly equally assigned into three groups for 21 days: control group received no treatment, MSG group received MSG as 30 g/kg feed, and MSG + NSS group received MSG as 30 g/kg and NSS as 30 g/kg feed. Testis histomorphometry showed marked deterioration by MSG as atrophic seminiferous tubules with degeneration of their lining cells, damaged Leydig cells and decreased germ cells number. Periodic Acid Schiff stain indicated irregular interrupted basement membranes. Glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and caspase-3 immuno-expressions increased in testicular cells. Testosterone levels were significantly decreased in MSG challenged rats along with significant increase in luteinizing hormone levels, whereas NSS normalized this hormonal profile. MSG exposure also caused significantly increased lipid peroxides (LPO), glutathione-S-transferase, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) whereas nitric oxide and SOD2 were significantly decreased. NSS succeeded in rebalance LPO and TAC and ameliorated the histoarchitectural disturbances. NSS mitigated MSG-induced testicular impairment by its antioxidant and cytoprotective activities.

Marsilea crenata ethanol extract prevents monosodium glutamate adverse effects on the serum levels of reproductive hormones, sperm quality, and testis histology in male rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Marsilea crenata is an aquatic plant that contains high antioxidants level and could prevent cell damages caused by free radicals. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of M. crenata ethanol extract on luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone levels, sperm quality, and testis histology of adult male rats induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study randomly divided 48 male rats into eight groups (n=6): control group; MSG group (4 mg/g body weight [b.w.] for 30 days); MS1, MS2, and MS3 groups (4 mg/g b.w. MSG and M. crenata ethanol extract at dose 0.216, 0.432, and 0.648 mg/g b.w., respectively, for 30 days); and S1, S2, and S3 groups (M. crenata ethanol extract at dose of 0.216, 0.432, and 0.648 mg/g b.w., respectively, for 30 days). The blood sample was collected on days 0 and 30 to determine the LH and testosterone levels. The animals were dissected on day 30, and the testes were isolated for morphometric, histology (spermatogenic cell number), and malondialdehyde (MDA) examination. Moreover, semen was collected to determine the sperm quality parameter.

RESULTS

The LH and testosterone levels significantly increased (p<0.05) after M. crenata administration at all doses. The higher dose of M. crenata ethanol extract demonstrated a high decrease in MDA level in MSG-treated rat testis; increase of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Leydig cells number; and increase of seminiferous tubular diameter and germinal epithelium thickness.

CONCLUSION

The ethanol extract of M. crenata can improve the levels of LH, testosterone, sperm quality, number of testis morphometric, spermatogenic, and Leydig cells in MSG-treated male rats.

Ameliorative impacts of Allium cepa Linnaeus aqueous extract against testicular damage induced by dexamethasone

The present study aimed to explore the impact of onion (Allium cepa Linnaeus) extract on testicular damage induced by dexamethasone. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (control, dexamethasone, onion extract and dexamethasone group treated with onion extract). Testosterone levels, antioxidant parameters and the expression of caspase-3 and IL-1β, IL-12, IL-10 genes, as well as histopathological examination and immunohistochemical studies of Bcl2 and caspase-9 expression, were examined. Dexamethasone was found to decrease GSH, total antioxidant activity and testosterone levels, meanwhile treatment with onion extract normalised these levels. MDA was increased in dexamethasone group but appeared normal in the treated group. Dexamethasone was shown to downregulate IL-10 and IL-2 gene expression. Conversely, IL-1β and caspase-3 gene expression were upregulated by dexamethasone and normalised in the treated group. Histopathological analysis found that dexamethasone caused atrophy to the seminiferous tubules and degeneration to spermatocytes, and immunohistochemical analysis showed overexpression of caspase-9 and inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 in dexamethasone group. These effects were normalised in the onion extract treated group. In conclusion, onion extract have a preventative effect against dexamethasone-induced testicular damage in rats; therefore, its use in complementary therapy is recommended.

Antiapoptotic and antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals from Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and their potential effects on monosodium glutamate-induced testicular damage in rat

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), common flavor enhancer and feed additive, causes male reproductive dysfunction. However, Roselle tea, popular Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) beverage, has a controversial effectiveness on male fertility. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate either the adverse effect of aqueous HS extract (HSE) on the testicle or its potential ameliorative role including some stress markers, biochemical and immunohistochemical expressions in rats subjected to MSG. Here, the animals were divided into four groups that were given distilled water, HSE, MSG, and HSE + MSG respectively via gavage. After 6 weeks from the beginning of experiment, blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis. Additionally, testicular specimens were excised and processed for oxidative/antioxidant parameters determination, histological examination, and immunohistochemical evaluation of Bax and PCNA positive spermatogenic cells. Preliminary phytochemical analyses as well as antioxidant capacity of the HSE were tested. Our results revealed a strong inhibitory activity of the HSE phytochemical constituents against DPPH radical. MSG group revealed a significant decrease of testosterone, LH, FSH, and antioxidant parameters with elevated MDA compared with control and HSE groups. Additionally, an alteration of the testicular histo-architecture was observed among MSG group along with increased Bax and decreased PCNA positive cells. Meanwhile, the HSE showed a potent protective effect against testicular damage as well as oxidative stress induced by MSG. On the whole, our findings provide evidence that HSE can ameliorate MSG-induced testicular toxicity via induction of cell proliferation along with reduction of oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis in adult rat that attributed to the antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of its phytochemical constituents.

Reporting The Effects of Exposure to Monosodium Glutamate on The Regulatory Peptides of The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that is used as a food additive (E621) in many parts of the world, especially in East Asian countries. However, in recent studies, it has been used as a neurotoxin because MSG is reported to cause neural degeneration in the hypothalamic arcuate of neonatal animals. The results of several studies show the negative effects of MSG injections on different parts of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, in addition to its ability to inhibit secretion many reproductive neuropeptides, neurotrophic factors, and hormones, all of which play vital roles in the regulation of reproductive function. Oral administration or injection of large quantities of MSG into newborn animals results in a decrease in or overabundance of the production of many regulatory peptides of the male and female reproductive systems. In this review, we summarize the results of the most important studies that have examined the effect of oral consumption or injection of MSG on regulatory peptides of the HPG axis.

The cold-soaking extract of Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) protects against erectile dysfunction by ameliorating testicular function in hydrocortisone-induced KDS-Yang rats and in oxidatively damaged TM3 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Clinical applications and pharmacological research suggest that Dioscorea opposita Thunb. (Chinese yam), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine which has been used for more than 2000 years to nourish kidney-yang and protect the male reproductive system, might be efficacious for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the active component extract of Chinese yam, determine its effectiveness in hydrocortisone-induced "kidney-yang deficiency syndrome" (KDS-Yang) rats and in oxidatively damaged TM3 cells and explore the underlying mechanism on restoring erectile function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We clarified the Chinese yam cold-soaking extract (CYCSE) as the main active extract of Chinese yam by a CCK8 assay and further identified its composition. The KDS-Yang rats were induced by intragastric administration of hydrocortisone. After 10 d of CYCSE intervention, cavernous and testis morphology were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), testosterone, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Leydig cells were performed using immunohistochemistry. Reactive oxygen species were measured using a DCFH-DA fluorescent probe, and testicular collagenous fibers were stained with a Masson kit. Detection of testicular apoptosis was performed by a TUNEL assay. Nrf2 and NQO1 mRNA expression levels were measured by qRT-PCR. The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3 were analyzed by Western blot.

RESULTS

We demonstrated in KDS-Yang rats and oxidatively damaged TM3 cells that CYCSE successfully restored erectile function through ameliorating testicular function. Our data suggested that CYCSE can stimulate the NO/cGMP pathway and restore the cavernous morphology to protect against KDS-Yang-induced ED. It also protected testis morphology, increased Leydig cell proliferation and stimulated testosterone secretion. In the damaged testes, excessive increases in 8-OHdG and inhibition of SOD activity were ameliorated, and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway was enhanced after treatment with CYCSE, indicating that the antioxidant defense system was activated. These findings were also validated in vitro. Additionally, fibrosis of the testes and TM3 cells was reversed by CYCSE through the TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 pathway.

CONCLUSION

CYCSE has a therapeutic effect on KDS-Yang-induced ED, and the mechanism includes stimulation of testosterone secretion, resistance to oxidative stress and prevention of fibrosis. These findings provide a new scientific verification for the application of Chinese yam in the treatment of KDS-Yang-induced ED.

Ameliorative Effect of Graviola (Annona muricata) on Mono Sodium Glutamate-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats: Antioxidant, Apoptotic, Anti-inflammatory, Lipogenesis Markers, and Histopathological Studies

Simple Summary

Food additives, especially monosodium glutamate (MSG), induces serious liver disorders. This study premeditated to investigate the effect of Graviola extract (GE) on hepatic and cellular alterations induced by MSG. Our result revealed that GE administration normalized the oxidative stress markers, as well as the proinflammatory cytokines, in addition to downregulation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and FAS, hepatic fatty acid synthase, and led to the upregulation of the silent information regulator protein one (SIRT1) gene. This is the first report investigating the intracellular pathway and mechanism of Graviola extract’s action in alleviating the MSG supplementation injuries.

Abstract

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used food additive, and there is a trepidation that MSG plays a critical role in multiple hepatic disorders. This study was planned to investigate Graviola extract (GE) effects on hepatic and cellular alterations induced by MSG. Fifty Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: control (received normal saline), Graviola (received 200 mg/kg body weight), MSG (received 2.4 gm MSG/kg, 15% of Lethal dose (LD₅₀) of MSG), Graviola + monosodium glutamate (MSG + GE; received GE, 200 mg/kg/day and MSG 2.4 gm/kg body weight (BW) for the next four weeks), and monosodium glutamate + Graviola (received MSG only (2.4 gm/kg BW) daily for four weeks, then concomitant with Graviola (200 mg/kg BW) daily for the next four weeks. MSG and GR were administered orally for eight weeks. Our results showed that MSG caused a significant increase in oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) level, a tumor protein (P53), hepatic cellular damage, as well as proapoptotic markers caspase-3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2)-like protein 4 (Bax). A significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and an antiapoptotic agent B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCl-2) was observed. The detected MSG effects were normalized by Graviola administration, either a prophylactic or protecting dose. Besides, Graviola reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS) and led to the upregulation of the silent information regulator protein one gene expression gene (SIRT1).In conclusion, the results suggest that Gaviola’s interrelated antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are potential mechanisms to enhance hepatic deficits and protect the liver. Graviola can, therefore, be considered a promising hepatoprotective supplement. Additionally, further human clinical trials are also necessary to validate the present research.

Zinc and selenium combination treatment protected diabetes-induced testicular and epididymal damage in rat

Diabetes increases the possibility of germ cell damage, hypogonadism, and male infertility. Diabetic condition negatively impacts zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) levels in the body. Zn and Se are among the most important trace elements involved in the regulation of redox reaction, antioxidants enzymes activities, and DNA expression in a germ cell. The present study aimed to elucidate the combined effects of Zn and Se treatment on diabetes-induced germ cell damage in male Sprague Dawley rats. Type 1 diabetes was induced by the single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Zn (3 mg/kg, i.p.) and Se (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered daily for 8 consecutive weeks. All the animals were provided with normal feed and water throughout the study. The effects on germ cell damage were evaluated by body weight, feed-water intake, organ weight, sperm count, motility, sperm head morphology, biochemical analysis, histology, immunohistochemistry, halo assay, germ cell comet assay, testes terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay, sperm TUNEL assay, serum protein pattern analysis, and subcellular analysis using transmission electron microscopy. Further, the expressions of nuclear erythroid-derived related factor 2, catalase, glutathione peroxidase 4, and glutathione peroxidase 5 were carried out to ascertain the mechanism of protection. The present results demonstrated that 8 weeks combined treatment of Zn (3 mg/kg, i.p.) and Se (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced diabetes-induced germ cell damage. This study further highlighted that Zn and Se combination treatment might be a better strategy for the germ cell protection in diabetes and deserve further investigation.