The Effect of Fermented Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice Extract on the Structure of the Testis in Experimentally Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Rats

Background: Testicular dysfunction is a consequence of diabetes mellitus. Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) is a medicinal herbal used for its antioxidant effect. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice, is one form with glycyrrhizin removed to mitigate complications. Further fermentation of deglycyrrhizinated liquorice (FDGL) produce significant amounts of amylase that could counteract amylase deficiency in diabetics, contributing to better glycemic control. Objective: to discover the effect of FDGL on the histological structure of testes in diabetic rats. Material & methods: Thirty-nine adult albino rats were categorized into control group and diabetic group, in which type-I diabetes was elicited by Streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were divided into three groups; (D2W): untreated diabetes for 2-weeks, (D6W): untreated diabetes for 6-weeks, (D+FDGL): 2 weeks of untreated diabetes, followed by oral FDGL (0.12 g/kg/day) for 2 weeks, then untreated for further 2 weeks and finally euthanized at week 6 post‑diabetes. Blood sugar levels were analyzed. Testes were prepared for light and electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry for connexin‑43 and Ki‑67. Results: Diabetes resulted in atrophy of the seminiferous tubules; disorganization of spermatogenic cells; degenerative changes in Leydig cells; ultrastructural alterations of Sertoli cells and sperms. The treatment by FDGL results in significant amelioration of these changes. Connexin‑43 area percentage dropped from 24.12 ± 2.3 (D2W) to 11.74 ± 0.85 (D6W); Ki‑67 number declined from 13.67 ± 0.7 )D2W) to 6.53 ± 2.2 (D6W); FDGL-treated levels were significantly higher (Connexin‑43: 45.23 ± 3.6; Ki‑67: 20.35 ± 1.46). Conclusion: FDGL significantly lowered blood sugar levels, restored testicular architecture and significantly enhanced Connexin‑43 and Ki‑67 expression in diabetic testes suggesting its ameliorative effect.