Liraglutide ameliorates diabetic-induced testicular dysfunction in male rats: role of GLP-1/Kiss1/GnRH and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways

Quercetin-loaded PEGylated liposomes alleviate testicular dysfunction in alloxan-induced diabetic rats: The role of Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin pathway

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that can lead to serious complications, including testicular dysfunction. This dysfunction is considered a significant cause of male infertility. Quercetin (Que), a naturally existing flavonoid with versatile biological functions, has limited water solubility and low bioavailability. The current study was designed to develop a bioavailable formulation of Que. via encapsulating it in PEGylated liposomes (Que-PEG-Lip) and determine whether this formulation is effective in the treatment of alloxan-induced testicular injury via targeting Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin/steroidogenesis signaling pathway. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, alloxan-induced diabetes with testicular dysfunction (ALX), ALX + metformin (MET) and ALX + Que-PEG-Lip. The results showed that treatment of ALX group with Que-PEG-Lip significantly improved the alteration of glycemic index, serum reproductive hormones, testicular antioxidant status, testicular Kiss-1, androgen receptor (AR), and proliferation marker protein (ki67) immunoexpression in compared to ALX group. Moreover, the treatment of ALX group with Que-PEG-Lip regulated the Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin/steroidogenesis pathway gene expression. Interestingly, the outcomes of the molecular docking analysis revealed a strong agonistic effect of Que. on the kisspeptin, neurokinin, and dynorphin receptors. In conclusion, Que-PEG-Lip mitigated the testicular dysfunction in alloxan-induced diabetic rats via regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis signaling pathway and alleviation the testicular oxidative stress.

Comparing Efficacy of Chiglitazar, Pioglitazone, and Semaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex chronic metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and visceral fat accumulation, leading to complications, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney damage. Emerging metabolic regulators, including chiglitazar, semaglutide, and pioglitazone, have gained prominence in managing T2D and associated metabolic disorders. However, their relative efficacy and optimal clinical applications remain unclear. This study's objective was to compare the effects of chiglitazar, semaglutide, and pioglitazone on glycemic control, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammatory response, liver function, kidney function, and dawn phenomenon intensity in T2D participants, and to explore their relative efficacy and clinical value.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted from October 2024 to November 2024 to compare the effects of chiglitazar, semaglutide, and pioglitazone in managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and associated metabolic disorders.This retrospective cohort study included 175 participants with T2D divided into three groups: chiglitazar (n = 55), semaglutide (n = 57), and pioglitazone (n = 63). participants underwent a 4-week treatment period. Core metrics, including blood glucose, lipid metabolism indicators, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), and metabolic insulin resistance score (METS-IR), were assessed before and after treatment to evaluate drug efficacy.

RESULTS

Dawn phenomenon: chiglitazar significantly improved dawn phenomenon intensity (Δ0.004 ± 0.80 to -0.77 ± 0.67, p < 0.01), outperforming other drugs. Lipid metabolism: semaglutide demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing total cholesterol (TC) and free fatty acids (FFA) (p < 0.05). Kidney function: both semaglutide and chiglitazar significantly lowered UACR (p < 0.01), with semaglutide showing greater efficacy (-0.13 ± 0.02 versus -0.08 ± 0.01, p < 0.05). Insulin resistance and cardiovascular protection: all three drugs significantly improved METS-IR, with no statistical differences between groups (p > 0.05).

SAFETY

all drugs exhibited good tolerability with no severe adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Chiglitazar is particularly effective for participants with pronounced dawn phenomenon, semaglutide excels in lipid metabolism improvement and kidney protection, while pioglitazone remains effective for insulin resistance and glycemic control. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for individualized T2D management.

Mechanistic insights into GLP-1 receptor agonist-induced weight loss through ceRNA network analysis

BACKGROUND

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have been extensively utilized in the management of body weight in individuals with obesity. Circular RNA (circRNA), a class of covalently closed RNA molecules, has garnered increasing attention for its potential role in the pathogenesis of obesity. However, the specific mechanisms through which circRNA contributes to GLP-1RA-induced weight loss remains elusive.

METHODS

High-throughput sequencing analyzed epididymal adipose tissue from obese mice under high-fat, and GLP-1RA intervention (600 μg/kg/d). The functions of differentially expressed (DE) genes were enriched and analyzed. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network was constructed in Cytoscape, and KEGG pathway gene enrichment was validated via western blotting.

RESULTS

A total of 644 DEcircRNAs, 186 DEmiRNAs, and 3474 DEmRNAs were identified. Based on ceRNA score calculations, network diagrams were constructed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that DERNAs were linked to lipid and fatty acid metabolism. DE genes within ceRNA pairs were enriched in lipid metabolism pathways, especially the PI3K-Akt and AMPK signaling pathways. GLP-1RA induced the phosphorylation of AKT and AMPK, which subsequently led to a reduction of SREBP-1, ACC, and FAS.

CONCLUSION

GLP-1RA might activate PI3K-Akt and AMPK signaling pathways to combat obesity through the ceRNA network of circRNAs.

Comparative Effects of Exercise and GLP-1 RAs on Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model: A Systematic Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a major health problem worldwide having life-threatening complications causing mortality and a rise in prevalence. Effective treatment strategies are vital for managing diabetes and its associated complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. This systematic review aims to evaluate effective treatment approaches, focusing on the comparative effects of exercise and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in T2D rat models. Current pharmacological therapies primarily target glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. However, there is a growing concern in non-traditional approaches that involve exercise and GLP-1 RAs for managing T2D. These therapies are crucial as they have the potential to improve pancreatic β-cell efficiency to secrete insulin, control blood glucose levels, decrease insulin resistance, and manage diabetes-related issues. Studies were searched in seven electronic databases including Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science from inception till 2024. Out of 16,500 documents retrieved between 2020 and 2024, 58 full-text articles were assessed in detail, and 13 studies met the inclusion criteria that include Male Wistar, Male Sprague Dawley and Adult female Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 grams. These experimental studies examined the effects of exercise and different GLP-1 RAs on 103 diabetics and 103 non-diabetic rats. Overall, synthesized findings revealed a promising effect on glucose control, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic health in diabetic rats. Further research is needed to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) through which exercise and GLP-1 RAs manage T2D and its associated complications including cardiovascular disease (CVD), nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy.

Unraveling the impact of semaglutide in a diabetic rat model of testicular dysfunction: Insights into spermatogenesis pathways and miRNA-148a-5p

BACKGROUND

Diabetes has been a long-known risk factor for male sexual dysfunction, which may be caused by persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and spermatogenesis inhibition. This study explored the potential of Semaglutide (Sem) to alleviate testicular dysfunction and spermatogenesis impairment in diabetic rats to understand the molecular mechanism of this protective effect.

METHODOLOGY

A controlled experiment was conducted where 28 adult male rats were divided into four groups: control, Semaglutide, diabetic, and diabetes + Sem. Diabetes was induced using a single STZ dose (50 mg/kg, i.p.). At the same time, Sem was administered as a daily subcutaneous dose (25 nmol/kg) for four weeks after the confirmed diagnosis of diabetes. Several biochemical and histochemical analyses were performed in addition to mating behavior assessments. The estimation of spermatogenesis-related genes and proteins was conducted using PCR and western blotting techniques.

RESULTS

revealed promising outcomes, wherein Sem treatment effectively mitigated diabetes-induced sexual and testicular dysfunction. Specifically, it regulated the disrupted redox balance, restored spermatogenesis gene and protein levels, modulated hormonal profiles, and mitigated testicular inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Sem protects against diabetes-induced testicular and sexual impairments by influencing several pathways and restoring spermatogenesis-related genes and proteins. Future studies may involve a potential investigation of Sem translational applications in clinical settings for treating male infertility associated with diabetes.

Piperazine ferulate impact on diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction: unveiling genetic insights, MAPK/ERK/JNK pathways, and TGF-β signaling

Diabetic testicular dysfunction (DTD) poses a significant threat to male reproductive health. This study delves into the potential of piperazine ferulate (PF), a natural phenolic compound, in alleviating DTD and sheds light on its underlying mechanisms in rats. Animals were divided into the control, PF, diabetic, and diabetic plus PF groups. Diabetes was induced in rats with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 50 mg/kg. PF was administered at 50 mg/kg/day via i.p. injection for four weeks. Significant changes in sexual behavior were observed in diabetic rats, which additionally revealed lower serum levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH. The abnormalities in sperm count, viability, motility, and morphology occurred along with the demonstrated suppression of genes and protein expression related to spermatogenesis. Atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and extensive degeneration and necrosis of the germ and Leydig cells were highlighted by histopathological examination. The testicular function of diabetic rats was significantly improved after PF administration, evidenced by normalized testicular histology, increased testosterone levels, and enhanced sperm quality. In addition to reducing inflammatory cytokines, COX2, and NF-κB expression, pf administration elevated the antioxidant levels and Nrf2/HO-1 expression. Furthermore, key signaling pathways involved in testicular degeneration are regulated by PF. It promoted cell survival and tissue repair by activating the protective TGF-β signaling pathway and attenuating the MAPK/ERK/JNK signaling cascade, which in turn reduced inflammation and apoptosis. PF suppressed the expression of INSL3, SPHK1, CD62E, ANGPTL2, and miR-148a-5p, while increasing the expression of testicular genes like HSD17B1, DAZL, and S1P, addressing DTD. This study highlights the potential of PF to restore testicular function and fertility in diabetic males by modulating genetic and signaling pathways.

Pharmacological management of testosterone deficiency in men current advances and future directions

INTRODUCTION

Testosterone deficiency (TD) is relatively common in aging men, affecting around 2% of the general population. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) represents the most common medical approach for subjects who are not interested in fathering.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes advances in TRT, including approved or non-approved pharmacological options to overcome TD. When possible, a meta-analytic approach was applied to minimize subjective and biased interpretations of the available data.

EXPERT OPINION

During the last decade, several new TRT formulations have been introduced on the market, including oral, transdermal, and parenteral formulations. Possible advantages and limitations have been discussed appropriately. Anti-estrogens, including selective estrogen modulators or aromatase inhibitors still represent further possible off-label options. However, long-term side effects on sexual function and bone parameters constitute major limitations. Glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues can be an alternative option in particular for massive obesity-associated TD. Weight loss obtained through lifestyle modifications including diet and physical exercise should be encouraged in all overweight and obese patients. A combination of TRT and lifestyle changes can be considered in those subjects in whom a reversal of the condition cannot be expected in a reasonable time frame.

Obesity and Male Infertility: True, True, and Unrelated?

While the prevalence of obesity has rapidly increased worldwide, there has also been a notable decline in semen parameters over the last several decades. While obesity can negatively impact reproductive hormones, many studies have sought a link between rising obesity and decreased male fertility potential. Nonetheless, few data support a direct link between the two. The focus on obesity as a causative factor in male infertility can potentially result in patient harm through delayed fertility treatment and missed diagnoses. This review investigates the associations between obesity and male infertility and why a potential direct link has been elusive and may not exist. Additionally, indirect mechanisms that may link the two will be reviewed and treatment options for obese infertile men presenting for evaluation will briefly be discussed.