COLD STRESS INDUCED MODULATIONS ON ANTIOXIDANT STATUS OF STZ INDUCED DIABETIC FEMALE RAT REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM: A PROTECTIVE ROLE OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS FRUIT EXTRACT

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus induced oxidative stress could lead to the impairment of female reproductive antioxidant defense mechanism and low temperature exposure leads to oxidative stress as well. There is a positive relationship between hypothalamic noradrenergic neuronal activity and blood glucose concentrations under stressful conditions. Treatment of female reproductive disorders using herbal remedies is gaining popularity in human medicine. In light of this, the study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of TTF ethanol extract in STZ-induced diabetic female rat reproductive system exposed to cold stress and to evaluate their therapeutic potential for the treatment of cold stress induced modulations on antioxidant status of DM.  Diabetic rats exposed to cold stress by housing in an acute cold stress apparatus at 4±2 °C for 3hrs per day for 7 days later they were supplemented with TTF extract at a dose of 200mg/kgbw. To check the efficacy of TTF on oxidative stress indices in uterus, ovary and oviduct, the animals were sacrificed on the 19^th day of TTF extract exposure and subjected to in vivo biochemical and hormonal assays.  The findings of this study confirm the deleterious effect of diabetes and cold stress on the reproductive organs weight, antioxidant defense system and hormones of female reproductive organs viz uterus, ovary and oviduct.  Supplementation of TTF (200mg/kgbw) extract to diabetic rats exposed to cold stress, the serum glucose levels decreased significantly (P<0.05) and significantly increased the weights of reproductive organs and serum oestrogen, FSH and LH levels when compared with the intoxicated control groups.  Diabetes toxicity and cold stress in the female reproductive organs may result in disruption of oxidants and antioxidants balances, which provides a strong coupling of altered equilibrium processes and loss of energy capacity to meet an oxidation challenge. Moreover, exposure to diabetes and cold stress can increase the effects of oxidative stress. Exogenous supplementation of TTF extract has been found to counter free radical generated oxidative stress and to facilitate reduction of the toxic effects induced by diabetes and cold stress, there by strengthening the cellular antioxidant defense and improved reproductive functioning ability.