Protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid and alagebrium chloride against testicular dysfunction induced by varicocele and advanced glycation end (AGE) - Rich diet in a rat mode

Abstract

Heat stress from varicocele can heighten oxidative stress in the testes, impacting sperm function and male fertility. Antioxidant therapy is explored as a remedy for varicocele, while dietary factors like processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats correlate with male infertility. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), generated through glycation processes, can provoke oxidative stress, inflammation, and adverse health consequences. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a versatile antioxidant, may alleviate oxidative stress and counteract the impact of AGEs, potentially by enhancing glucose reabsorption. Alagebrium chloride (ALT711), an anti-AGE compound, exhibits promise in cardiovascular disease by disrupting AGE cross-links. This study investigates the effects of ALA and ALT-711 on testicular function in varicocele and AGEs animal models. Both AGE and varicocele were found to alter the natural trends, leading to abnormal patterns in sperm parameters, testicular functional tests, as well as the expression of CML, RAGE, and TNF-α proteins. However, the administration of ALA or ALT711 helped mitigate these effects. While ALA demonstrated a slightly greater overall benefit compared to ALT, the difference was not statistically significant.

Keywords: Advanced glycation end products; Alagebrium chloride; Alpha-lipoic acid; Sperm parameters; Testicular function; Varicocele.