A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of diabetes on human and murine epididymis.

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus has increased significantly over the past decades. This disease affects the reproductive competence of diabetic men by disrupting spermatogenesis, fertility potential, penile erection, and ejaculation. However, hyperglycemic conditions' effects on the epididymis remain elusive despite its importance for sperm maturation.

Objective: We aimed to determine the effects of diabetes on the epididymis, using qualitative (systematic review) and quantitative (meta-analysis) approaches, to address the question: Can diabetes disrupt epididymal structure and function?

Materials and methods: We performed an extensive literature search identifying 66 eligible studies through PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. Outcomes extracted from the studies included alterations in epididymal cell metabolism and morphology under hyperglycemic conditions. Pre-clinical studies published in murine were evaluated under a meta-analytical approach, whereas clinical investigations in humans were analyzed qualitatively (PROSPERO number is CRD42020208658).

Results: Type 1 diabetic patients presented post-ejaculatory epididymal hypotonia/atonia, whereas type 1 and 2 diabetic patients exhibited perturbation in the epididymal advanced glycation end-product axis. In murine, high glucose levels disturb the metabolism of epididymal cells, the androgenic profile, and the expression of hormone receptors within the organ. The low activity of antioxidant enzymes promoted an elevation of oxidative metabolite levels, creating a pro-oxidant microenvironment toxic to spermatozoa. All these deleterious mechanisms of diabetes trigger molecular and biochemical responses contributing to the deterioration of epididymis structure and function.

Discussion and conclusion: Our data indicated that diabetes may affect epididymis morphology and function through hormonal imbalance, glucose metabolism disturbance, and oxidative stress generation. These mechanisms may alter the luminal microenvironment and epithelial function, impairing organ functionality with consequences for sperm maturation. This review also highlighted several points that need investigation by further studies associating diabetes and epididymis to fill the knowledge gaps better.