Impacts of type 1 diabetes mellitus on male fertility and embryo quality in superovulated mice.

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to compare embryo quality, sperm morphology, motility, and fertilization obtained from male mice with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in control and diabetic mice undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods: CD-1 male mice were divided into control and DM groups, with an i.p. injection of 100 mg/kg STZ to induce T1DM. One month later, the mice were euthanized to investigate the effects of STZ-induced T1DM on the reproductive system. Sperms were obtained from the epididymis and vas deferens. The morphology and motility of the cells were evaluated. Follicle development was stimulated by controlled ovarian stimulation, and oocytes were collected by extracting oviducts and ovaries from female mice housed under controlled environmental conditions with ad libitum access. Both groups underwent IVF with fertilized zygotes followed up until the third day before embryo quality was compared.

Results: Female mice bred with diabetic males exhibited significantly lower fertilization rates than the controls (p < 0.05). Sperm from diabetic mice displayed abnormalities in shape and movement, with reduced motility and fertilization. Embryos from male diabetic mice exhibited a higher incidence of developmental arrest during early embryogenesis. Although no significant differences in oocyte quality were observed, embryos from diabetic mice exhibited higher growth rates. These findings highlighted the T1DM's detrimental effects on sperm morphology, motility, fertilization, and early embryonic development, thus contributing to our understanding of reproductive complications.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that T1DM significantly impaired sperm morphology, motility, and fertilization capacity, leading to reduced embryo quality and increased developmental arrest. These results highlight the detrimental impact of DM on male reproductive potential and underscore the importance of glycemic control in optimizing outcomes in assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF.