THE EFFECTS OF N-ACETYL-L-CYSTEINE ON OXIDATIVE PARAMETERS in TESTICULAR TISSUE OF STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

The protection of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was investigated in the streptozocin-induced diabetes model in rat testicular tissues. In vivo biochemical mechanism was determined by measuring antioxidant parameters. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups such as control, diabetes, diabetes+NAC and NAC. A single dose of intraperitoneal streptozotocin (IP STZ) (60 mg / kg body weight) was given to animals fasted overnight. Before injection and 72 hours after injection, blood glucose levels were measured from the tail vein with a glucometer. The blood glucose levels above 250 mg / dL were considered diabetic. Animals in groups 3 and 4 did not receive any treatment for four weeks after the diabetes model was established. Four weeks later, subjects in Groups 3 and 4 were given an IP injection of NAC (60 mg / kg, prepared in 0.9% NaCl solution daily) for 7 days. At the end of the applications, all animals were sacrificed and tissues were taken for antioxidant measurements. While the malondialdehyde (MDA) level increased in STZ-induced diabetic rat’s testicular tissues, it was brought to the control level with NAC treatment. The glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NOx) level, superoxide dismutaze (SOD) and caalase (CAT) enzyme activities were found significantly reduced in the diabetic group. However, NAC treatment resulted in elevated these parameters.