The Effect of Shrimp Shell (Litopenaeus vannamei) Extract on Testicular Parameters of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that has become a major health problem worldwide. Reproductive dysfunction is one of the main complications of DM, particularly in men. However, as is known, shrimp shell extract contains nutrients, such as astaxanthin, that affect reproductive traits. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of shrimp shell extract on the volume, weight, and histological features of the testes of a DM rat model. Fifteen adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group A (n = 5) was a healthy control group, group B (n = 5) was a DM control group, and group C (n = 5) was a DM group treated with shrimp shell extract. Rats in groups B and C were treated with streptozotocin to induce DM. Rats in group C were given shrimp shell extract at 25 mg/kg body weight for 30 consecutive days after DM induction. Testicles were collected and submitted to dimension, weight, and histological examinations. The testicle volume and weight of rats in group C were significantly higher and heavier, respectively, than rats in group B and did not differ from rats in group A. The seminiferous tubule diameter of rats in group C was significantly larger than rats in group B and did not differ from rats in group A. Rats in group B had a lower testicle volume and lighter testicle weight as well as a shorter seminiferous tubule diameter than rats in groups A and C. In conclusion, shrimp shell extract could improve male fertility parameters in a DM rat model. However, the mechanism of action needs to be studied further.