ROYAL JELLY IMPROVES THE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION CAUSED BY DIABETES-ASSOCIATED CHANGES IN THE PENILE CORPORA CAVERNOSA OF RATS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes erectile dysfunction (ED) by damaging the structure and function of the penile corpora cavernosa. As the current management does not protect against ED, it is imperative to seek for natural agents like royal jelly (RJ), which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties. This study investigated the effect of induced DM on the biochemical and structural components of the corpora cavernosa and evaluated the protective role of RJ. Forty rats were divided into 4 groups: Control group, RJ group: received oral RJ (100 mg/kg/day), Diabetic group: subjected to DM induction by Streptozotocin (STZ) 60 mg/Kg intraperitoneally, Diabetic and RJ group: subjected to DM induction and received RJ. Rats were sacrificed after 60 days; blood was withdrawn to estimate different diabetic parameters, testosterone level, oxidative/antioxidant markers and nitrous oxide (NO). Also, penile tissues were fixed in formalin for histological immunohistochemical studies. STZ-induced DM resulted in marked hyperglycemia, decreased insulin, testosterone, and NO levels with oxidative/antioxidative imbalance. Histologically, corpora cavernosa showed decrease in collagen fibers, elastic and smooth muscle fibers with disturbed normal architecture. Treatment of diabetic rats with RJ markedly decreased these biochemical and structural alterations. In a conclusion, RJ co-treatment is a promising guardian from diabetes-induced corpora cavernosal damage possibly through its antihyperglycaemic, antioxidant, and androgenic activities.