Effect of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes on the Adult Rat Prostate and the Possible Protective Role of Vitamin E

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a disorder of metabolism, has adverse effects on all organ systems including reproductiveorgans due to insulin deficiency. The aim of the present work was to study the impact of Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetesand the potential protective role of vitamin E on the adult rat prostate.Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided equally into 4 groups (10 rats per group). First group wascontrol negative, while the second group was control positive. Rats in the 3rd group were received streptozotocin dissolved in acitrate buffer by intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight once daily. 2 weeks after confirmation of diabetesinduction rats were sacrificed. Rats in the fourth group after induction of diabetes were fed with vitamin E supplemented dietfor 15 days then the rats were sacrificed. The prostatic lobes were dissected out and processed for histological and immunohistochemicalexaminations. Hormonal assay was performed and Statistical analysis was done.Results: No structural differences were found between the two control groups. The diabetic group showed thinning of acinarepithelial lining; sever cellular infiltration and areas of exudate in interstitial tissue. By immunohistochemical staining, apparentdecrease of the acinar cells with positive immunostaining androgen receptor reaction was observed. Also decreased serumtestosterone level in diabetic group was noticed. Supplementation of vitamin E was found to improve most of the prostaticchanges associated with DM.Conclusion: Supplementation of vitamin E improves the prostatic changes produced by DM.