OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of xanthine oxidase (XOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in the testis and the protective effect of ganoderma lucidum spores on the testicular tissue of rats with non-insu- lin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

METHODSFifty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into a model, a ganoderma and a normal control group, the first two groups injected with 2% STZ (25 mg/kg) through the peritoneum, and the last one with half-and-half sodium citrate/citrate buffer solution. Two weeks after normal diet, glucose tolerance tests were performed and the rats with abnormal glucose tolerance in the model and ganoderma groups received high-fat and high-carbohydrate food, the latter given ganoderma lycium spores (250 mg/kg x d) in addition, both for 10 weeks and all rats fed alone. Glucose tolerance tests were repeated 1 day before the end of the experiment and the testes of the rats were harvested for the determination of XOD, MPO and SDH.

RESULTSSDH was significantly lower (P < 0.05) while XOD and MPO significantly higher in the model group than in the ganoderma and control groups (P < 0.05). The model rats exhibited abnormal convoluted seminiferous tubules, indistinct parietal layers, decreased or abolished gonepoiesis, luminal peripheral fibrous tissue (interstitial substance) accrementition, basal lamina thickening, and vessel wall fibrous tissue accrementition and sclerosis.

CONCLUSIONGanoderma lucidum spores can protect the testis of diabetic rats by reducing free radical-induced damage to the testicular tissue and enhancing the activity of SDH.