Guarding masculinity: telmisartan and aerobic exercise preserve testicular histomorphometry in diabetic rats

Background: diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with testicular damage, leading to male infertility. This study investigates the effects of telmisartan, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and their combination on testicular histopathology in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Methods: male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: healthy control (K0), diabetic control (K1), telmisartan monotherapy (K2), aerobic exercise monotherapy (K3), and combination therapy (K4). Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (STZ), and treatments were administered for 10 weeks. Testicular histopathology was assessed by evaluating Johnsen score, Sertoli cell count, Leydig cell count, and seminiferous tubule diameter.Results: diabetic rats (K1) showed significant declines in Johnsen score, Sertoli and Leydig cell counts, and seminiferous tubule diameter (p<0.05). Telmisartan (K2) and combination therapy (K4) significantly improved all parameters, with values approaching those of healthy controls (K0). Aerobic exercise (K3) improved seminiferous tubule diameter but had limited effects on Johnsen score, Sertoli, and Leydig cells. Kruskal- Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, Games-Howell, and LSD tests confirmed these findings.Conclusions: Telmisartan, either as monotherapy or in combination with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, effectively ameliorates testicular damage in diabetic rats. Aerobic exercise alone has a partial protective effect. These findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for preventing diabetes-induced male infertility.