Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Understanding the structure of erectile tissue within the penile corpora cavernosa and their pathological changes in these tissues is essential for developing protective and therapeutic strategies. As the current diabetes management does not protect against ED, promising natural agents such as royal jelly (RJ), which has variable bioactive components that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties are needed. This study aimed to investigate the effect of induced DM on the biochemical and structural components of the corpora cavernosa and to evaluate the protective effect of RJ on these parameters. Forty adult albino male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, the RJ group: received oral RJ (100 mg/kg/day), the diabetic group: subjected to induction of DM by using Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally; and the diabetic and RJ groups: subjected to DM induction and received RJ. All rats were sacrificed after 60 days; blood was drawn to estimate differences in diabetes parameters, testosterone levels, oxidative/antioxidant markers and nitrous oxide (NO) concentrations. Additionally, penile tissues were fixed in formalin for histological and immunohistochemical studies. STZ-induced DM results in marked hyperglycemia, decreased insulin, testosterone, and NO levels; and oxidative/antioxidative imbalance. Histologically, corpora cavernosa showed a decrease in collagen fibers, elastic and smooth muscle fibers with a disturbed normal architecture. Treatment of diabetic rats with RJ markedly decreased these biochemical and structural alterations. In conclusion, RJ cotreatment is a promising practice for diabetes-induced corpora cavernosal damage possibly through its antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and androgenic effects.