ABSTRACT

Background: While the effects of high fructose-induced metabolic syndrome on the male reproductive system continue to be the focus of attention, exercise interventions gain importance to avoid these effects in terms of intensity.

Aim: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the change in testicular and accessory glands weights caused by different exercise loads in metabolic syndrome induced rats by high fructose and to examine the relationship between testosterone and tissue weights.

Methods: 24 male Wistar-Albino rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into 4 groups in equal numbers in each group. Metabolic syndrome induced by 30% fructose in tap water. Rats in exercise intervention groups exercised for six weeks. At the end of the study rats were sacrificed and tissue samples collected and weighed immediately.

Results: Metabolic syndrome caused significant reductions absolute weight of testis, entire epididymis, cauda epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate (p<0.05). It also caused decreased serum testosterone levels in the same group. Moderate aerobic exercise intervention increased testis weights, cauda epididymis weights and serum testosterone levels significantly. Cauda epididymis and testosterone increases in exercise intervention groups also significantly positive correlated (p<0.05).

Conclusion: As a conclusion, metabolic syndrome induced by high fructose causes reductions in male rat reproductive system organ weights and serum testosterone levels, and aerobic exercises have positive effects on weight and serum testosterone level reductions.

Keywords: metabolic syndrome, male reproductive system, reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone, aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise, fructose