The Effect of Orally Administered Collagen on Testosterone Hormone and Sperm Count in Streptozotocin-Applied Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion or action. Collagen, the most abundant structural protein in the body, plays a critical role in tissues such as skin, bone, cartilage, blood vessels, and testis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral collagen supplementation on serum testosterone levels and sperm count in diabetic rats. A total of 32 male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Control, Diabetes mellitus, Diabetes mellitus+Collagen, and Collagen. Diabetes mellitus was induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg), while collagen peptide was administered daily by gastric gavage at a dose of 600 mg/kg for 28 days. Serum testosterone levels were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The results demonstrated a significant decrease in testosterone (p