Effect of Inulin Supplementation on Testicular Tissue in Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inulin supplementation on spermatogenesis in testicular tissue of mice. The main function of the testis is the production of androgens and spermatozoa. Oral inulin administration was observed to increase the number of Leydig cells and spermatozoa. Six-week-old male BALB/c mice were used in the experiment, divided into two groups: a control group and an inulin group (n=15). The control group was fed standard feed and water, while the inulin group received water containing 10% inulin for 7 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia, and testicular tissues were fixed in 10% formalin. After routine histological processing, 4–5 μm thick sections were taken from paraffin blocks and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome. The preparations were examined under a light microscope. In the inulin-treated group, fuller seminiferous tubules and an increased tendency towards germinative epithelial thickness were observed. The regular arrangement of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, and spermatids was maintained along the germinative epithelium, while an increased density of mature spermatozoa was observed in the lumen. Sertoli cells were observed to be located close to the basal membrane and to have normal morphology. Leydig cells in the interstitial space were also clearly observed. In the inulin group, the spermatogenesis process was observed to be more active compared to the control group, and the overall tissue integrity was preserved. In conclusion, it was observed that inulin application supported spermatogenesis in testicular tissue and created a tendency to increase the number of spermatogonia.Based on the evaluation of the obtained findings, it is thought that inulin may have positive effects on the male reproductive system and can be used as a supportive agent for infertility. However, further molecular and quantitative studies are needed to more clearly demonstrate these effects.