Effects of Metformin on IL-۱۷, IFN-γ, and Sperm Quality in a Rat Model of Chronic Non-bacterial Prostatitis

Background: Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) is a common, debilitating prostate disorder with no standardized treatment. Metformin (MET), an anti-diabetic medication, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of cytokines.Objectives: This study aimed to examine whether MET can modulate inflammatory responses and reproductive parameters in a rat model of CNP induced by carrageenan. Methods: A total of ۲۴ ۸-week-old male Wistar rats were selected and divided into ۴ groups: The mock group (group I), CNP-control group (group II), CNP-Cernilton group (group III), and CNP-MET group (group IV). For CNP induction, ۱% carrageenan (۰.۱ mL) was injected intraprostatically into groups II, III, and IV. The rats in groups III and IV received Cernilton (۱۰۰ mg/kg) and MET (۱۰۰ mg/kg) orally for three weeks. Prostatic index (PI), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), interleukin-۱۷ (IL-۱۷), interferon-γ (IFN‐γ), and sperm parameters (counts, motility, and viability) were compared between groups. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test for normal distributions and the Kruskal-Wallis with Mann-Whitney U test for non-normal distributions. Significance was set at P<۰.۰۵.Results: There was a significant increase (P<۰.۰۵) in PI, serum levels of PSA, IL-۱۷, and IFN‐γ in group II. At the same time, the sperm quality parameters were significantly decreased (P<۰.۰۵) in this group. On the other hand, in group IV, a significant decrease (P<۰.۰۵) in PI, PSA, IL-۱۷, and IFN-γ levels was observed, and sperm quality parameters improved compared to group II.Conclusion: MET markedly reduced inflammation and enhanced reproductive parameters in a rat model of CNP. Through lowering PI, inflammatory cytokines (IL-۱۷, IFN-γ), and PSA levels, and at the same time enhancing sperm quality, MET proves to be a therapeutic candidate for CNP management.

کلیدواژه ها:

Anti-inflammatory properties ، Cytokine suppression ، Interleukin-۱۷ (IL-۱۷)modulation ، Sperm motility improvement ، Intraprostatic intervention