Effect of okra polysaccharide on the spermatogenesis of KKAy mice.

In this work, a water-soluble okra polysaccharide (OP-2) was prepared by hot water extraction, and the effects of OP-2 on the spermatogenesis of KKAy mice were investigated. Forty eight KKAy mice with similar initial body weights and lipid and blood glucose levels were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., one control group and three OP-2-treatment groups (treated with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg OP-2, respectively). Oral OP-2 administration increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, protein and superoxide dismutase levels in testis, sperm density, sperm movement and rate of normal morphology of KKAy mice and decreased serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels and nitrate oxide in testis of KKAy mice. The results indicated that OP-2 can effectively ameliorate the spermatogenesis of KKAy mice and may be used as an adjuvant drug for infertility with diabetes mellitus.