Abstract :
Background: Metformin is a famous drug used to reduce blood glucose level. It could be used in treatment
of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Metformin also demonstrated an anticancer activity. Bax, is one of the
cellular apoptotic markers. Metformin was documented to increase the level of Bax protein.
Aim of the Study: Based on the known facts about metformin and its new role as a potential inducer of
cellular apoptosis, the current study has been designed to investigate the probable effects of the in-vivo
metformin administration on the pancreatic and testicular tissues in normoglycemic rats, and its probable
effect on Bax expression as one of the markers of cellular apoptosis
Materials and Methods: Twenty rats divided in two groups; control and treated. Metformin treated
rats were given 400mg/kg /day through oro-gastric tube for one month. After one month, rats in all
groups were sacrificed, the pancreas and testis were dissected out to prepare paraffin sections, stained
by hematoxylin&eosin, Masson’s trichrome stains and Bax immunohistochemical stain.
Results: Metformin treated group showed reduced pancreatic islets’ size with degenerated cells in
both endocrine and exocrine parts, more fibers surrounding pancreatic acini, islets and blood vessels.
Bax immunostaining showed intense reaction especially in the islets of Langerhans. The seminiferous
tubules (STs) of the testis were irregular with disturbed degenerated spermatogenic cells. Extensive fibers
surrounding seminiferous tubules and in the wall of the blood vessels were detected. Bax immunostaining
showed intense reaction in the testis germinal cells of the treated group.
Conclusion: Our study revealed that metformin induced expression of Bax in pancreatic and testicular
tissues of normal rats when used for one month, which will affect their viability and function. Its effect on
Bax expression might be promising as a possible treatment in case of cancer, however, it should be used
with caution.
Keyword :
Bax, Metformin, Pancreas, Testis.