Effect of gamma-mangostin on testosterone levels in Leydig cell culture of Sprague-Dawley rat induced by advanced glycation end products: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND: Advanced glycation end products (AGE) is a toxic compound in the human body that can deteriorate health and induce an inflammatory response. One of the type of cells affected is Leydig cells, cells that produce testosterone and located in interstitial areas of the testes. Pericarp extract of Garcinia mangostana contains an antioxidant compound called gamma-mangostin that can decrease inflammatory responses and toxic effects of AGE. We aimed to compare the testosterone levels in Leydig cell culture of Sprague-Dawley rat induced by AGE only and following gamma-mangostin. METHODS: An experimental laboratory study was conducted on testosterone level in Leydig cell culture of Sprague-Dawley rats induced by advanced glycation end products 200 μg/mL and given gamma-mangostin 5 μM compared to cell cultures that were not given gamma-mangostin. RESULTS: Nine Leydig cell cultures were ascertained and divided into three groups. No significant difference was found in the testosterone level of Leydig cell culture given AGE only (1.33 ng/10(5) cells/24 h) compared to the group given AGE and gamma-mangostin (1.30 ng/10(5) cells/24 h) (p = 0.535). CONCLUSION: The testosterone level in Leydig cell cultures induced by AGE were lower than those not given, but similar in the AGE-only group and group given gamma-mangostin. The mean testosterone levels in all groups were in the range of expected levels (0.025–15 ng/10(5) cells/24 h). Further study with larger samples is important to clarify and confirm our findings.