Nortriptyline protects testes against germ cell apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by testicular ischaemia/reperfusion

We designed this experiment to evaluate the effects of nortriptyline on testicular injury after torsion/detorsion (T/D). Ninety‐six adult Wistar rats were divided into six groups 16 each in control group (Group 1), sham operated (Group 2), T/D + saline (Group 3), and in groups 4–6; were administered 2, 10 and 20 mg kg^?1, i.p. of nortriptyline 30 and 90 min after torsion respectively. Testicular torsion was created by twisting the right testis 720° in clockwise direction for 1 h. In six rats of each group, tissue MDA level and caspase‐3 activity increased and the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased in compared with control group 4 h after detorsion (P < 0.001). In six rats of each group 24 h after detorsion, histopathological changes and germ cell apoptosis were significantly deteriorated by measuring mean of seminiferous tubules diameters (MSTD) and TUNEL test. Moreover, 30 days after T/D, sperm concentration and motility were examined in rest of rats. Pre‐ and post‐reperfusion nortriptyline could reduce MDA and caspase‐3 levels and normalise antioxidant enzymes activities, dose dependently. Germ cell apoptosis was significantly decreased, and the MSTD, as well as sperm functions, were significantly improved. Inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore is probably involved in protective effects of nortriptyline against testicular T/D cell damages.     

Effects of amlodipine on ischaemia/reperfusion injury in the rat testis

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of amlodipine (AML) in rat testicular torsion/detorsion damage. In this study, rats were divided into eight groups: (i) sham; (ii) testicular ischaemia, 2 h of ischaemia; (iii) testicular ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), 2 h of ischaemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion; (iv) ischaemia + AML (5 mg kg^?1) administered 30 min before ischaemia; (v) ischaemia + AML (10 mg kg^?1) administered 30 min before ischaemia; (vi) and (vii) I/R + AML (5 mg kg^?1) and I/R + AML (10 mg kg^?1) administered 1.5 h after the induction of ischaemia, respectively, and at the end of a 2‐h ischaemia period and a 2‐h reperfusion period applied; and (viii) sham + AML (10 mg kg^?1). Significant decreases in levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione were observed in ischaemia and reperfusion groups when compared with healthy controls. These antioxidant levels increased in AML groups while malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased. While increases in tumour necrosis factor‐alpha and transforming growth factor‐beta levels were found in the torsion and detorsion groups, significant decreases in the levels of these inflammatory cytokines were observed in the treatment groups. These results demonstrate that AML significantly produced protective effects on testis tissue damage that occurs in the torsion/detorsion model via biochemical, histopathological and molecular pathways.     

Thymoquinone therapy abrogates toxic effect of cadmium on rat testes

The protective effect of thymoquinone was investigated against cadmium‐induced testicular toxicity in rats. Testicular toxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cadmium chloride (2 mg kg^?1). Thymoquinone treatment (10 mg kg^?1 day^?1, i.p.) was applied for five consecutive days, starting 3 days before cadmium administration. Thymoquinone significantly attenuated the cadmium‐induced decreases in serum testosterone, and testicular reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity and significantly decreased the elevations of testicular malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and cadmium ion levels resulted from cadmium chloride administration. Also, thymoquinone ameliorated the cadmium‐induced testicular tissue injury observed by histopathological examination. In addition, thymoquinone significantly decreased the cadmium‐induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumour necrosis factor‐α, cyclooxygenase‐2, nuclear factor‐κB and caspase‐3 in testicular tissue. It was concluded that thymoquinone, through its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities, may represent a potential candidate to protect the testes against the detrimental effect of cadmium exposure.     

Protective effects of udenafil citrate,piracetam and dexmedetomidine treatment on testicular torsion/detorsion‐induced ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of udenafil citrate (1.4 mg kg^?1–2.8 mg kg^?1), dexmedetomidine 25 μg kg^?1 and piracetam 200 mg kg^?1 administered on ipsilateral/contralateral testes after ischaemia in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) and define its protective effect histologically. Fifty‐six Wistar albino rats were included and randomly assigned into 6 groups. No intervention was performed in control group (Group 1, n = 8) and in torsion/detorsion group, (Group 2, n = 8). Udenafil 1.4 mg kg^?1 was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 3, n = 10), udenafil 2.8 mg kg^?1 was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 4, n = 10), piracetam 200 mg kg^?1 was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 5, n = 10) and dexmedetomidine 25 μg kg^?1 was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 6, n = 10) intraperitoneally after 60 mins of testicular torsion. Biochemical and histopathological testicular injury were evaluated. When the tissue was examined by TOS values, Group 3, Group 4 and Group 5 were significantly lower than Group 2. In contrary Group 6 values were significantly higher than Group 2. The increasing doses of udenafil demonstrated antioxidant properties on the testis tissue and histopathological that protects the testicles.     

The ameliorative effects of Ginkgo biloba on apoptosis,LH‐R expression and sperm morphology anomaly in testicular torsion and detorsion

Torsion/detorsion (T/D) induces testicular damages in both germinal epithelial and interstitial tissues. Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) exerts antioxidant and free radical scavenger. We investigated the effect of GbE on testicular tissues, Leydig and sperm cells in rats injured with T/D. Twenty‐eight Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups (Control, GbE, Treatment: T/D+GbE, T/D). T/D performed to the rats in torsion, treatment received GbE (50 mg/kg) 1 hr before T/D, GbE group received only GbE (50 mg/kg) and control was defined as sham group. After T/D, the testes along with epididymis were removed and processed. LH‐R expression, apoptosis, sperm morphology and histopathological damage scores were determined for each group. Testicular T/D caused significant increases in apoptosis and sperm morphology anomaly, and a significant decrease in Johnsen's testicular biopsy scores, LH‐R expression of Leydig cell and normal sperm cell count. GbE ameliorated testicular histopathology and caused significant increases in LH‐R expression, normal sperm cell count in the treated and particularly GbE group. Consequently, GbE may prevent testicular injury and enhance Leydig and sperm cell activity following both T/D and normal situation owing to its antioxidant, anti‐apoptotic, free radical scavenger and anti‐inflammatory effects.     

The protective effects of grape seed extract on MDA, AOPP, apoptosis and eNOS expression in testicular torsion: an experimental study

Objectives

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a potent antioxidant and a free radical scavenger. This study was designed to determine whether GSPE could protect against dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by torsion–detorsion injury in rat testis.

Methods

A total of 45 male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups: control group, sham group, torsion–detorsion (T/D) group, T/D + GSPE group, GSPE group. GSPE was administrated 100 mg/kg/day with oral gavage over seven days before torsion. Testicular torsion was performed for 2 h, and afterward, detorsion was performed for 2 h. The rats were decapitated under ketamine anesthesia, and their testes tissues were removed. Tissue malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products levels, eNOS expression, apoptosis and histopathological damage scores were then compared.

Results

Testicular torsion–detorsion caused significant increases in malondialdehyde level, apoptosis and eNOS expression level and caused a significant decrease in advanced oxidation protein product levels and testicular spermatogenesis in ipsilateral testes. GSPE prevented the rise in malondialdehyde, apoptosis and eNOS expression and improved testicular morphology and Johnsen’s score.

Conclusions

As a result, testicular torsion gives rise to serious damage in testes and GSPE is a potent antioxidant agent in preventing testicular injury.     

Thymoquinone ameliorates testicular tissue inflammation induced by chronic administration of oral sodium nitrite

Although sodium nitrite has been widely used as food preservative, building bases of scientific evidence about nitrite continues to oppose the general safety in human health. Moreover, thymoquinone (TQ) has therapeutic potential as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer. Therefore, we investigated the effects of both sodium nitrite and TQ on testicular tissues of rats. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used. They received either 80 mg kg^?1 sodium nitrite or 50 mg kg^?1 TQ daily for twelve weeks. Serum testosterone was measured. Testis were weighed and the testicular tissue homogenates were used for measurements of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL10, caspase‐3, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9. Sodium nitrite resulted in significant reduction in serum testosterone concentration and elevation in testis weight and Gonado‐Somatic Index. We found significant reduction in testicular tissues levels of IL‐4 and IL‐10 associated with elevated levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, caspase‐3, caspase‐8 and caspase‐9. In conclusion, chronic oral sodium nitrite induced changes in the weight of rat testis accompanied by elevation in the testicular tissue level of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines. TQ attenuated sodium nitrite‐induced testicular tissue damage through blocking oxidative stress, restoration of normal inflammatory cytokines balance and blocking of apoptosis.     

Effects of montelukast and zileuton on testicular torsion/detorsion injury in rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of 5‐lipoxygenase enzyme (5‐LO) inhibitor zileuton and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CysLT1R) antagonist montelukast in testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) injury model in rats. Rats were anaesthetised with 75 mg kg^?1 ketamine hydrochloride and 8 mg kg^?1 xylazine intraperitoneal before the operation. Torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720° clockwise and maintained by fixing the testis. The rats were treated with CysLT1R antagonist montelukast (10 mg kg^?1; i.p.), 5‐LO inhibitor zileuton (3 mg kg^?1; i.p.), and vehicle, at 30 min prior detorsion. After 1 h of torsion, the testis was counter‐rotated to the natural position and replaced into the scrotum. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was measured in testicular tissue after 3 h of reperfusion. Histological examination was performed after 24 h of reperfusion. T/D caused a significant increase in MDA level and histopathological injury in testes. Montelukast and zileuton treatments prevented the T/D‐induced augmentation in MDA levels. Only zileuton treatment significantly reduced the T/D‐induced histopathological injury. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that zileuton had protective effects on testicular T/D injury. We have also found that zileuton is more effective than montelukast on histopathological injury.     

Role of endogenous cannabinoids in ischemia/reperfusion injury following testicular torsion in rats

Objectives:   The role of endogenous cannabinoids in ischemia/reperfusion induced germ cell apoptosis in rats was investigated.
Methods:   Baseline group was for basal normal values. The Sham operated group served as a control group. The torsion/detorsion (T/D) group underwent torsion (1 h) and detorsion; AN1, AN2, and AN3 groups received anandamide (10 mg/kg) 30 min before torsion, 30 min after torsion, and just after detorsion, respectively. In the AM251 group, AM251 (0.5 mg/kg) was injected 45 min before torsion and in the AN/AM group, AM251 and anandamide were injected 45 and 30 min before torsion, respectively. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, and germ cell apoptosis was determined.
Results:   Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the T/D group were significantly higher than the control group. Moreover, MDA values in the AN1, AN2, and AN3 groups were significantly lower than T/D. There were significant decreases in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in the T/D group versus the control group. These values in the AN1, AN2, and AN3 groups were significantly higher than T/D. It was also shown that MDA levels in the AN/AM group were significantly higher than the AN1 group. In the AN/AM group, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly lower versus the AN1 group. The mean germ cell apoptosis scores in all animals with testicular T/D were significantly higher than the control group. There was no difference between the apoptotic indices in the AN1, AN2, AN3, and T/D groups. Apoptosis scores in AM251 and AN/AM were significantly higher compared with the T/D and AN1 groups.
Conclusions:   Although anandamide increased antioxidant markers, it failed to reduce germ cell apoptosis. AM251 worsened the antioxidant defense system, which is reflected as higher germ cell apoptosis.     

Protective role of methylprednisolone and heparin in ischaemic‐reperfusion injury of the rat testicle

This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of heparin and methylprednisolone in the treatment of ischaemic reperfusion (IR) injury of the testis. Twenty‐four male Sprague‐Dawley rats were allocated equally into three groups of eight animals each. The left testes were rotated 720° for 2 h in the rats in the torsion–detorsion group. Rats in the treatment groups underwent the same surgical procedure as the torsion–detorsion group but were also given methylprednisolone (group II) or heparin (group III) by an intraperitoneal route 30 min prior to detorsion. Left orchiectomy was performed in all rats from each experimental animal at 2 h after detorsion, and the tissue was harvested for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) and nitric oxide (NO) and the endogenous antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and catalase. Additional tissue was evaluated using histopathological and immunohistochemical changes. PC and MDA levels were significantly reduced in the treated groups compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in NO level or SOD, GSH‐Px and catalase activity among the treatment groups. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings supported biochemical changes. It is concluded that pre‐treatment with methylprednisolone or heparin protects the testis in ischaemic reperfusion injury caused by testicular torsion–detorsion.     

生脉注射液对不同周龄大鼠睾丸扭转复位后睾丸损伤影响的研究

目的:探讨生脉注射液对不同周龄大鼠睾丸扭转复位后睾丸损伤影响的差异。方法:3、6、12周龄健康雄性SD大鼠各16只,随机分成睾丸扭转复位+注射生脉注射液组(实验组)和睾丸扭转复位+注射生理盐水组(对照组),每组8只,建立睾丸扭转动物模型(左侧阴囊切开,绕精索顺时针扭转睾丸720°2h),并于手术后24h处死,测定各组大鼠睾丸组织内总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性与丙二醛(MDA)含量。结果:与各自对照组比较,3、6周实验组大鼠左侧睾丸组织中T-AOC、SOD活性和MDA含量均无显著性改变(P>0.05);12周实验组大鼠左侧睾丸组织中SOD、T-AOC明显升高,而MDA含量显著降低,差异均具有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:生脉注射液对睾丸扭转复位后的缺血再灌注急性损伤有保护作用,但对不同周龄大鼠的再灌注损伤保护作用不同,存在年龄相关性差异,对较大周龄大鼠的急性保护作用较为明显。     

Protective effect of ebselen on experimental testicular torsion and detorsion injury

Ebselen is used as a drug in clinical trials against stroke, reperfusion injury with anti‐atherosclerotic and renoprotective effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of ebselen, on torsion/detorsion (T/D)‐induced biochemical and histopathological changes in experimental testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury. A total of 28 male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: group 1(sham‐operated group, n = 7), group 2(ebselen group, n = 7), group 3(torsion/detorsion + saline, n = 7) and group 4(T/D + 10 mg kg^?1 ebselen group, n = 7). The tissue homogenate samples were used for immediate nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione measurement. Testes in all groups were evaluated for the biochemical assay and histopathological examinations. To evaluate spermatogenesis, Johnsen scoring system was used. Testicular tissue MDA and NO levels in group 3 were significantly higher than in group 1 and 4. In histological evaluation of the testicular tissues, ebselen administration improved tubular histology significantly compared with T/D group. Significant increase in histological score was observed in the testis of group 3 compared with group 1 and 2. Histological score in group 4 significantly decreased compared with group 3. Johnson score was significantly lower in T/D group compared with all other three groups, ebselen administration increased the score significantly compared with T/D group. Ebselen reduced oxidative biochemical and histopathological damage in our testicular T/D rat model.     

Intratesticular pressure after testicular torsion as a predictor of subsequent spermatogenesis: a rat model

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Testicular torsion results in atrophy rates of more than 25% despite prompt surgical management, and there is no reliable intraoperative critieria to judge the viability of the testis, except the testicular appearance after scrotal incision. We demonstrated that less reduction of ITP after detorsion correlated with worse subsequent spermatogenesis. This result suggests that ITP can be the index to determine removal of the affected testis during surgery.

OBJECTIVE

? To assess the correlation between intratesticular pressure (ITP) after testicular torsion and subsequent testicular function using a rat model and to show that ITP at surgery is a useful predictor of future spermatogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

? Fourteen rats were divided into a torsion group (n= 7) and a control group with sham operation (n= 7). ? Torsion was created by 720° rotation of the left testis in a counter‐clockwise direction. ? Using a handheld compartment monitor, the ITP of the torsed testes was measured three times: before torsion (pre‐torsion), just before torsion repair (pre‐detorsion) and 5 min after torsion repair (post‐detorsion). ? We evaluated the correlation between ITP and testicular weight, epididymal sperm count or pathological findings, such as the seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) and the modified Johnsen’s score, 4 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

? Mean (se) pre‐torsion, pre‐detorsion and post‐detorsion ITP values in the torsion group were 5.9 (2.5), 19.7 (10.7) and 8.2 (4.8) cm H₂O, respectively. ? The ITP in torsed testes significantly increased after torsion (P < 0.01) and decreased after detorsion (P < 0.01). ? Strong correlations were observed between the reduction of ITP after detorsion and testicular weight (r= 0.87, P < 0.05), epididymal sperm count (r= 0.94, P < 0.05), STD (r= 0.87, P < 0.05) or the Johnsen’s score (r= 0.99, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

? A smaller reduction in ITP after detorsion can be a risk factor for subsequent disturbance of spermatogenesis, suggesting that ITP can be an index for determining whether the affected testis should be removed after testicular torsion.     

黄芪注射液对大鼠扭转复位后睾丸组织的保护作用

目的:探讨黄芪注射液对雄性Wistar大鼠扭转复位后睾丸的保护作用。方法:30只大鼠随机分为假手术组(A组)、睾丸扭转复位组(B组)、黄芪注射液治疗组(C组),每组10只,Turner法建立单侧睾丸扭转复位模型,原位缺口末端标记法检测各组睾丸组织中生殖细胞凋亡,化学比色法测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和丙二醛(MDA)含量。结果:黄芪注射液治疗组与睾丸扭转复位组比较,SOD含量明显升高,MDA含量明显降低,生精细胞凋亡指数明显降低。睾丸扭转复位组、黄芪注射液治疗组与假手术对照组比较,SOD含量明显降低,MDA含量明显升高,生精细胞凋亡指数明显升高。结论:黄芪注射液可减少大鼠睾丸扭转复位后睾丸组织的双侧睾丸生殖细胞凋亡,对扭转复位后睾丸生殖细胞有保护作用。其机理可能与提高抗氧化酶活性及减少氧自由基的产生从而减轻大鼠睾丸扭转复位后的缺血再灌注损伤有关。     

Melatonin prevents dexamethasone‐induced testicular oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in golden hamster,Mesocricetus auratus

This study investigated the protective effect of melatonin on dexamethasone (Dex), an extensively used anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive synthetic glucocorticoid, induced testicular oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in golden hamster. Hamsters were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7): group I – control; group II – melatonin treated (10 mg kg^?1 day^?1); group III – Dex treated (7 mg kg^?1 day^?1) and group IV – combination of Dex and melatonin. All the injections were administered intraperitoneally for seven consecutive days. The histopathological changes, specific biochemical markers, including antioxidative enzymes, plasma melatonin level and the markers for germ cell apoptosis were evaluated. Dex administration decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH‐P_X), plasma melatonin level and melatonin receptor (MT1) expression with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and altered testicular histopathology which might culminate into increased germ cell apoptosis as evident from increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and caspase‐3 expression. However, melatonin pre‐treatment enhanced enzyme activities for SOD, CAT, GSH‐P_X with a simultaneous decrease in Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and caspase‐3 expression. Our findings clearly suggest that melatonin improved defence against Dex‐induced testicular oxidative stress and prevented germ cell apoptosis, suggesting a novel combination therapeutic approach for management of male reproductive health.     

Propofol reduces nitric oxide-induced apoptosis in testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury by downregulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms in the preventive effects of intravenous anesthetics on testicular ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Methods: Forty male Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned to four groups of 10 rats each. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with thiopental in groups 1 and 2 and with propofol in groups 3 and 4. Groups 2 and 4 received left testicular ischemia (torsion) for 1 h and reperfusion (detorsion) for 24 h. Groups 1 and 3 (control groups) had no testicular torsion and detorsion. At 24 h of reperfusion, animals were killed and ipsilateral testes were removed for determination of tissue nitric oxide (NO) levels and immunohistochemical evaluation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and apoptosis protease-activating factor 1 (APAF-1).
Results: Between groups 1 and 3, there were no differences in tissue NO levels and eNOS, iNOS, and APAF-1 expressions. iNOS and APAF-1 expressions were markedly increased in group 2, but these parameters were at the mild to moderate level in group 4 at 24 h of reperfusion. Also, elevated expression of iNOS was accompanied by a high NO production in group 2 compared with group 4. Although eNOS expressions were increased in both the groups (groups 2 and 4), there were no significant differences between these groups.
Conclusions: Propofol as an anesthetic agent may attenuate germ cell-specific apoptosis and decrease NO biosynthases through downregulation of iNOS expression in an animal model of testicular torsion and detorsion.     

Effects of oral zinc administration on long‐term ipsilateral and contralateral testes damage after experimental testis ischaemia–reperfusion

The purpose of this study was to examine potential long‐term post‐torsion changes that can occur in the histopathology, biochemistry and spermatogenesis of both torsioned and nontorsioned opposite testes. The study also determines the effect of zinc (Zn) administration on the testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) damage on both testes. Forty‐eight male rats, divided equally into eight groups: (SHAM), (SHAM+,Zn+), (T/D+, Zn? 1 month), (T/D+,Zn? 2 months), (T/D+,Zn? 3 months), (T/D+,Zn+ 1 months), (T/D+,Zn+ 2 months), (T/D+,Zn+ 3 months), have been used. Drug administration was carried out by adding 100 μg (0.016 ml/rat) Zn per rat to drinking water in related groups. Testicular damage decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) in the testis tissues of rats, while Zn administration increased SOD and GSH and decreased MDA in the testis tissues in comparison with the SHAM group. The beneficial effect of zinc sulphate was more evident on the nonrotated testis than the rotated testis. In the histopathological study, a significant decrease in torsion and detorsion injuries was observed in the treatment groups compared to the torsion and detorsion groups. We found a protective effect of zinc sulphate on oxidative stress as a result of T/D injuries in rats, especially for the nonrotated testis; results were supported histopathologically.     

Fenugreek seed extract attenuates cisplatin‐induced testicular damage in Wistar rats

Cisplatin (CIS) provides oxidative stress and inflammations in testicular tissues. Fenugreek seed extract (FSE) is a widely used herbal medicine with potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammation properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects and the possible mechanisms of FSE against CIS‐induced testicular damage in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were given vehicle, single dose of CIS alone (10 mg kg^?1), single dose of FSE alone or single dose of CIS followed by FSE (50, 100 or 200 mg kg^?1) every day for 5 days. On day 6, oxidative stress and apoptotic testicular toxicity were evaluated. FSE attenuated both germ cell degenerations and apoptosis in seminiferous tubules in CIS‐treated rats. Furthermore, FSE counteracted CIS‐induced oxidative stress in rats as assessed by the restoration of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and reduction in the myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels in testes. CIS increased expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor‐kappa B in testicular tissues. Importantly, treatment with FSE at all doses effectively alleviated all of these inflammatory parameters in testes. Based on these results, we concluded that FSE reduces CIS‐induced reproductive toxicity in rats by the suppression of testicular oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammations.     

Dose-dependent protective effect of sildenafil citrate on testicular injury after torsion/detorsion in rats

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of sildenafil citrate on testicular injury after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). Thirty-seven adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: sham operated group (group 1), T/D+ saline (group 2), T/D+ 0.7 mg sildenafil citrate (group 3) and T/D+ 1.4 mg sildenafil citrate (group 4). Testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720° in a clockwise direction for 2 h in other groups, except for group 1, which was served as sham group. The level of GSH (P < 0.05) in the testis in the group 2 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and the levels of MDA and NO (P < 0.01 for both) in the testis were significantly higher when compared with those of the group 1. Administration of low dose sildenafil citrate prevented the increases in MDA and NO levels and decreases in GSH values induced by testicular torsion. However, administration of high dose sildenafil citrate did not have any effect on these testicular tissue parameters (P > 0.05). Also, mean values of seminiferous tubules diameters, germinal cell layer thicknesses and mean testicular biopsy score were significantly better in group 3 than groups 2 and 4. These results suggest that T/D injury occurred in testis after unilateral testicular T/D and that administration of low dose sildenafil citrate before detorsion prevents ischemia/reperfusion cellular damage in testicular torsion. Sildenafil citrate probably acts through reduction of reactive oxygen species and support antioxidant enzyme systems.     

Protective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Fumaria parviflora on testicular injury induced by torsion/detorsion in adult rats

This study was designed to determine the effects of daily oral administration (250 mg/kg) of the hydroalcoholic extract of Fumaria parviflora (FP) for 14 days on the sperm parameters, oxidative stress parameters, serum testosterone levels, expression of Bax and Bcl‐2 genes, and apoptosis index of germ cells after testicular torsion–detorsion (ischaemia–reperfusion, IR) injury model in rats. Twenty‐eight adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups of seven each: sham operation, torsion–detorsion (TD), TD plus the hydroalcoholic extract FP (TDFP) and only FP without TD application (FP). Testicular torsion was created by rotating the left testis 720° in a counterclockwise direction; then, after 4 hr, detorsion was performed. The Johnson's score, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) and height (thickness) of seminiferous tubule epithelium (HST) were significantly increased in TDFP and FP groups as compared to TD group. The gene expression of Bcl‐2, level of serum testosterone hormone and antioxidant parameters—GPx and SOD—were significantly higher in TDFP and FP groups than TD group. The index of apoptosis, the gene expression of Bax and the level of MDA were significantly higher in TD group than TDFP and FP groups. Therefore, F. parviflora could decrease oxidative stress induced by testicular torsion–detorsion.