Co-administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza and verapamil inhibits detrimental effects of torsion/detorsion on testicular tissue in rats

Testicular torsion/detorsion is one of the important emergencies that requires fast surgical intervention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza hydroalcoholic extract combined with verapamil on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion damage in Wistar albino rats. All animals were distributed in 3 groups (n = 8), including the sham-operated group, torsion/detorsion (TD) group and torsion/detorsion + pretreatment with 200 mg/kg Salvia miltiorrhiza extract combined with 0.3 mg/kg verapamil (SMV) group. Oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, GPx, CAT and TAC) both in plasma and testicular tissue, sperm parameters (motility, vitality, concentration and morphology) and histopathological parameters (MSTD, GECT, Johnson's score, Cosentino's score and testicular cell thickness) were assessed in all groups. Ischaemia/reperfusion significantly increased MDA and decreased GPx, CAT and TAC levels (p < .05). Pretreatment with SMV significantly increased GPx, CAT and TAC levels (p < .05). SMV group increased progressive sperm motility and vitality and reduced non-progressive motility of spermatozoon (p < .05). Testicular torsion significantly decreased all histopathological parameters compared to the sham group (p < .05). SMV pretreatment remarkably increased MSTD, GECT and Cosentino's score in comparison with the TD group (p < .05). A combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza with verapamil could reduce damages triggered by testicular torsion detorsion and improve sperm functionality parameters and oxidative stress defence systems.     

Protective influence of rosiglitazone against testicular ischaemia–reperfusion injury in rats

Testicular torsion is a urology urgent disease which causes testicular injury and potential sterility. In this study, we explored the protective influence of rosiglitazone on testicular ischaemia–reperfusion damage. There were 28 male Sprague Dawley rats in total, which were assigned randomly to four groups. Group A was blank control one; group B was testicular injury one; group C was rosiglitazone one; group D was rosiglitazone antagonist one. The testicles were counter‐rotated after 2 hr and then underwent orchiectomy 24 hr later. We found that testicular tissue structure of rats was seriously damaged in groups B and D. However, group C had better testicular architecture. Similar findings were also shown for lipid peroxidation by evaluating the MDA activity (p < .05). Unlike group B or group D, the levels of inflammation by evaluating the MPO activity, the levels of TNF‐a, IL‐1 and IL‐6 and the expressions of ICAM‐1 were prominently lower in group C (p < .05) as well. So our researches demonstrated that rosiglitazone significantly decreased the amount of responsive oxygen radical and regulated inflammatory responses. Rosiglitazone had a protective influence against testicular ischaemia–reperfusion injury in rats and possibly depended on its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant traits.     

Protective effects of Stevia rebaudiana aqueous extract on experimental unilateral testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats

This project aimed to examine Stevia rebaudiana aqueous extract protective effects on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury of rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) sham group, (2) torsion/detorsion group, (3 and 4) low and high doses treatment groups received S. rebaudiana extract intraperitoneally 30 min before detorsion by 500 and 1,000 mg/kg respectively, and (5) healthy group received the extract by 1,000 mg/kg. In this study, left testes were rotated 2 hr, reperfusion period took long 5 hr, and then orchiectomy was performed. Histopathological and biochemical evaluations of testicular tissue samples were performed. Histopathologically, sham and healthy groups exhibited normal seminiferous tubules. Germinal cell necrosis, interstitial oedema, haemorrhage and congestion were seen in torsion/detorsion group. Testicular tissues of both treatment groups revealed lower histopathological alterations. Significant higher malondialdehyde level was observed in torsion/detorsion group than sham and healthy groups (p < .05). Compared with torsion/detorsion group, S. rebaudiana extract significantly reduced malondialdehyde level in treatment groups (p < .05). Torsion/detorsion group had significantly lower glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities than sham and healthy groups, and these parameters showed significant increase in treatment groups compared with torsion/detorsion group (p < .05). The results revealed S. rebaudiana has this potential to protect the testes from ischaemia/reperfusion injury.     

Honey improves spermatogenesis and hormone secretion in testicular ischaemia–reperfusion‐induced injury in rats

This study was conducted to survey the protective effect of pre‐treatment with Persian honey during post‐ischaemia reperfusion on ischaemia–reperfusion (IR)‐induced testis injury. Animals were divided into four groups of IR, honey + ischaemia‐ reperfusion (HIR), vitamin C + ischaemia‐ reperfusion (VIR) and carbohydrates + ischaemia‐ reperfusion (CIR). The testes were examined for spermatogenesis index. Detection of single‐ and double‐stranded DNA breaks at the early stages of apoptosis was performed. Total serum concentration of FSH, LH and testosterone was measured using ELISA. All data were expressed as mean ± SD in each group, and significance was set at p ≤ .05. Spermatogenesis index was significant in the HIR group (p < .001). Serum levels of FSH and LH were significantly higher in the CIR and HIR groups. Serum levels of testosterone were significantly higher in VIR and HIR groups. Apoptotic cells in IR and CIR groups increased significantly statistically (p < .001), while in HIR and VIR groups, the number of apoptotic cells decreased and the positive cells of TUNEL staining were detected in spermatocytes and spermatid. The present study indicates that honey decreases the cellular damage and apoptosis during testicular I/R injury, with significant protective effects on reproductive hormone production.     

Effects of myricetin on testicular torsion-detorsion injury in rats

Testicular torsion is an emergency, and unless there is an urgent intervention, irreversible ischaemic damage and gonad loss occur in the testicle. We aimed to investigate myricetin's antioxidant properties as well as its protective effect against ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) damage in the testicular torsion model. A total of 18 rats were divided into three equal groups. Group 1 was the sham group. Group 2: testicular torsion was performed, and orchiectomy was done 2 hr after detorsion. Group 3: received torsion and 1 mg/kg intraperitoneal myricetin was given 30 min before detorsion, and orchiectomy was applied 2 hr after detorsion. We evaluated tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels and Johnsen Testicular Biopsy Score to show its histopathological effect. There was a statistically significant decrease in MDA values in myricetin group compared to Group 2 (p < .017). There was no significant difference in the statistical analysis of SOD and CAT values (p = .337 and p = .025). There was a statistically significant difference in testicular I/R damage in the myricetin group compared to Group 1 and Group 2 (p < .017). Myricetin treatment significantly decreased testicular tissue damage compared to the torsion group but did not reach the values close to the control group.     

Protective effects of sumatriptan on ischaemia/reperfusion injury following torsion/detorsion in ipsilateral and contralateral testes of rat

This study was planned to evaluate the effects of sumatriptan, 5‐HT1B/1D receptors agonist, on ischaemia/reperfusion injury in bilateral testes after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion in rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 42) were allocated into a sham‐operated group, a control group and treatment groups which were injected sumatriptan (0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg), GR‐127935 (0.01 mg/kg)—5‐HT1B/1D receptors antagonist—and sumatriptan (0.1 mg/kg) + GR‐127935 (0.01 mg/kg). Torsion was induced for 1 hr by rotating right testis 720⁰ in the clockwise direction, and after 7 days of detorsion, bilateral orchiectomy was conducted. While the level of TNF‐α rose in testicular tissue after inducing torsion/detorsion, sumatriptan injection notably lowered TNF‐α level in ipsilateral (torted) and contralateral (nontorted) testes (p < 0.001). Moreover, after inducing testicular torsion/detorsion, SOD activity was decreased, whereas administration of sumatriptan significantly increased SOD activity in bilateral testes (p < 0.001). After induction of torsion/detorsion, macroscopic and histological analyses also showed severe damages which were improved by sumatriptan injection. Interestingly, co‐administration of sumatriptan with GR‐127935 reversed the beneficial impacts of sumatriptan on macroscopic appearance, microscopic pattern and biochemical markers. It is concluded that sumatriptan presumably via stimulation of 5‐HT_1B/1D receptors decreased inflammation, oxidative stress and deteriorations induced by ischaemia/reperfusion injury following testicular torsion/detorsion.     

Exogenous oxytocin administration improves the testicular blood flow in rams

The current research aimed to examine the effects of single-dose oxytocin administration on testicular blood flow measurements peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) and plasma steroid (testosterone and oestradiol-17β) concentrations in rams. In the treated group, eight mature Ossimi rams during the breeding season were injected intravenously (iv) with 20 IU oxytocin, while the other eight male rams were administered normal saline (2 ml) iv as a control group. Venous blood samples and testicular blood flow in the left and right testes were examined immediately before (0) and 5, 30, 60 and 120 min after injections. The control group did not show significant changes in the variables examined (p > .05), except for the EDV (p < .05). In the treated group, the administration of oxytocin led to a significant decrease in RI and PI values starting 5 min after oxytocin administration until 60 min after its application (p < .05). The plasma concentrations of testosterone and oestradiol-17β raised from 5 to 30 min after oxytocin injection (p > .05) and then declined significantly until 120 min (p < .05). In conclusion, oxytocin is a potent testicular vasodilator affecting the testicular vascular tone and steroid concentrations in rams.     

Predictive value of ischaemia-modified albumin in spermatogenesis in an experimental testicular torsion model

Our aim was to measure the ability of ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) to predict testicular histopathological damage in the testes of rats with short- and long-term ischaemia using experimental testicular torsion and subsequent reperfusion via detorsion.21 Wistar Albino rats were randomized into three groups. The sham group was subjected to a mid-scrotal incision only. The 4- and 8-hr T/D (Torsion/Detorsion) groups were subjected to left testicular torsion by twisting the testes by 720 degrees counterclockwise. 2 cc venous blood samples were taken from the sham group after the mid-scrotal incision, and from the 4- and 8-hr T/D groups after 4 and 8 hr respectively. After that, the 4- and 8-hr T/D groups were subjected to detorsion. Two days later, orchiectomy was performed. Ischaemia-modified albumin levels were significantly different among the groups at 48 hr prior to orchiectomy (reperfusion; p = .003). Based on the results of the paired comparisons, it was found that IMA levels of the sham group were significantly higher than those of the 4- and 8-hr T/D groups (p = .002 and .009 respectively). Our study has showed that IMA may be used to predict ischaemia/reperfusion injury, which is another complication that may occur following detorsion in testicular torsion.     

Diffusion tensor imaging in evaluating testicular injury after unilateral testicular torsion and detorsion in rat model: A preliminary study

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a functional magnetic resonance sequence based on the movement of water molecules. This study attempted to investigate the feasibility of DTI in evaluating testicular injury after testicular torsion and detorsion. Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into the sham group, torsion group and detorsion group. The left testis in the sham group was brought out through a scrotal incision for 1 hr, and that of the torsion group was twisted 720^o clockwise for 1 hr and fixed to the scrotum, while the detorsion group was restored after being twisted 720° for 1 hr. Rats were further divided into four subgroups according to the set time, then performed DTI and histology analysis. The mean diffusion of the torsion and detorsion groups increased within 24 hr (p <.01), while it in the detorsion-1-week-group was lower than that in the detorsion-24-hr-group (p <.05). The fraction anisotropy of both experimental groups decreased in the acute phase (p <.01), while that of the detorsion-1-week-group increased (p <.01). Cosentino score in both experimental groups showed an increasing trend (p <.05). Besides, the spermatogenic ability of the detorsion-1-week-group decreased (p <.05). In conclusion, DTI was able to evaluate the injury after testicular torsion and detorsion.     

Sinapic acid reduces ischemia/reperfusion injury due to testicular torsion/detorsion in rats

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of sinapic acid (SA) on biochemical and histopathological changes in an experimental testicular torsion-detorsion rat model. Twenty-four rats were randomised into four groups: sham group, ischemia/reperfusion (IR) group subjected to testicular torsion for 2 hr and then detorsion for 4 hr, and two groups treated with SA1 and SA2 (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, by single intraperitoneal injection, 30 min before reperfusion). Serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were measured by an autoanalyzer, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), and nitric oxide (NO) oxidative stress parameters by spectrophotometric methods, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) parameters by the Elisa method. In addition, immunohistochemical and histopathological examinations were performed on testicular tissues. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of serum testosterone, FSH and LH levels (p > .05). SA significantly reduced increased testicular damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death and also restored decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (p < .05). Pre-treatment of rats with SA reduced testicular dysfunction and morphological changes IRI. SA's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties were found to be protective against testicular IR.     

Milrinone ameliorates ischaemia-reperfusion injury in experimental testicular torsion/detorsion rat model

This experimental study aims to evaluate the efficacy of milrinone against ischaemia-reperfusion injury due to testicular torsion/detorsion. Group 1 was defined as the control group. Testicular torsion/detorsion model was performed in Group 2. Group 3 had similar procedures to the rats in Group 2. In addition, 0.5 mg/kg of milrinone was administered intraperitoneally immediately after testicular torsion in Group 3. Histopathological examinations indicated a dramatic improvement in terms of inflammation, haemorrhage, oedema, congestion, Cosentino and Johnson scores in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p = .037, p = .045, p = .018, p = .040, p = .033 and p = .03 respectively). Blood biochemical analyses, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels increased significantly in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p = .001, p = .024 and p < .001). Malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels decreased in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p = .001, p = .018, p < .001, p = .036 and p = .002 respectively). Tissue biochemical analyses determined an increase in SOD and GSH-px activity in Group 3 compared to Group 2, while PC and MDA levels were reduced (p = .001, p < .001, p = .038 and p < .001 respectively). Milrinone attenuates ischaemia-reperfusion injury that causes highly harmful effects due to testicular torsion/detorsion.     

Effect of lycopene on testicular androgenic and anti-oxidative enzymes in cyproterone acetate-induced male infertile Wistar strain albino rats: An in vitro study

Incidents of male infertility are mushrooming worldwide. Oxidative stress plays a prime role for its onset. Considering this background, the study was designed to focus the direct role of lycopene on cyproterone acetate (CPA) induced testicular hypofunction in rat. Four groups have been considered including the vehicle-treated control, lycopene-treated control, CPA-treated and CPA+ lycopene-treated groups. Androgenic, antioxidant and toxicity profiles were assessed. Results focused a nonsignificant (p > .05) difference in recovery of testicular Δ⁵, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD after direct exposure of lycopene compared to the CPA-treated group. On other side, lycopene exposure to the testicular tissue of CPA-treated rat (CPA+ lycopene-treated) exhibited a significant (p < .05, p < .001) rectification in testicular catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase activities towards the vehicle- and lycopene-treated control groups. Toxicity profile also showed a significant (p < .001) recovery in CPA-treated group after direct exposure of lycopene towards the vehicle- and lycopene-treated control groups. So, it can be concluded that direct exposure of lycopene may rectify the CPA-induced testicular hypofunction either by its free radical-quenching ability or by stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity without modulating androgenic key enzyme directly.     

Preventive effects of Resveratrol against azoxymethane‐induced testis injury in rats

To evaluate the protective effects of Resveratrol (RES) on azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced testicular damage using histopathology and biochemical analyses, 28 male rats were randomly divided into four groups. Groups were control, RES, AOM and ARES. At the end of the 7 weeks, following routine tissue processing procedure, testis sections were stained with haematoxylin–eosin and Masson's trichrome. The blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis of testosterone, total oxidative stress, total antioxidant status and oxidative stress index. Degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules such as atrophy, loss in the number of germ cells and arrested spermatogenic cell, and increase in the connective tissue of the tunica albuginea in the groups with AOM treatment were found. RES treatment (ARES) reduced the number of affected seminiferous tubules significantly (p < .05) compared to AOM alone. The testosterone levels in AOM group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < .05). The total oxidative stress levels were significantly higher in AOM group compared to control group (p < .05). The total antioxidant status levels in ARES group were significantly higher than in the AOM group (p < .05). This study results suggest that an antioxidant like Resveratrol may be useful for decreasing the harmful effects of azoxymethane.     

Improvement of Qilin pills on male reproductive function in tripterygium glycoside-induced oligoasthenospermia in rats

This study established an oligoasthenospermic rat model using tripterygium glycosides (TGs) and investigated the mechanism by which Qilin pills (QLPs) ameliorate reproductive hypofunction. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated to four equal-sized groups: (1) the control group received continuous physiological levels of saline; (2) the oligoasthenospermia model group was induced with TGs by daily intragastric administration for 28 days; (3 and 4) oligoasthenospermic rats were treated intragastrically with low dose (1.62 g kg⁻¹ d⁻¹) and high dose (3.24 g kg⁻¹ d⁻¹) of QLPs once daily for 60 days. The QLP-treated rats showed a marked increase (p < .05) in testicular mass, testicular index and semen parameters compared with the untreated rats. Histopathologically, the QLP-treated groups exhibited restored seminiferous tubules in contrast to the model group. Reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels were dramatically decreased (p < .05) in the testes of the QLP-treated rats. QLP treatment partly reverted (p < .05) the circulatory levels of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin and SHBG) and hepatic and renal function (AST, Cr and urea). Our results showed that oral QLP treatment had a curative effect on the testicular mass, sperm quality, testicular pathomorphology, antioxidants, plasmatic hormones, and liver and renal function of rats.     

Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids alleviate bisphenol A‐induced apoptosis of testicular cells in male mice offspring

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread environmental endocrine disruptor that has multiple effects on reproductive organ development. To investigate the effect of Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids (CCFs) on testicular apoptosis induced by BPA in male mice offspring, pregnant mice were administered intragastrically with BPA and CCF at gestation day (GD) 0.5–17.5. The testes of male offspring (F1 males) were collected at post‐natal day (PND) 21 and PND 56 for the detection of related indicators. The results showed that compared with the BPA group, the testicular index in CCF groups was significantly increased at PND 21 (p < .01). For the mice of different concentrations of CCF groups, the expression levels of bax, caspase‐9 and caspase‐7 proteins were significantly decreased at PND 21 and PND 56, while the expression level of bcl‐2 protein was significantly increased, and testicular apoptotic cells were also decreased significantly (p < .01 or p < .05). Forty mg/kg CCF has no significant difference compared with the control group. The results indicated that CCF could protect the testis development of F1 male mice by alleviating the apoptosis of testicular cells induced by BPA.     

The impact of fresh and frozen testicular tissue quality on embryological and clinical outcomes

Our ability to predict the potential of testicular spermatozoa to support embryonic development is still limited. Although motility of testicular spermatozoa is associated with embryo development, the impact of morphology and the presence of spermatozoa in the testicular sample has not been previously researched. Moreover, while the majority of data indicate no effect of cryopreservation, there are studies reporting impaired clinical outcomes due to testicular cryopreservation. In a retrospective study, 118 ICSI-TESE cycles were analysed to study the impact of (a) total quality of testicular tissue, (b) testicular tissue cryopreservation and (c) presence/motility/morphology of testicular spermatozoa in fertilisation rate, embryonic development, clinical pregnancy (CPR), ongoing pregnancy (OPR) and live birth rate (LBR). Results showed that fertilisation rate was significantly affected by both total quality of testicular tissue (p < .05) and rare presence of spermatozoa (p < .01). Moreover, total tissue quality (p < .01), cryopreservation of low-quality samples (p < .01), absence of motile testicular spermatozoa (p < .01) and poor spermatozoa morphology (p < .05) had a negative impact on the number of good quality day 3 embryos. CPR, OPR or LBR was not affected by any parameters examined. Our data suggest that the quality of testicular tissue influences both fertilisation rate and embryo development. Moreover, cryopreservation of low-quality testicular samples has a negative impact on the number of available embryos for transfer.     

The effects of verapamil and heparin co-administration on sperm parameters and oxidative stress in prevention of testicular torsion/detorsion damage in rats

In this research, the impacts of combined administration of verapamil and heparin on testicular torsion damage were examined. In this experimental study, 30 sexually mature male Wistar albino rats were divided into five equal groups haphazardly (n = 6): Group 1 was the sham group. In group 2, a 2-hr testicular torsion was induced, and thereafter, detorsion was done. Rats in group 3 and group 4 experienced an identical surgical procedure like group 2, but verapamil and heparin were administered in 0.3 mg/kg and 800 IU/kg doses respectively, and in group 5, a combination of verapamil and heparin were administered. Intraperitoneal drug injection in all treatment groups was done 30 min before testicular detorsion. Testicular torsion significantly changed sperm parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers and Cosentino's histological score compared to the sham group (p < .05). All treatment groups reduced testicular damage by decreasing oxidative stress and improving sperm parameters, but heparin and co-administration of verapamil and heparin were significantly better than verapamil injection alone. However, heparin injected group was more effective than other treatment groups (p < .05). Overall, an anticoagulant like heparin is more effective than a calcium channel blocker such as verapamil, and it is more likely to reduce testicular torsion injuries.     

Effects of selenium on ischaemia–reperfusion injury in a rat testis model

Selenium is shown to have beneficial effects on ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Our aim was to assess the effects of selenium on IR‐induced testicular damage in terms of biochemical and histopathological evaluation. A total of 32 rats were randomised into four groups: control, IR, IR + selenium (IR + S) and S. Detorsion was applied after 3 h of torsion. Testicular tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DNA fragmentation levels were determined. Testicular tissue samples were examined by histopathological examination and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end‐labelling staining. The control, IR and IR + S groups had higher SOD values compared with the S group; SOD levels of the control and IR + S groups were higher than those of the IR group (P < 0.05). Further, MDA levels of the IR group were higher than those in the other three groups (P < 0.05). The IR group revealed lower TAC levels than the three groups (P < 0.05 for all). GSH levels of the IR group were significantly lower than those in the other three groups (P < 0.05 for all). In contrast, GSH levels of the IR + S group increased compared with those of the S group. The IR group had more DNA fragmentation than the control and S groups (P < 0.05). It is concluded that selenium possibly reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by testicular IR injury in rats. The testicular protective effect of selenium appears to be mediated through its anti‐apoptotic and antioxidative effects. However, selenium does not affect DNA fragmentation.     

Metformin decreases testicular damages following ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats

The effects of metformin on a testicular torsion injury in adolescent rat testis after I/R were evaluated in the present study. Forty adolescent rats were divided into five groups with eight rats per group: a control group; a sham-operated group; an ischaemia group, where torsion was applied for 4 hr and testis was examined immediately after detorsion; an I/R group, where torsion was applied for 4 hr and the testis was examined 4 hr after detorsion; and an I/R + M group, where the metformin (300 mg/kg) administration was added to the identical procedures used for the I/R group. Spermatogenesis, basal membrane integrity and cleaved caspase-3 expression were assessed. The I/R + M group had a significantly higher Johnsen score than the I/R group (7.9 ± 0.1 vs. 7.5 ± 0.2; p < .001; F-value = 14.2). Failure of basal membrane integrity was highest in the ischaemia group (45 ± 5) compared to the other groups (control group, 20 ± 5; sham-operated group, 16.6 ± 2.8), but not different between the I/R + M (31.6 ± 12.5) and the I/R groups (25 ± 3.5). Cleaved caspase-3 expression was highest in the ischaemia group (73.5 ± 0.7), and significantly lower in the I/R + M group (33.4 ± 0.9) than the I/R group (58.5 ± 0.2; p < .05; F-value = 7.6). Metformin decreases testicular damage by exerting protection against the harmful effects of I/R on spermatogenesis and alleviating apoptosis in adolescent rat testis.     

Protective effect of ghrelin on testicular damages caused by chronic hypoxia in rats: A histopathological study

Hypoxia can lead to changes in the blood flow, nutrition and oxygenation of male germ cells and results in fertility reduction through the increase in oxidative stress. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ghrelin on testicular damage induced by hypoxia in rats. In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, hypoxia, hypoxia + ghrelin and ghrelin. Animals in the control and ghrelin groups were kept in room air with 21% oxygen. The animals in the groups of hypoxia and hypoxia + ghrelin were subjected to 11% oxygen for 14 consecutive days in the hypoxia chamber. At the end of the study, the testes were removed and histological changes, as well as the apoptotic index, were investigated. Morphometrical analysis showed that hypoxia caused a significant decrease in the seminiferous tubules diameter, the germinal epithelium thickness and main Johnson's score compared to the control group (p < .05). In addition, statistical comparisons revealed a significant increase in the apoptotic index in the hypoxia group (p < .05). Administration of ghrelin + hypoxia improved the parameters mentioned above (p < .05). The results of this study indicated that ghrelin decreases the testicular damages caused by hypoxia in the rats by antioxidative activity.