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.     

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.     

Investigation of the protective role of chrysin within the framework of oxidative and inflammatory markers in experimental testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of chrysin on testicular torsion and detorsion damage in rats in terms of biochemistry, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The study was performed on Wistar albino rats between 250 g and 300 g. A total of 40 rats were used. Five groups were created with eight rats in each group. Group 1 was the control group, and no torsion procedure was performed. In Group 2, 2 hr of torsion and 2 hr of detorsion were applied. In Group 3, 2 hr of torsion and 24 hr of detorsion were applied. In Group 4, 2 hr of torsion, 2 hr of detorsion and 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal chrysin were applied. In Group 5, 2 hr of torsion, 24 hr of detorsion and 50 mg/kg of chrysin were applied. In the torsion/detorsion groups, the study determined decreases in glutathione and testosterone levels, increases in tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-4, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels, and increases in expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8. Chrysin application reduced malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor-α, caspase-3 and caspase-8 expression levels. We can say that chrysin can be used to reduce damage in cases of testicular ischaemia/reperfusion. For more reliable results, further clinical trials are recommended.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Minocycline attenuates testicular damages in a rat model of ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury

Testicular torsion is a serious urological disease leading to testicular damage. This study aimed to assess the effect of minocycline on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury caused by testicular torsion/detorsion. Male adult Wistar rats (n = 32) were assigned into four groups of sham, I/R, I/R + minocycline and minocycline. I/R injury was induced by two sets of surgical operations, including the rotation of the left testis (720°, counterclockwise), followed by detorsion after 4 hr. The administration of minocycline was carried out 30 min before detorsion and then continued for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8th week, rats were killed and sampling was done. Johnson's score, the height of seminiferous tubule epithelium, the mean seminiferous tubule diameter, as well as biochemical parameters, SOD, GPx and CAT, were significantly enhanced in the I/R + minocycline group compared with the I/R group. The administration of minocycline led to a marked decrease in expression levels of Caspase-3, Bax, IL-1β and TNF-α genes, and a remarkable increase in expression levels of Bcl-2, 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD3 genes compared with the I/R group. Administration of minocycline could also reduce the rate of germ cell apoptosis (TUNEL staining). Hence, minocycline was useful in the management of testicular torsion/detorsion.     

Pentoxifylline improves blood flow to both testes in testicular torsion

Objectives: Electromagnetic and radioisotopic studies have shown thatunilateral testicular torsion causes a decrease in contralateral testicularblood flow. Pentoxifylline improves microvascular blood flow in conditionsof vascular insufficiency. An experimental study was designed to evaluatethe effects of pentoxifylline (Ptx) on blood flow to both testes duringunilateral testicular torsion and detorsion.Materials and methods: Thirty-six adult male albino Wistar rats wererandomly divided into six groups where each consisted of six rats: group1: sham operation, group 2: sham operation with Ptx, group 3: torsion,group 4: torsion with Ptx, group 5: detorsion, group 6: detorsion with Ptx.After intraperitoneal administration of Ptx at a dose of 50 mg/kg 15minutes before torsion; right testes of the rats underwent 30 minutes oftorsion and 30 minutes of detorsion. Blood flows of both testes weremeasured during torsion and detorsion simultaneously by using ¹³³Xeclearance technique.Results: Unilateral testicular torsion caused decrease in bilateraltesticular blood flow. Pentoxifylline had no effect on testicular blood flowduring torsion. Detorsion caused a partially increase in blood flow toipsilateral (detorted) testis, but had no effect on contralateral (nontorted)testicular blood flow. Pentoxifylline administration during detorsionsignificantly increased blood flow to both testes.Conclusions: Testicular torsion is a pathological process that causesdecreased blood flow to both testes. Pentoxifylline improves blood flow toboth testes during detorsion in a rat model of testicular torsion. Furtherstudies are needed to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline on testiculartorsion.     

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.     

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.     

Testicular nitric oxide levels after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion in rats pretreated with caffeic acid phenethyl ester

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in modulating blood flow in normal and in several pathological conditions, and its levels seem to change with ischemia–reperfusion injuries. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, exhibits antioxidant properties. This experimental study was designed to determine the changes in NO levels and the effect of CAPE on NO levels after testicular torsion/detorsion in rats. Thirty-five adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: sham operation (n=8), torsion (n=9), saline/detorsion (n=9), and CAPE/detorsion (n=9). Rats in the sham operation group were killed after the testes were handled without torsion. Rats in the torsion group were killed after 720° clockwise testicular torsion for 2 h. CAPE was administered 30 min before detorsion in the CAPE/detorsion group and saline was administered in the saline/detorsion group. After 4 h of testicular detorsion in both of these groups, the rats were killed and bilateral orchiectomy was performed to determine the tissue levels of NO. The level of NO in the torsion group (113.77 ± 33.18 nmol/g protein) was significantly higher than that of the sham operation group (64.53 ± 29.64 nmol/g protein). In the saline/detorsion group, the NO level (31.26 ± 12.58 nmol/g protein) was significantly lower than in the torsion and sham operation groups. CAPE administration in the CAPE/detorsion group seemed to raise the NO level (72.63 ± 23.87 nmol/g protein) above the level of the sham operation group. Contralateral testes were not affected by the torsion/detorsion processes performed on the ipsilateral testes. These results show that NO levels increase with torsion and decrease with detorsion. CAPE administration seems to increase tissue NO levels and this may be important for protecting the testes from torsion/detorsion injuries. Received: 30 December 1999 / Accepted: 8 September 2000     

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.     

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 effects of immunophilin ligands on testicular torsion/detorsion damage in rats

Objectives  The purpose was to investigate the role of immunophilin ligands in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced germ cell apoptosis in the rat. Materials and methods  Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups with ten animals in each. In animals undergoing torsion/detorsion, right testes were rotated 720o for 1 h. A baseline group was for basal normal values. The sham-operated group served as a control group. The TD group underwent torsion/detorsion surgery alone; the cyclosporine-A group (TD-CsA) received intravenous cyclosporine injection (5 mg/kg) at the time of detorsion, and the FK-506 group (TD-FK) received intravenous FK-506 (3.5 mg/kg) at the time of detorsion. For measurement of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities, the right testes of five animals in each group were excised after 4-h reperfusion. Germ cell apoptosis indices were determined 24 h following detorsion in the right testes of the remaining five animals in each group. Results  Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the TD group were significantly higher compared to control and baseline groups. Moreover, testicular MDA values in TD-CsA and TD-FK groups were significantly lower than in TD. There were also significant decreases in catalase and superxide dismutase activities in the TD group compared to control and baseline groups. These values in TD-CsA and TD-FK groups were significantly higher than in TD. The mean germ cell apoptosis scores were significantly higher in TD animals compared to control and baseline groups; however, CsA and FK-506 treatment significantly reduced the apoptosis compared with the TD group. Conclusion  We have shown that administration of immunophilin ligands in testicular torsion decreases ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) cellular damage. The results of biochemical studies suggest that reduction of oxidative stress along with attenuated neutrophil accumulation by immunophilin ligands may have a major role in their cytoprotective effects.     

The protective effect of erythropoietin infusion on testicular torsion/detorsion: an experimental study

Introduction  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on the histopathology of testes after unilateral testicular torsion and detorsion. Materials and methods  Twenty-five male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 120 g were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into three groups, a sham group consisting of five rats and the other two groups consisting of ten rats. In group 1 (sham group), right orchiectomy with no additional intervention was performed. In group 2 (T/D group), torsion was created by rotating the testis 720° in a clockwise direction for 4 h. After a 4-h torsion period, the right testis was detorted and replaced into the scrotum for 4 h. After the torsion, 0.5 cc 0.9% NaCl solution was injected once and three times in a week (total 12 doses). In group 3 (T/D + erythropoietin; EPO group), the same surgical procedure was done as in group 1, but EPO 1,000 IU/kg was injected just before the detorsion and three times in a week. At the end of each procedure, bilateral orchiectomies were performed for the histopathological examinations in all groups. Results  We examined the testes weight, vascularization of the region between the seminiferous tubules, percentage of necrotic seminipherous tubules, and maturation of spermatogenesis in terms of necrosis, sertoli cells, maturation arrest of spermatogenesis, hypospermatogenesis, and normal spermatogenesis of torsioned testis tissues with and without EPO treatment. Extremely significant differences in testicular weight were observed in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.001). Conclusion  Administration of EPO significantly influenced the rescue of testicular function by preserving the intact seminiferous tubular morphology, lowering the percentage of necrotic seminipherous tubules, and significantly reducing histological damage (P < 0.05).     

The effects of molsidomine on hypoxia inducible factor alpha and Sonic hedgehog in testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

This study was designed to determine the effect of molsidomine (MO), a precursor of nitric oxide (NO) donor, on hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF-1α) and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) levels considered to be involved in the development of testes ischemia/reperfusion (I-R) injury. Torsions were created by rotating ipsilateral testes 720° in a clockwise direction for 6 h and 1-h detorsion of the testis was performed. A sham operation was performed in group 1 (control, n = 7). In group 2 (I-R/Untreated, n = 7), following 6 h of unilateral testicular torsion, 1-h detorsion of the testis was performed. No drug was given. In group 3 (I-R/MO), after performing the same surgical procedure as in group 2, a NO donor MO was given at the starting time of reperfusion. In group 4 (I-R/L-NAME), after performing the same surgical procedure as in group 2, L-NAME was given at the starting time of reperfusion. Testes malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined as well as examining the testes histologically. Treatment of rats with MO produced a significant reduction in the levels of MDA and histopathological score compared to testes I-R groups. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression in the basement membrane of the tubuli seminiferi, and sertoli and germinal cells in testicular tissue, were greatly increased in the I-R/MO group compared to groups 1, 2 and 4. Additionally, the HIF-1α expression in the interstitial spaces in testicular tissue were greatly increased in the I-R/MO group. The results suggest that MO has a protective effect against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat testes and may affect Shh and HIF-1α signaling pathway.     

Beneficial effects of rolipram,a phosphodiesterase 4 specific inhibitor,on testicular torsion-detorsion injury in rats

IntroductionThe aim of the study is to investigate the effect of Rolipram, a selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, on testicular torsion – detorsion injury.MethodsSixty young male rats were divided into five groups. In each group, the right testes of six rats were removed four hours after detorsion for biochemical analysis, and the right testes of the remaining six rats were removed 24 h after detorsion for pathological analysis. In group 1 (sham-operated) right orchiectomy was performed without torsion, and right testes were sent to the laboratory for biochemical and pathologic analyses. In group 2 (control) torsion was applied to the right testes for 60 min, and detorsion was performed without the administration of Rolipram. In group 3 torsion was applied to the right testes for 60 min. 1 mg/kg Rolipram was administered 30 min before detorsion. In group 4 torsion was applied to the right testes for 60 min, and 1 mg/kg Rolipram was administered during detorsion. In group 5 torsion was applied to the right testes for 60 min. 1 mg/kg Rolipram was administered 30 min after detorsion. The malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were determined. The rates of necrosis and apoptosis were evaluated by histopathological examination.ResultsThe level of malondialdehyde was higher in the torsioned groups (Group 2, 3, 4, 5) than that in group 1 (p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the level of nitric oxide (p = 0.182). Apoptosis was higher in groups 2, 3 and 4 than in group 1; however, apoptosis was similar in group 1 and group 5 (p = 0.122). The level of necrosis in group 1 was similar to that in groups 4 and 5 (p = 0.194 and p = 0.847, respectively).ConclusionWe suggest that the administration of Rolipram can decrease the rate of necrosis and apoptosis in testicular ischaemia-reperfusion injury.     

Effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 on apoptosis of rat testicular germ cells induced by testicular torsion

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible protective role of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1, reported to have a protective effect in experimental models of hypoxic ischaemia), and the involvement of apoptotic cell death in a model of torsion/detorsion of the rat testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group 1 underwent a sham operation as a control; in group 2 the testis was twisted and in group 3 then untwisted; in group 4 IGF-1 was injected subcutaneously just before bilateral torsion, and then the right testis removed after 4 h and the left after 24 h; in group 5, IGF-1 was injected immediately after bilateral detorsion and then the testes removed as in group 4. Both testicles were examined histologically, with apoptosis detected using the in situ DNA fragmentation (TUNEL) system, with combined enzymology and immunohistochemistry techniques. RESULTS: In groups 2 (torsion) and 3 (detorsion), light microscopy of the testis showed some degenerative changes in the germ cells. Compared to group 1, apoptosis was more significant in group 3 than in the other groups. Group 4 (torsion/IGF-1) had a similar number of apoptotic germ cells as in group 2 (torsion) after 24 h, but fewer than the same group after 4 h. In group 5 (detorsion/IGF-1), apoptosis was reduced by IGF-1 significantly more than in group 3 (P < 0.05). Apoptosis was significantly less in spermatids in group 5 than in group 3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IGF-1 seems to lower the levels of germ cell apoptosis, which may be important for protecting the testes from torsion/detorsion injury. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate this protective effect in testicular torsion/detorsion.     

Reperfusion injury after detorsion of unilateral testicular torsion

Summary Reperfusion injury has been well documented in organs other than testis. An experimental study was conducted to investigate reperfusion injury in testes via the biochemical changes after unilateral testicular torsion and detorsion. As unilateral testicular torsion and varicocele have been shown to affect contralateral testicular blood flow, reperfusion injury was studied in both testes. Given that testicular blood flow does not return after 720° testicular torsion lasting more than 3 h, the present study was conducted after 1 and 2 h of 720° torsion. Adult male albino rats were divided into seven groups each containing ten rats. One group served to determine the basal values of biochemical parameters, two groups were subjected to 1 and 2 h of unilateral testicular torsion respectively, two groups were subjected to detorsion following 1 and 2 h of torison respectively, and two groups underwent sham operations as a control. Levels of lactic acid, hypoxanthine and lipid peroxidation products were determined in testicular tissues. Values of these three parameters obtained from the sham operation control groups did not differ significantly from basal values (P>0.05). All three parameters were increased significantly in both ipsilateral and contralateral testes after unilateral testicular torsion when compared with basal values (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Detorsion caused significant changes in lipid peroxidation products levels in ipsilateral but not in contralateral testes when compared with values obtained after torsion (P<0.01 and P>0.05, respectively). It is concluded that ipsilateral testicular torsion causes a decrease in perfusion not only in the ipsilateral but also in the contralateral testis. Additionally, detorsion following up to 2 h of 720° torsion causes reperfusion injury in ipsilateral but not in contralateral testis.     

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.