Quercetin prevents docetaxel‐induced testicular damage in rats

The protective effect of quercetin on docetaxel – an anticancer agent – induced testicular damage in rats was investigated. Thirty‐two rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, carrier solutions were given; group 2 – quarcetin 20 mg kg^?1 day^?1 was given orally; group 3 – docetaxel 5 mg kg^?1 was given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 4 – docetaxel and quarcetin were given together. The histopathological changes; the specific biochemical markers, including antioxidants; and the sperm characteristics were evaluated. Docetaxel caused a significant increase in TBARS level and a significant decrease in SOD, GPX, CAT and GSH levels in the testicular tissues compared with the control group, whereas quercetin led to a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, which was caused by docetaxel, via reducing TBARS level and increasing the levels of SOD, CAT, GPX and GSH. In addition, after docetaxel administration, sperm motility, sperm concentration, testicular and epididymis weights were significantly decreased and abnormal sperm rate and histopathological changes were increased. However, these effects of docetaxel on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by quercetin treatment. Our results show that the administration of docetaxel induced the testicular damage (oxidative stress, testes tissue damage and sperm parameters), and quercetin prevented docetaxel‐induced testicular damage in rats.     

Rutin ameliorates cisplatin‐induced reproductive damage via suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult male rats

Cisplatin (CP) treatment causes damage in the male reproductive system. Rutin (RUT) is a naturally occurring flavonoid glycoside that has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate effects of RUT against cisplatin‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Twenty‐one adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used. The control group received physiological saline with oral gavage during 14 days, and physiological saline was injected intraperitoneally (IP) in 10th days of study. CP Group received physiological saline during 14 days, and 10 mg kg^?1 CP was injected IP in 10th day. RUT + CP group received RUT (150 mg kg^?1) during 14 days, and 10 mg kg^?1 CP was injected IP in 10th day. Spermatological parameters (including motility, cauda epididymal sperm density, dead sperm percentage and morphological sperm abnormalities), biochemical (MDA, GSH, GSH‐px, SOD and CAT), histological (H&E dye) and immunochemistry evaluations of testicles were evaluated. CP treatment caused damage on some spermatological parameters, increased the oxidative stress and induced testicular degeneration and apoptosis when compared to the control group. However, RUT treatment mitigates these side effects when compared to the CP alone group. IT is concluded that RUT treatment may reduce CP‐induced reproductive toxicity as a potential antioxidant compound.     

Protective effects of quercetin against arsenic‐induced testicular damage in rats

This study investigated the effect of quercetin on changes in testes due to arsenic exposure. Twenty‐seven male rats were divided into three groups: control (10 ml kg^?1 day^?1 saline), arsenic (10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 sodium arsenite) and arsenic + quercetin (arsenic + 50 mg kg^?1 day^?1 quercetin). The rats were sacrificed at the end of 15‐day experiment. There was no difference between control group and arsenic group in body weight gain, testicular weight and serum total testosterone level. Quercetin treatment did not cause a significant difference in these parameters. In the arsenic group rats, we determined deterioration in the structure of seminiferous tubules, a decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells, an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, a decrease in the number of PCNA‐positive cells, a decrease in SOD, CAT and GSH‐Px activities, and an increase in the MDA level in testicular tissue. In all these changes, arsenic+quercetin group showed an improved compared to arsenic group. The amount of arsenic increased in the arsenic group was compared to the control group, and there was no difference between arsenic group and arsenic + quercetin group in the amount of arsenic. In conclusion, quercetin prevented arsenic‐induced testicular damage with its anti‐apoptotic and antioxidant effects.     

Cisplatin‐induced testicular dysfunction and its amelioration by Launaea taraxacifolia leaf extract

This study investigates the ameliorative potential of Launea taraxacifolia (LT) aqueous leaf extract on cisplatin‐induced testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups (A–F) of 5 rats each: Group A which served as control received water; Group B was intraperitoneally (ip) injected 10 mg kg^?1 body wt cisplatin on day 21; Groups C and D were given 100 and 400 mg of LT via oral administration, respectively, for 21 days while Groups E and F received similar treatment as Groups C and D, respectively, and then exposed to ip administration of 10 mg kg^?1 body weight cisplatin on the 21st day. Exclusively, Cisplatin‐exposed Group B rats showed reduced sperm characteristics and increased sperm morphological abnormalities; distorted histological architecture of seminiferous tubules; significantly increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH)levels in the testes. These parameters in LT alone treated Groups C and D were not markedly different compared with the control group. The rats with the combined treatment in Groups E and F showed significantly improved sperm parameters, testicular histo‐architecture and antioxidant enzymatic activities. Conclusively, aqueous extract of L. taraxacifolia has protective potential against cisplatin damage.     

Hesperidin protects testicular and spermatological damages induced by cisplatin in rats

The clinic usage of cisplatin, an anticancer drug, is limited due to it has many side effects in many systems and organs. In this context, it was aimed to investigate the protective effect of hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid, on testicular and spermatological damages induced by cisplatin in rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group was kept as a control. In the second groups, cisplatin was given at the single dose of 7 mg kg^?1 intraperitoneally. In the third group, hesperidin was orally administered at the dose of 50 mg/kg day^?1 for 14 days. In the fourth group, cisplatin and hesperidin were given together at the same doses. Cisplatin treatment caused significant reductions enzymatic (SOD, CAT and GPx) and nonenzymatic (GSH) antioxidants and significant induction level of TBARS. In addition, cisplatin treatment caused decreased sperm motility, epididymal sperm concentration, increased abnormal sperm rate and histopathological damage. In contrast, hesperidin treatment significantly attenuated the harmful effects. In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrated that hesperidin has protective effects on cisplatin‐induced reproductive system toxicity depending on its antioxidant properties. Thus, it is thought that hesperidin may be useful against cisplatin toxicity in patients with cancer in terms of reproductive system.     

Protective role of Diospyros lotus on cisplatin‐induced changes in sperm characteristics,testicular damage and oxidative stress in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Diospyros lotus (DL) on cisplatin (CP)‐induced testicular damage in male rats. Twenty‐eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, given isotonic saline solution; group 2 – CP 7 mg kg⁻¹ given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 3 – DL 1000 mg kg⁻¹ per day given orally for 10 days; group 4 – CP and DL given together at the same doses. CP caused a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) level and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels in rats testis tissues compared to the control group. CP caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in testis tissues compared to the control group, whereas DL led to a significant increase in SOD and GSH levels. However, there were no statistically significant changes in GPx and CAT levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration and sperm motility were significantly decreased, but abnormal sperm rate and histological changes were increased with CP. However, these effects of CP on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by DL treatment. In conclusion, our study showed that the reproductive toxicity caused by CP may be prevented by DL treatment.     

Quercetin exacerbates the effects of subacute treatment of atrazine on reproductive tissue antioxidant defence system,lipid peroxidation and sperm quality in rats

The study investigated the reproductive function and the antioxidant defence system of rats co‐exposed to atrazine [ATZ, 120 mg kg^?1 body weight (b. wt)] and quercetin (QT, 20 mg kg^?1 b. wt.). ATZ had no significant effects on feed intake, body weights and reproductive organs weight except prostate weight. Sperm abnormalities were increased, whereas sperm production, sperm motility and epididymal and testicular sperm numbers were decreased with ATZ treatment. Antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly altered in the epididymis and testis resulting to lipid peroxidation. A potentiating response on glutathione‐S‐transferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in the testis and on lactate dehydrogenase activity and glutathione level in the epididymis was observed in the QT + ATZ animals. Quercetin alone decreased seminal vesicle and prostate weights, increased superoxide dismutase activity in the testis and ascorbate level in the epididymis. Mild pathological changes were observed in the ATZ group, whereas considerable necrosis of seminiferous tubular cells with hypoplasia of the epithelia was observed in the QT + ATZ animals. The epididymis of these animals had multilayered and sometimes a single lining epididymal epithelium with few spermatozoa. We conclude that quercetin at the investigated dose increases the susceptibility of rat reproductive tissues to atrazine‐induced oxidative damage.     

Effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil on some epididymal sperm parameters and histopathology of testes following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice

Copper overload can cause sperm cell damage by inducing oxidative stress. On the other hand, cumin has a good antioxidant potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cumin on sperm quality and testicular tissue following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice. Forty‐eight mature male mice were divided into four equal groups as follows: group Cu which received 0.1 ml copper sulphate at dose of 100 mg kg^?1, group Cc which received Cuminum cyminum at dose of 1 mg kg^?1, treatment group which received copper sulphate (100 mg kg^?1) and treated with Cuminum cyminum (1 mg kg^?1), and control group which received the same volume of normal saline. Six mice in each group were sacrificed at week 4 and week 6. The results showed that sperm concentration, motility and viability in group Cu were significantly decreased at weeks 4 and 6, and severe degenerative changes were observed in testicular tissues in comparison with the control group. In treatment group, significant improvement in the sperm count, motility and viability, and normal architecture in most seminiferous tubules with organised epithelium was observed compared to the group Cu. The sperm quality parameters in the treatment group approached those of the control group.     

Oral administration of Moringa oleifera oil but not coconut oil prevents mercury‐induced testicular toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to compare the effects of administration of coconut oil (CO) and Moringa oleifera oil (MO) on testicular oxidative stress, sperm quality and steroidogenesis parameters in rats treated with mercury chloride (HgCl₂). After 15 days of oral administration of CO (2 ml kg^?1 body weight) and MO (2 ml kg^?1 body weight) along with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of HgCl₂ (5 mg kg^?1 body weight) alone or in combination, we found that CO treatment did not protect against HgCl₂‐induced poor sperm quality (motility, count) as well as decreased testosterone level and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) activity. Treatment with CO alone decreased glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rat's testis, whereas MO did not change these parameters. Cotreatment with MO prevented HgCl₂‐induced testicular catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, poor sperm quality and low testosterone level and also blocks the adverse effect of CO+HgCl₂ (2 ml kg^?1 body weight + 5 mg kg^?1 body weight) on the investigated endpoints. In conclusion, MO and not CO decreased the deleterious effects of HgCl₂ on sperm quality and steroidogenesis in rats and also strengthen the antioxidant defence of the testes. Therefore, MO is beneficial as an antioxidant in HgCl₂‐induced oxidative damage.     

Quercetin ameliorates polychlorinated biphenyls‐induced testicular DNA damage in rats

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of environmental contaminants widely reported to cause gonadal toxicity in both humans and animals. This study investigated the amelioratory role of quercetin in PCBs‐induced DNA damage in male Wistar rats. Polychlorinated biphenyls were administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 2 mg kg^?1 alone or in combination with quercetin (orally) at 50 mg kg^?1 for 25 days. Quercetin modulation of PCBs‐induced gonadal toxicity was evaluated using selected oxidative stress indices, comet assay, measurement of DNA concentration and histology of the testes. Administration of PCBs alone caused a significant (P < 0.05) depletion in the total thiol level in testes of treated rats. Conversely, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) production were markedly elevated in testes of PCBs‐treated rats compared with control. Further, PCBs exposure produced statistically significant increases in DNA tail migration, degraded double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) concentration and histological alterations of testes of the treated rats compared to control. Quercetin cotreatment significantly improved the testicular antioxidant status, decreased DNA fragmentation and restored the testicular histology, thus demonstrating the protective effect of quercetin in PCBs‐treated rats.     

Mitigation of paracetamol‐induced reproductive damage by chrysin in male rats via reducing oxidative stress

Paracetamol (PRC) is a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug used widely as a painkiller for various diseases and as the symptomatic flu cure in several countries worldwide. PRC toxicity may occur under conditions of the overdose usage. Chrysin (CR) is a flavonoid that is naturally present in several plants, honey and propolis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CR (at the doses of 25 mg kg⁻¹ and 50 mg kg⁻¹) pre‐treatment over seven consecutive days against PRC‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Our results showed that PRC toxicity decreased the sperm motility, and increased dead sperm rate, abnormal sperm cell rate, apoptosis and MDA levels in testicular tissues. Pre‐treatment with CR at the dose of 25 and 50 mg kg⁻¹ for 7 days mitigated side effects of acute PRC toxicity in male reproductive system proportionally in a dose‐dependent manner. This possible protection mechanism might be dependent on the antioxidant activity of CR. In conclusion, pre‐treatment with CR at the dose of 25 and 50 mg kg⁻¹ for 7 days can be the beneficial against PRC‐induced reproductive toxicity proportionally in a dose‐dependent manner.     

Sperm abnormalities induced by pre‐pubertal exposure to cyclophosphamide are effectively mitigated by Moringa oleifera leaf extract

Moringa oleifera L. is a medicinal plant with potential antioxidant property. This study was aimed at investigating the chemoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) on cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced testicular toxicity. Two‐week‐old male Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally injected with phosphate‐buffered saline, 50 mg kg^?1 of CP and 25 mg kg^?1 of MOE. In combination treatment, mice were injected with 25 mg kg^?1 of MOE 24 h prior to CP injection, 24 h prior and post‐CP injection and 24 h post‐CP injection for 5 consecutive days (10 mg kg^?1). Six weeks later, mice were sacrificed to assess epididymal sperm parameters. MOE alone did not have any significant effect on sperm parameters. However, acute injection of CP resulted in significant decline in motility (P < 0.001), increase in head abnormality (P < 0.01) and DNA damage (P < 0.05). Combining MOE with CP increased the sperm density, motility and reduced head defect and DNA damage, irrespective of the schedule and dosage of MOE. Administration of MOE prior to CP significantly elevated the level of superoxide dismutase and catalase with concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation in the testicular tissue. In conclusion, MOE may have potential benefit in reducing the loss of male gonadal function following chemotherapy.     

Quercetin impairs the reproductive potential of male mice

Oxidative stress is a leading cause of male infertility. To combat this, germ cells and spermatozoa are endowed with various enzymes, vitamins and proteins. Certain other components of food, including bioflavonoids, also provide protection against free radicals. This study analysed the effect of quercetin, a bioflavonoid, on male reproductive function in adult mice, after intraperitoneal treatment with varying concentrations of quercetin (2, 8 and 20 mg kg^?1 b.wt.) for 2 weeks. Quercetin increased the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in the testis with concomitant decrease in sperm count and motility in a dose‐dependent manner. Activities of antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase and levels of reduced glutathione were found to be decreased in a dose‐dependent manner. Also, the levels of oxidised glutathione were increased leading to a shift in redox ratio. The testicular histomorphology was also altered dose dependently. Germ cell kinetic study revealed significant loss of various germ cell populations with increasing dose of quercetin. Interestingly, there was a reduction in germinal epithelium thickness concomitant with an increase in seminiferous tubule lumen diameter. In conclusion, the deleterious effects of quercetin on germ cells could be attributed to its pro‐oxidant ability that might affect the Sertoli cell functions.     

3,3 diindolylmethane leads to apoptosis,decreases sperm quality,affects blood estradiol 17 β and testosterone,oestrogen (α and β) and androgen receptor levels in the reproductive system in male rats

3,3 Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a major digestive product of indole‐3 carbinol, obtained from Brassica family vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DIM on sperm parameters, histological structures of testicular tissues, blood testosterone (T) and estradiol 17‐β (E2) in male rats. Thirty‐eight male Sprague Dawley rats were used. Rats were divided into four groups: Group I: referred as Control group, received corn oil only; Group II: as DIM‐10, rats received 10 mg kg^?1 DIM; Group III: as DIM‐50, rats received 50 mg kg^?1 DIM; Group IV: as DIM‐100, received 100 mg kg^?1 DIM during 53 days. Spermatological parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of testes and serum T and E2 levels were assayed. Histopathological examinations of tests were done. DIM caused an increase in MDA levels. It decreased motility and live sperm rates and increased degeneration of testicular tissues. While DIM‐10 did not affect abnormal sperm rate, higher concentrations increased the abnormalities. Sperm density was higher in DIM‐10 groups when compared to both other groups. Only DIM‐50 had an anti‐androgenic effect among all groups. Only, DIM‐10 showed anti‐estrogenic activity as compared to higher DIM groups. In conclusion, DIM (i) had side effect on some sperm characteristics, (ii) increased the MDA levels and (iii) led to histological degeneration of testicular tissues and apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner.     

Gallic acid protects against cyclophosphamide‐induced toxicity in testis and epididymis of rats

The protective role of gallic acid (GA) on reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CPA), an antineoplastic drug, was investigated in male Wistar rats. Sixty rats were grouped into 10 rats per group. Group 1 (control) received distilled water. Rats in groups 2 and 3 received GA alone at 60 and 120 mg kg^?1 for 14 consecutive days, respectively. Group 4 received a single intraperitoneal dose of CPA at 200 mg kg^?1 on day 1. Groups 5 and 6 received a single dose of CPA (200 mg kg^?1) intraperitoneally on day 1 followed by treatment with GA at 60 and 120 mg kg^?1 for 14 consecutive days, respectively. In testes and epididymis of the treated rats, CPA administration resulted in significant elevation (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and hydrogen peroxide levels. There was a significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Furthermore, there were significant reductions in plasma luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels, which were accompanied by significant decrease in sperm motility and viability in CPA‐treated rats. Histological examination revealed marked testicular and epididymal atrophy in CPA alone treated rats and these aberrations were reversed by GA. In conclusion, GA has capacity to protect against reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.     

Ameliorative effect of polydatin on oxidative stress‐mediated testicular damage by chronic arsenic exposure in rats

Arsenic causes lipid peroxidation leading to alterations in antioxidant status in organisms. In this study, the reproductive effects of chronic exposure to arsenic and the protective effects of polydatin (PD) were evaluated in 35 Wistar male rats, which were divided equally into five groups. The control group received a normal diet and tap water, arsenic (100 mg l^?1, approximately 1/50 of oral LD₅₀) was given via drinking water to experimental groups except control group, and PD was orally given to the other groups at dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^?1 for 60 days. Arsenic administration decreased sperm motility, glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in testicular tissue of rats. In contrast, malondialdehyde level and DNA damage were found to be high levels in arsenic‐treated group. Histopathologically, it was observed that decreased sperm concentration and degeneration of Sertoli cells in testicular tissue. PD administration, partially 200 mg kg^?1, reversed arsenic‐induced lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activity and cell integrity in testis of rats. These results demonstrate that PD decreases arsenic‐induced lipid peroxidation, enhances the antioxidant defence mechanism and regenerates tissue damage in testis of rats.     

Quercetin mitigates fenitrothion‐induced testicular toxicity in rats

Fenitrothion (FNT) is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide in agriculture. Quercetin (QR), a plant‐derived flavonoid, has a free radical scavenging property. This study investigated the protective effect of QR on FNT‐induced testicular toxicity in rats. Twenty‐four male rats were divided into four groups. Group I (control) received normal saline. Group II was administered QR at the dose of 50 mg kg^?1 b.wt. Group III was orally administered FNT (20 mg kg^?1 b.wt). Group IV was gavaged FNT and QR together at the same doses. All administrations were performed daily by gavage and maintained for 70 days. Sperm parameters and histopathological changes in testes were investigated. Serum testosterone and luteinising hormone were estimated using radioimmunoassay kits. In testes, expressions of steroidogenic genes (3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 6, 17 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 and steroidogenic factor‐1) and oxidative stress genes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were determined using real‐time PCR. FNT administration caused significant decreases in sperm count, motility and hormonal levels, a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology and a significant down‐regulation of steroidogenic and antioxidant genes in the testis. However, QR administration ameliorated FNT‐induced toxic effects. Our results concluded that QR effectively mitigated testicular damage induced by FNT in rats.     

Effects of date seed oil on testicular antioxidant enzymes and epididymal sperm characteristics in male mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of date seed oil (DSO) on epididymal sperm characteristics and testicular antioxidant enzymes in male mice. DSO was diluted into isotonic saline solution (0.9%) and different doses (5, 10, 15 and 20%) were prepared. Fifty male mice were divided into five groups; in four groups DSO was given by intraperitoneal injection of oil solution for 28 days. The control group was injected by isotonic saline solution without DSO. Body and reproductive organ weights, sperm characteristics (count, motility, viability and morphology) were assessed. In addition, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were investigated in testes. A significant increase in sperm count, motility and viability of all treated animal groups was observed when compared with the control group ( P  < 0.05). Unlike, the percentage of abnormal sperm was significantly lower in all treated groups than in the control group ( P  < 0.05). A significant decrease in MDA levels and marked increase in SOD and CAT activities in mice treated with high doses of DSO (15 and 20%) were also noted. We suggest that DSO can improve the epididymal sperm quality and could ameliorate the testicular strategy defences.     

Reproductive and toxic effects of methanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaf in male rats

Alchornea cordifolia leaf is traditionally used for the treatment of venereal diseases and for the enhancement of fertility throughout its area of distribution in Africa. The effect of oral administration of the methanol extract of the leaf was evaluated on some reproductive and haematological parameters of male rats at 0 (control group), 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg kg^?1. The toxicity study revealed nonsignificant alterations (P > 0.05) in the values of total and differential white blood cell count, but the erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and haematometric indices were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at 1600 mg kg^?1 dose. Markers of hepatic damage (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and renal damage (urea and creatinine) were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) at 800 and 1600 mg kg^?1. The bioactivity (reproductive) study revealed significant increases (P < 0.05) in testicular weight, sperm count and motility, and serum testosterone levels, at the 200 and 400 mg kg^?1. The study concludes that the extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves has toxic potential at 800 mg kg^?1 and 1600 mg kg^?1 doses, but is safe and has beneficial effects on male reproduction when used at doses equal to or lower than 400 mg kg^?1.     

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.