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.     

Protective effect of ebselen on experimental testicular torsion and detorsion injury

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

The protective effect of Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) on testicular torsion/detorsion: An experimental study in mice

Purpose

To evaluate the expression of Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) in torsion/detorsion of the testes in different phases and demonstrate the protective effect of CIRP on testicular injury after torsion/detorsion (T/D) in an experimental mouse model.

Methods

Twenty-four male BALB/c mice were divided randomly into 8 groups: normal control group (N), sham-operated group (S), torsion 2 h group (T2h), torsion/detorsion 12 h group (T/D12h), and T/D24h, T/D48h, T/D72h, and T/D96h groups. The testes were examined for the expression levels of CIRP. Another 32 male BALB/c mice were divided randomly in to 4 groups: normal control group (N), T/D group, T/D + pcDNA3.1 group, and T/D + pcDNA3.1-CIRP group. The plasmids were transfected into testes with in vivo-jetPEI. After 3 days, morphological changes, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD), and the number of the germ cell layers were observed. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and Bcl-2/Bax ratios were studied in the different groups.

Results

Compared with the N and S groups, the expression of CIRP in the T2h group was down-regulated. In T/D groups, the levels of CIRP were reduced in a time dependent manner. Compared to T/D and T/D + pcDNA3.1 group, the MSTD, number of the germ cell layers, SOD activity, and Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased in T/D + pcDNA3.1-CIRP group, while the level of MDA decreased.

Conclusions

The results of our study have shown that down-regulated CIRP is involved in testicular injury after testicular torsion/detorsion. Up-regulation of the expression of CIRP may reduce the damage caused by torsion/detorsion, possibly by preventing germ cell oxidative stress and apoptosis.     

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).     

葡萄籽原花青素对小鼠睾丸扭转复位后生精功能的保护作用

目的:探讨葡萄籽原花青素(GSP)对小鼠睾丸扭转复位后生精功能的保护作用。方法:24只健康雄性昆明小白鼠(8周龄,25～27 g)随机分为3组:对照组、扭转组、治疗组,每组8只。扭转组及治疗组建立单侧睾丸扭转复位动物模型,治疗组于扭转复位前30 min腹腔注射GSP(50 mg/kg),术后采用腹腔注射方式连续给药3 d,每天1次,每次50 mg/kg。扭转组方法同治疗组,治疗同体积生理盐水。术后第4天取扭转侧睾丸,检测组织病理学参数和生精细胞凋亡指数(AI),并检测睾丸组织超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和丙二醛(MDA)含量。对照组行假手术。结果:治疗组与扭转组相比,Johnsen评分上升[(7.38±0.92)分vs(5.00±1.85)分,P<0.05],生精小管直径略增大[(178.75±1.58)μm vs(176.50±1.60)μm,P>0.05],生精细胞层数增加[(5.75±0.71)层vs(3.75±1.03)层,P<0.05],生精细胞凋亡指数AI明显降低[(16.25±1.67)%vs(40.50±1.60)%,P<0.05)],SOD活性明显上升[(52.67±3.57)U/mg prot vs(29.04±4.46)U/mg prot,P<0.05],MDA含量明显下降[(2.91±0.04)nmol/mg prot vs(4.63±0.05)nmol/mg prot,P<0.05]。结论:GSP对小鼠睾丸扭转复位后生精功能损伤有明显的保护作用,其作用机制可能与其能清除氧自由基、抑制脂质过氧化、提高机体抗氧化能力有关。     

Protective effects of trapidil in ischemia–reperfusion injury due to testicular torsion and detorsion: An experimental study

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to detect the preventive effects of trapidil in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury due to testicular torsion and detorsion. METHODS: Forty prepubertal albino rats were used. In the IR group, torsion was created by rotating the left testis over 2 h, and detorsion was done by untwisting the testis. Bilateral orchiectomies were performed after 4 h. In study group, 2-h torsion was performed and trapidil was administered as a single dose 1 h before detorsion. Bilateral orchiectomies were performed after 4 h. In the sham group, a sham operation was done. In the sham plus trapidil group, a sham operation was done and trapidil was administered as a single dose. Testicular tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and total sulfhydryl (T-SH) levels were determined for each group. The grades of interstitial injury were determined in histopathologic examination. RESULTS: The NO and MDA levels in the IR group were significantly higher than the study, sham and sham plus trapidil groups in the left testis (P<0.05, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). A statistical difference was not found among study, sham and sham plus trapidil groups in the left testis in NO and MDA levels (P>0.05). The T-SH level in the study group was significantly higher than in the IR, sham and sham plus trapidil groups in left testis P<0.05). In the IR group (left testis), grade 1 interstitial injury was 30% (3/10), grade 2 injury was 60% (6/10) and grade 3 injury was 10% (1/10). In the study group (left testis), grade 1 interstitial injury was 30% (3/10) and there was no injury in 70% (7/10). CONCLUSION: Trapidil decreased free oxygen radical formation in testicular torsion and detorsion, and attenuated histopathological damage in the ipsilateral twisted testis.     

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

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

Antiapoptotic effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on testicular torsion/detorsion in rats

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on apoptosis of testicular germ cells after repair of testicular torsion in rats. Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, with six rats in each group: sham operation, torsion/detorsion (T/D), T/D + vehicle, and T/D + DHEA. Three hours before detorsion, 50 mg kg(-1) DHEA was given intraperitoneally to T/D + DHEA group. In all groups, bilateral orchiectomies were performed and both testicles were histologically examined, with apoptosis detected using the in situ DNA fragmentation [terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL)] system, with morphological damage detected using a four-level grading scale in each specimen. The testes of the sham group showed a normal histology. In T/D and T/D + vehicle groups, apoptotic spermatogonia and spermatocyte number were significantly higher than in the sham group (P < 0.01 for all). The T/D + DHEA group showed a reduction in apoptotic spermatocyte and spermatogonia number in seminiferous epithelia compared with T/D group (P < 0.01 for both). Apoptotic cell number of contralateral testes did not reveal any significant differences among these groups (P > 0.05). Specimens from T/D and T/D + vehicle had a significantly greater histological injury than sham and T/D + DHEA groups in the ipsilateral testes (P < 0.01 for both). Therefore, the results suggest that DHEA may be a protective agent for preventing apoptosis caused by 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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Propofol attenuates reperfusion injury after testicular torsion and detorsion

Propofol, which is widely used as an intravenous anesthetic, has been shown to have an antioxidant activity on several tissues. This study was designed to investigate the prevention of reperfusion injury with propofol after testicular torsion. Five groups of rats (seven in each group) were used. Animals in the control group (group I) did not received any treatment, while animals in the sham group (group II) underwent scrotal incision and testicular fixation only. After 2 h of 720° left testicular torsion in groups III, IV and V, subsequent detorsion was done for 2 h in groups IV and V. Propofol (50 mg/kg) was injected transperitoneally 30 min prior to detorsion in group V. Both testicles in all rats were retrieved and tissue malondialdeyhde (MDA) level, which is a measure of the amount of free oxygen radicals, and enzymatic activity of xanthine oxidase (XO), which converts hypoxanthine to xanthine and uric acid were studied. In addition, tissue catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, which are endogenous scavenger enzymes, protecting tissues against free radicals, were studied. Additionally, histological evaluations were performed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. Testicular MDA levels, and XO and CAT activities were higher in the torsion group compared to sham control group (P<0.05). Detorsion caused a further increase in MDA levels, contrasting with a decrease in the levels of XO activity, while CAT activity was not changed. Pretreatment with propofol prevented a further increase in MDA levels and significantly decreased CAT activity following detorsion. GSH-Px activities were not effected either by torsion/detorsion or propofol pretreatment. Histologically, torsion caused some separation between germinal cells in the seminiferous tubules, which became much more prominent in the detorsion group and attenuated with propofol pretreatment. There was no significant change in any of the abovementioned enzymatic activities nor were there histopathological changes in the contralateral testicle in any groups. It is concluded that biochemically and histologically reperfusion injury occurs in the ipsilateral testis following detorsion up to 2 h. Preference of propofol for anaesthesia during the detorsion procedure may attenuate such reperfusion injury.     

Protective effects of Ranolazine on testicular torsion and detorsion injury in rats

Ranolazine is a drug used in refractory chronic stable angina. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of ranolazine in a testis torsion model in light of objective biochemical and pathological data. A total of 24 pre-pubertal male Wistar albino rats were separated into three groups of 8 as the sham group, control group and ranolazine group. Testis torsion was applied for 3 hr to all the rats in Group Control and Group Ranolazine. In Group Control, 0.9% NaCl was applied 1 hr after the torsion. In Group Ranolazine, ranolazine 30 mg/kg was dissolved in a 0.9% NaCl solution and was administered intraperitoneally 1 hr after torsion. Histopathological evaluation was made using the Cosentino score. As a result of the objective biochemical and pathological criteria used in this study, this protective effect of ranolazine was observed in testis torsion. The results obtained in this study may suggest that ranolazine is a drug that could be applied after detorsion to patients diagnosed with torsion.     

大鼠单侧睾丸扭转复位后对对侧睾丸的影响

目的研究大鼠单侧睾丸扭转复位后对对侧睾丸的影响。方法16只成年健康SD雄性大鼠随机分为实验组(n=8)和对照组(n=8)；建立单侧睾丸扭转复位模型。术后30d取扭转对侧睾丸,采用原位缺口末端标记法(TUNEL)检测生殖细胞凋亡,光镜下计数精子数。结果与对照组相比,实验组对侧的睾丸重量和日产精子量都有显著性差异(P＜0.05),实验组生殖细胞凋亡显著增多(P＜0.01)。结论大鼠单侧睾丸扭转后,对侧睾丸生殖细胞凋亡增多可能是导致不育的原因之一。     

Gradual detorsion of torsioned rat testis attenuates ischemia reperfusion injury

Aim

This study was designed to investigate effect of gradual detorsion on testicular ischemia reperfusion injury.

Materials and Methods

A total of 21 male rats were divided into 3 groups, each containing 7 rats. Torsion was created by rotating the left testis 720° in a clockwise direction. Group 1 underwent sham operation. Group 2 (sudden detorsion) served as a torsion/detorsion group, receiving 2 hours torsion and 2 hours detorsion. In group 3, 360° detorsion was done for 20 minutes after 720° torsion for 2 hours. Then, testis was done full detorsion for 100 minutes. At the end of the experiments (fourth hour), left orchiectomy was performed to measure the tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase and to perform histologic examination in testes.

Results

The MDA levels of testis tissues were significantly increased in the sudden detorsion group as compared with the sham group. We found decrease of the MDA level in gradual detorsion group, but it was not a statistically significant amount. Significant decrease was found in the superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the sudden detorsion group as compared with the sham and gradual detorsion groups. Histologic examinations were in accordance with the testicular tissue MDA levels.

Conclusion

In the light of our biochemical and histopathologic findings, we can say that gradual detorsion has a trend to decrease the degree of testicular reperfusion injury in the rat torsion/detorsion model.     

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.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment attenuates reperfusion injury after testicular torsion and detorsion in rats

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, and histopathologic changes in both testes after unilateral testicular torsion and detorsion.

Methods

Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 6 for each group): sham operation, torsion/detorsion (T/D), T/D + vehicle, and T/D + DHEA. Three hours before detorsion, 50 mg/kg DHEA was given intraperitoneally to the T/D + DHEA group. Testicular ischemia was achieved by twisting the left testis 720° clockwise for 3 hours, and reperfusion was allowed for 24 hours after detorsion. In all groups, bilateral orchiectomies to determine the testicular tissue catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and histopathologic examination were performed.

Results

Compared with those from the sham group, CAT activities in the ipsilateral testis obtained from the T/D group were significantly lower and MDA levels were significantly higher (P < .05 for all).Administration of DHEA prevented increases in MDA levels and decreases in CAT and superoxide dismutase activities when compared to the T/D group. Specimens from the T/D and the T/D + vehicle groups had a significantly greater histologic injury than the specimens from the sham and the T/D + DHEA groups had (P < .01 for both).

Conclusions

The results suggest that DHEA may be a protective agent for preventing biochemical and histopathologic changes related to oxidative stress in testicular injury caused by testis torsion.