Activation of SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 and Beclin-1/AMPK/mTOR autophagy pathways by eprosartan ameliorates testicular dysfunction induced by testicular torsion in rats.

Testicular torsion carries the ominous prospect of inducing acute scrotal distress and the perilous consequence of testicular atrophy, necessitating immediate surgical intervention to reinstate vital testicular perfusion, notwithstanding the paradoxical detrimental impact of reperfusion. Although no drugs have secured approval for this urgent circumstance, antioxidants emerge as promising candidates. This study aspires to illustrate the influence of eprosartan, an AT1R antagonist, on testicular torsion in rats. Wistar albino rats were meticulously separated into five groups, (n = 6): sham group, eprosartan group, testicular torsion-detorsion (T/D) group, and two groups of T/D treated with two oral doses of eprosartan (30 or 60 mg/kg). Serum testosterone, sperm analysis and histopathological examination were done to evaluate spermatogenesis. Oxidative stress markers were assessed. Bax, BCL-2, SIRT1, Nrf2, HO-1 besides cleaved caspase-3 testicular contents were estimated using ELISA or qRT-PCR. As autophagy markers, SQSTM-1/p62, Beclin-1, mTOR and AMPK were investigated. Our findings highlight that eprosartan effectively improved serum testosterone levels, testicular weight, and sperm count/motility/viability, while mitigating histological irregularities and sperm abnormalities induced by T/D. This recovery in testicular function was underpinned by the activation of the cytoprotective SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 axis, which curtailed testicular oxidative stress, indicated by lowering the MDA content and increasing GSH content. In terms of apoptosis, eprosartan effectively countered apoptotic processes by decreasing cleaved caspase-3 content, suppressing Bax and stimulating Bcl-2 gene expression. Simultaneously, it reactivated impaired autophagy by increasing Beclin-1 expression, decreasing the expression of SQSTM-1/p62 and modulate the phosphorylation of AMPK and mTOR proteins. Eprosartan hold promise for managing testicular dysfunction arising from testicular torsion exerting antioxidant, pro-autophagic and anti-apoptotic effect via the activation of SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 as well as Beclin-1/AMPK/mTOR pathways.

Phoenixin-14 may ameliorate testicular damage caused by torsion-detorsion by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in prepubertal rats.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) on oxidative damage, inflammatory response, histopathological variations, and serum testosterone levels in testicular tissues. Forty-eight Wistar albino prepubertal male rats were divided into 4 groups (Sham, TTD, TT+PNX+TD, TTD+PNX) (n=12). The torsion period was 2 hours and the detorsion period was 24 hours in the testicular torsion/detorsion (TD) groups. A single PNX-14 (50 µg/kg) dose was injected into the rats in the TT+PNX TD group on the 90th minute of torsion, and it was injected into the rats in the TTD+PNX group at the beginning of detorsion. Oxidative damage in testicular tissues was determined based on superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS), and inflammatory damage was determined based on TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Histopathological variations were investigated with the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining method in testicular tissues and analyzed based on Johnsen scores. Spermatogonia cells were examined immunohistochemically. Serum testosterone levels were determined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A significant increase in oxidative stress and inflammation parameters was determined in the TTD group when compared to the other groups (p<0.05). PNX-14 treatment led to a statistically significant decrease in these parameters and significantly repaired the TD damage in testicular tissue (p<0.05). Johnsen scoring revealed significant improvement in PNX-14 groups and an increase in spermatogonia count, supporting the biochemical findings (p<0.05). PNX-14 could be a potential therapeutic agent in testicular TD damage and further studies should be conducted to elucidate the present study findings.

Sodium acetate prevents testicular damage in Wistar rats subjected to testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and sperm function-preserving properties of sodium acetate (ACE), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). MAIN METHODS: Littermate Wistar rats of identical weight were subjected to sham surgery or testicular T/D by rotating the left testis at 720° around its axis along the spermatic cord clockwise and fixing it in this position for two and a half hours. 1 h before detorsion, T/D + ACE-treated rats were treated with ACE (200 mg/kg/day, per os) while T/D rats were vehicle-treated by administering 0.5 mL of distilled water. After 72 h, animals were euthanized, and the left testes were harvested for bio-molecular and histological analysis. KEY FINDINGS: Acetate administration attenuated T/D-induced rises in serum and testicular HDAC and testicular xanthine oxidase, uric acid, MDA, GSSG, MPO, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, NFkB, HIF-1α, and VCAM-1. In addition, acetate treatment alleviated T/D-induced decline in sperm quality (count, motility, viability, and normal morphology) and testicular 3ß-HSD, 17ß-HSD, testosterone, GSH, GSH/GSSG, SOD, catalase, GPx, GST, Nrf2, and HO-1. Furthermore, acetate prevented T/D-distorted testicular histoarchitecture and spermatogenic germ cell loss. SIGNIFICANCE: Sodium acetate during the post-ischaemic phase of testicular T/D may be beneficial in preventing I/R injury and maintaining fertility.

Protective effect of allicin on ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by testicular torsion-detorsion in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Testicular ischemia-reperfusion induced by testicular torsion-detorsion increases the level of reactive oxygen species, leading to testicular damage. Allicin, one of the most active ingredients in garlic, is a significant exogenous antioxidant. In the research, the efficacy of allicin in treating testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included sixty Sprague-Dawley male rats. Three groups with 20 rats per group were created as follows: control group, testicular ischemia/reperfusion-induced group, and testicular ischemia-reperfusion plus treatment with allicin group. The control group underwent a sham operation of the left testis without other interventions. In the testicular ischemia/reperfusion-induced group, rat left testis was subjected to 720° torsion for two hours and then detorsion. In the allicin-treated group, in addition to testicular ischemia-reperfusion, 50 mg/kg of allicin was injected intraperitoneally, starting immediately following detorsion. Testicular tissue samples were obtained to measure the protein expression of xanthine oxidase, which is a major source of reactive oxygen species formation, malondialdehyde level (a reliable marker of reactive oxygen species), and testicular spermatogenic function. RESULTS: Testicular ischemia-reperfusion significantly increased the expression of xanthine oxidase and malondialdehyde levels in ipsilateral testes while reducing testicular spermatogenic function. The expression of xanthine oxidase and malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in ipsilateral testes, whereas testicular spermatogenic function in the allicin-treated group was significantly higher compared with those in the testicular ischemia-reperfusion group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that allicin administration improves ischemia/reperfusion-induced testicular damage by limiting reactive oxygen species generation via inhibition of xanthine oxidase expression.

Insights on Protective Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma and Tadalafil on Testicular Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats Exposed to Testicular Torsion/Detorsion.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ischemic reperfusion (I-R) injury is greatly influenced by the testicular torsion/detorsion process (TDP). In this instance, the anti-inflammatory properties of plateletrich plasma (PRP) combined with tadalafil (Td) significantly promote tissue healing in the I-R injury model. METHODS: Five groups of rats were created: the control group, the I-R group not receiving any therapy, the I-R group receiving a single dosage of Td (0.25 mg/kg, I.P.), the I-R group receiving a single dose of PRP (80 l, intratesticular), and the I-R group receiving both Td and PRP. Sperm morphology, motility, and histology were assessed. The levels of TNF-, BAX, antioxidant status, and testosterone were measured. Additionally, E-selectin expression was done. RESULTS: PRP reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis while also boosting testosterone levels, which alleviated I-R injury. Otherwise, PRP reduces E-selectin expression, which modifies the pathways that control endothelial function. Td also partially demonstrated its testicular-protective activity at the same time. CONCLUSION: PRP's proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic potentials make it a natural treatment for testicular harm caused by tadalafil. For the first time, it was demonstrated that PRP therapy restored the functionality of the vascular endothelium, specifically the control of E-selectin expression. Combining Td and PRP therapy may be a promising strategy for improving response to PDE5 inhibitors.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE GONADS OF CHILDREN 2-6 HOURS AFTER ACUTE UNILATERAL TESTICULAR TORSION.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To determine the morphological and immunohistochemical changes in the testes 2-6 hours after the onset of clinical symptoms of acute unilateral testicular torsion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A morphological and immunohistochemical study was conducted on biopsy samples of testicular tissues taken 2-6 hours after the onset of clinical symptoms of acute unilateral testicular torsion during detorsion and orchiopexy surgery in 27 adolescent patients. RESULTS: Results: In cases of incomplete torsion (180-360°) and a disease duration of up to 2 hours, the seminiferous tubules maintained their normal structure. The convoluted seminiferous tubules showed minor damage during 4 hours of ischemia caused by testicular torsion of 360-450°, which was characterized by mild damage. Glycogen and neutral glycoproteins were preserved in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells, indicating that their intracellular metabolism was relatively preserved. The ischemia that lasted for 4 hours with testicular torsion of 450-720° was characterized by a moderate degree of gonadal damage. However, there was pronounced expression of vimentin and calretinin, and the presence of glycogen and neutral glycoproteins indicated functional activity of the gonads. A six-hour ischemia period with a 360-450° testicular torsion demonstrated 100% gonadal viability, with 50% of the seminiferous tubules preserved and 35% with minor damage. Severe damage to the spermatogenic epithelium was observed in 15% of seminiferous tubules, characterized by dystrophy of spermatogenic epithelial cells with signs of karyopyknosis, karyorrhexis, vacuolization, hyperchromasia of cytoplasmic organelles, shedding of individual cells into the lumen of tubules, and focal necrosis. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: 1. The degree of torsion and duration of symptoms are prognostic factors for testicular salvage in torsion episodes. Ischemia lasting up to 6 hours is characterized by a moderate degree of gonadal damage, and detorsion of the testicle performed within 6 hours from the onset of pathology allows for preservation of the testicle in 100% of cases. 2. Histological examination of the susceptibility of different cell types to ischemia reveals that Sertoli cells and spermatogonia are the most resistant, while spermatocytes and spermatids are more susceptible and prone to degeneration.

Protective effects of Silymarin on testicular torsion/detorsion in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present research aimed to study the possible protective effects of Silymarin on testicular I/R injury in a rat model evaluated through histopathology and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research investigated the impact of Silymarin on IR damage in male Wistar albino rats. Animals were divided into three groups: group 1 (sham), group 2 (IR), and group 3 (IR+Silymarin). RESULTS: There were no notable differences in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH) across the three groups (p=0.260, p=0.486 and p=0.803, respectively). Contrarily, the total antioxidant status (TAS) levels exhibited significant variations between groups (p=0.001). The total oxidant status (TOS) levels also differed significantly between groups (p=0.004). The tissue evaluations uncovered substantial differences in the Johnson score, which is used to gauge testicular damage. A distinct contrast was seen between Group 1 and Group 2, and also between Group 2 and Group 3, with an all-encompassing p-value lower than 0.01. The same significant disparities were found for the percentages of Bax and Annexin V immunostaining (p<0.01 for each), reflecting the inflammation and apoptosis brought about by ischemia-reperfusion and the protective effects of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of the current investigation showed that Silymarin could be a valuable agent for reducing testicular tissue damage following I/R injury.

Pentoxifylline promotes spermatogenesis via upregulation of the Nrf2-ARE signalling pathway in a mouse model of germ-cell apoptosis induced by testicular torsion-detorsion.

CONTEXT: Testicular torsion-detorsion results in loss of germ cells and infertility. Pentoxifylline has been shown to prevent tissue damage. AIMS: To determine the effect of pentoxifylline on germ cell survival in torsion-detorsion induced apoptosis Methods: Twenty male mice were divided into four groups of five animals each: Control, T1 (Torsion-detorsion+single dose 100mg/kg Pentoxifylline/IP), T2 (Torsion-detorsion+daily 20mg/kg pentoxifylline/IP for 2weeks, and T/D (Torsion-detorsion only). 35thday after torsion-detorsion, the left testes of all the animals were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis. KEY RESULTS: Histomorpholoical analysis showed significant increase (P <0.05) in seminiferous tubule diameter, Johnsen's score and germ cells of Control and T1 compared to T2 and T/D, with no significant difference (P >0.05) in testis weight, sertoli, leydig and myoid cells. Tunnel assay showed significant increase (P <0.05) in apoptotic cells of T/D and T2 animals compared to Control and T1. RT-PCR analysis showed significant high (P <0.01) mRNA expression of Bax gene in T/D compared to T1 and T2 and significant increase (P <0.05) of Bcl2 in Control, T1, T2 compared to T/D. Nrf2-ARE transcripts revealed significant increase (P <0.05) in Control and T1 compared to T2 and T/D. Western blot showed significantly increased (P <0.05) caspase-3 in T/D compared to Control, T1 and T2. CONCLUSION: Pentoxifylline promotes spermatogenesis and suppressed apoptosis induced by testicular torsion-detorsion. IMPLICATION: Pentoxifylline could serve as adjunct therapy to surgery in the treatment of torsion-detorsion induced germ cell apoptosis.

Remote limb ischemic postconditioning attenuates myocardial dysfunction induced by testicular torsion/detorsion in rats.

Torsion of the spermatic cord is a urological emergency that must be treated immediately with surgery, yet detorsion of the testis can cause testicular tissue damage because of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. I/R injury is a complex pathophysiological process that may affect the functions of distant organs. Here, we examined whether testicular torsion/detorsion (TT) causes myocardial dysfunction. We next investigated the potential beneficial effect and underlying mechanisms of remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPost) on cardiac function after testicular torsion/detorsion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to three different sets of experimental groups. Testicular I/R was induced by rotating the right testis to 1080° clockwise for 3 h followed by 3 h of detorsion. RIPost was induced at the onset of testicular detorsion by four cycles of 5-min bilateral femoral artery occlusion with 5-min reperfusion. Cardiac function was determined postdetorsion, and the cardioprotective effect of RIPost was examined. Testicular torsion/detorsion-treated rats had reduced serum testosterone levels, impaired systemic hemodynamics, elevated systemic inflammatory responses, and increased serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI). However, RIPost attenuated remote heart dysfunction induced by testicular torsion/detorsion. Furthermore, RIPost enhanced the phosphorylation of ventricular signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, which is a key component of the survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) signaling pathways. Inhibition of STAT-3 with Ag490 abolished the RIPost-induced cardioprotection and STAT-3 phosphorylation. Testicular torsion followed by detorsion may cause impaired cardiac function in rats. RIPost effectively attenuates this remote cardiac dysfunction. RIPost-induced protective effects may be mediated by the STAT-3 signaling pathway.

Emodin alleviates testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury through the inhibition of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of injury after testicular torsion and can lead to permanent impairment of spermatogenesis. Emodin (6-methyl-1,3,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) has potent anti-inflammatory effects and may be protective against IRI in various organs. Herein, we evaluated the effects of emodin on pyroptosis in spermatogenic cells and its role in the process of testicular IRI. A testicular torsion/detorsion (TTD) mouse model and an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) germ cell model were established. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to evaluate the testicular ischemic injury. The expression of pyroptosis-related proteins and reactive oxygen species production in testis tissues were detected using Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase assay kits and immunohistochemistry. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase assay kit. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were performed to assess inflammatory protein levels. The results revealed that pyroptosis and inflammation levels were upregulated after testicular IRI, and emodin inhibited inflammation and pyroptosis by acting on NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3). Emodin exerts protective effects on testicular IRI by acting on the NLRP3 signaling pathway and inhibiting IRI-mediated pyroptosis. Emodin treatment attenuated testicular IRI and inhibited pyroptosis. Inhibitory effects of emodin on pyroptosis were attributed to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasomes. Thus, emodin could be an alternative treatment for testicular IRI.

Arbutin abrogates testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats through repression of inflammation and ER stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of arbutin (ARB) administration on oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis in an experimental testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D)-induced testicular injury model for the first time. A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups with six rats in each group: sham control, T/D, T/D+ARB (50 mg/kg) and T/D+ARB (100 mg/kg). Torsion and detorsion times were applied as 4 h and 2 h, respectively. The levels of lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and oxidative stress [total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS)] in testicular tissues were determined using colorimetric methods. The levels of DNA damage [8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)], antioxidant system [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)], pro-inflammatory cytokines [high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), nuclear factor kappa B protein 65 (NF-κB p65), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and myeloperoxidase (MPO)], ER stress [78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP)] and apoptosis (caspase-3) markers in testicular tissues were determined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Johnsen's testicle scoring system was used for histological evaluation. In the T/D group, it was determined that statistically significant increasing in the levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress and apoptosis compared with sham control group (p < 0.05). ARB administrations statistically significantly restored testicular I/R damage in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that the data of histological examinations supported the biochemical results. Our findings support the hypothesis that ARB may be used as a protective agent against T/D-induced testicular damage.

Protective effects of human amniotic membrane derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) secreted factors on mouse spermatogenesis and sperm chromatin condensation following unilateral testicular torsion.

Testicular torsion is considered a urological disorder that requires immediate detorsion surgery. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury after testicular torsion detorsion causes of drastic impairment of spermatogenesis and infertility. Cell-free-based approaches seem to be a promising strategy to prevent I/R injury, they have more stable biological properties, and they contain paracrine factors of mesenchymal stem cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of human amniotic membrane derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) secreted factors on mouse sperm chromatin condensation and spermatogenesis improvement after I/R injury. hAMSCs were isolated and characterized by RT- PCR and flow cytometry, preparation of hAMSCs secreted factors was performed. Forty male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham-operated, torsion detorsion, torsion detorsion+ intratesticular injection of DMEM/F-12, and torsion detorsion+ intratesticular injection of hAMSCs secreted factors. After one cycle of spermatogenesis, the mean number of germ cells, Sertoli, Leydig, myoid as well as tubular parameters, Johnson score, and spermatogenesis indexes were evaluated by H& E and PAS stainings. Sperm chromatin condensation and relative expression of c-kit and prm 1 genes were assessed by aniline blue staining and real-time PCR, respectively. The mean number of spermatogenic cells, Leydig, myoid, Sertoli, spermatogenesis parameters, Johnson score, as well as germinal epithelial height and diameters of seminiferous tubules decreased significantly after I/R injury. The thickness of basement membrane and percentage of sperm with excessive histone significantly increased, while the relative expression of c-kit and prm 1 significantly decreased in torsion detorsion group (p 0.001). hAMSCs secreted factors remarkably restored normal sperm chromatin condensation, spermatogenesis parameters and histomorphometric organization of seminiferous tubules via intratesticular injection (p 0.001). Thus, hAMSCs secreted factors may potentially salvage torsion-detorsion-induced infertility.

Baicalein Alleviates Testicular Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Model of Testicular Torsion-Detorsion.

Testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischemia/reperfusion injury is partly due to the overgeneration of reactive oxygen species. Baicalein, a main bioactive constituent derived from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, possesses powerful antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we designed the research to explore the possible protective effect of baicalein against testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 groups, including control, testicular ischemia-reperfusion, testicular ischemia-reperfusion+vehicle injection, and testicular ischemia-reperfusion+baicalein therapy groups. The control group received surgical exposure of the left testis without torsion-detorsion. In the testicular ischemia-reperfusion group, the left testis underwent 720° counterclockwise torsion for two hours and then was allowed detorsion. Rats in the testicular ischemia-reperfusion+vehicle injection group received intraperitoneal injection of the vehicle at detorsion. In the baicalein-treated group, the intraperitoneal administration of baicalein dissolved in the vehicle was performed at detorsion. At four hours or three months following testicular detorsion, testicular tissues were removed to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) which can recruit neutrophils into the testis, myeloperoxidase activity (an index of neutrophil infiltration in the testis), protein expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in neutrophils which can catalyze reactive oxygen species production, malondialdehyde concentration (a common marker of reactive oxygen species), and spermatogenesis. Both testicular ischemia-reperfusion and testicular ischemia-reperfusion+vehicle injection significantly increased the TNF-α and IL-1ß levels, myeloperoxidase activity, NADPH oxidase protein expression, and malondialdehyde concentration, while decreased spermatogenesis in ipsilateral testes. In contrast, baicalein administration remarkably reduced TNF-α and IL-1ß levels, myeloperoxidase activity, NADPH oxidase protein expression, and malondialdehyde concentration and also elevated spermatogenesis in ipsilateral testes. The results of our experiment demonstrate that baicalein alleviates testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting TNF-α and IL-1ß secretion, neutrophil infiltration in the testis, and NADPH oxidase protein expression in neutrophils to reduce reactive oxygen species production.

The evaluation of citral effects on experimental unilateral testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury.

This investigation aimed to evaluate the defensive impacts of citral on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced by testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in rats in an experimental model. The grouping of subjects was as follows: (1) sham, (2) T/D, (3) and (4) T/D plus citral 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively, and (5) intact (citral 300 mg/kg). T/D was performed by testicular 720° turning for 2 h and then detorsion for 24 h. Blood serum was obtained to assess testosterone and oxidative stress markers, epididymal sperms were collected for sperm staining and sperm analysis, and testicular tissues were examined for histopathology. T/D damage was associated with a remarkable decline in sperm total count, viability, and some velocity parameters in comparison to the sham group (p < 0.05), which could be reversed significantly by citral (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, T/D damage caused severe oedema, haemorrhage, inflammation, and seminiferous tubules disruption, while citral improved significantly the mean seminiferous tubular diameter, Cosentino's score, and Johnsen's score (p < 0.05). I/R injury was associated with significant increased malondialdehyde and oxidative stress index, and also significant reduced total antioxidant capacity and testosterone versus the sham group (p < 0.05), which all were prevented significantly by citral administration (p < 0.05). The outcomes greatly proved that testicular I/R injury could be significantly prevented by citral.

Oleuropein attenuates testicular ischemia-reperfusion by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the key reason of injury after testicular torsion and may eventually lead to male infertility. Oleuropein, a natural antioxidant isolated from Olea europaea, has shown beneficial effects in different models of ischemia. We evaluated the effects of oleuropein on testicular IRI and explored the underlying protective mechanisms. METHODS: A mouse testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) model and an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) germ cell model were established and treated with oleuropein. H&E staining was used to evaluate testicular pathological changes. Apoptosis and apoptosis-associated protein levels in testis tissues were assessed by TUNEL staining, immunohistochemical staining and western blot. Apoptosis levels and apoptosis-associated protein levels in GC-1 were evaluated by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and western blot. Oxidative stress levels were assessed by malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) kits. Cell viability and inflammatory protein levels were evaluated by CCK-8 assay coupled with qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Relative to the control group, SOD activity was markedly suppressed, while MDA, Bax, Caspase-3, TNF-α as well as IL-1ß levels were significantly increased in the T/D model and OGD/R model. However, all of the aforementioned alterations were relieved by oleuropein treatment. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that oleuropein may be a promising treatment option to attenuate testicular IRI via its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-apoptotic properties.

Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Exosomes Prevent Testicular Torsion Injury via Activating PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 Pathways.

Adipose mesenchymal stromal cell-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exos) have shown great potential in the treatment of oxidative stress induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, alleviation of testicular torsion injury by ADSC-Exos has not been reported. Therefore, we investigated the protective effect of ADSC-Exos against testicular torsion-detorsion injury. ADSC-Exos were isolated by ultracentrifugation and injected into torsion-detorsion-affected testes of rats. H&E staining and sperm quality were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ADSC-Exos, and tissue oxidative stress was measured by determining MDA and SOD levels. In addition, TUNEL staining and immunohistological analysis (Ki67, Cleaved Caspase-3, IL-6, IL-10, CCR7, and CD163) were used to clarify the effects of ADSC-Exos on spermatogenic cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the inflammatory microenvironment in vivo. Possible signaling pathways were predicted using sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis. The predicted signaling pathways were validated in vitro by assessing the proliferation (EdU assay), migration (transwell assay and scratch test), and apoptosis (flow cytometry, TUNEL staining, and western blotting) of spermatogenic cells. The results showed that ADSC-Exos alleviated testicular torsion-detorsion injury by attenuating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. In addition, ADSC-Exos promoted the proliferation and migration of spermatogenic cells and inhibited their apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

ICA II Alleviates Testicular Torsion Injury by Dampening the Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress.

Testicular torsion-detorsion is an ischaemia-reperfusion-induced male gonad injury that may lead to male infertility. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Icariside II (ICA II) prevents oxidative stress and has obvious protective effects on spermatogenic function. The present study was aimed to investigate therapeutic potentials of ICA II on testicular torsion. 72 mice were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated control group (n = 24), testicular ischemia-reperfusion + saline group (n = 24) and testicular ischemia-reperfusion + icariside II treated group (n = 24). Testicular ischemia-reperfusion was induced by the left testis rotated 360 degrees in a clockwise direction for 30 minutes followed by detorsion, the contralateral testis was removed. ICA II in saline (5 mg/kg/day) was administrated by gavage immediately after detorsion. The results demonstrated that ICA II alleviated testicular damage by mitigating spermatogenic cell injury and improving testosterone production in mouse models of testicular torsion. We revealed that ICA II alleviated oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testes, reduced inflammatory infiltration and accelerated angiogenesis. Briefly, ICA II administration ameliorated testicular damage by improving spermatogenic function and testosterone production, which supports its use as a pharmacological treatment of testicular torsion.

Salidroside Exerts Beneficial Effect on Testicular Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

Testicular torsion-detorsion results in testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is associated with overgeneration of reactive oxygen species. Salidroside, a major bioactive ingredient extracted from Rhodiola rosea, has strong antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of salidroside on testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sixty rats were randomly separated into 3 experimental groups: group A = sham-operated control; group B = testicular ischemia-reperfusion; and group C = testicular ischemia-reperfusion treated with salidroside. The rats in the sham-operated control group received all surgical procedures except testicular torsion-detorsion. The testicular ischemia-reperfusion group underwent 2 hours of left testicular torsion followed by detorsion. The rats in the salidroside-treated group received the same surgical procedure as in testicular ischemia-reperfusion group, but salidroside was injected intraperitoneally at reperfusion. Testicular malondialdehyde content (a reliable index of reactive oxygen species) and protein expression of superoxide dismutase and catalase which are primary antioxidant enzymes in testes were measured at 4 hours after reperfusion. Testicular spermatogenesis was evaluated at 3 months after reperfusion. The malondialdehyde content increased significantly, while superoxide dismutase and catalase protein expression and testicular spermatogenesis reduced significantly in ipsilateral testes of testicular ischemia-reperfusion group, as compared with sham-operated control group. Therapy with salidroside significantly reduced malondialdehyde content and significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase and catalase protein expression and spermatogenesis in ipsilateral testes, as compared with testicular ischemia-reperfusion group. The present findings indicate that treatment with salidroside ameliorates testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury by reducing reactive oxygen species level by upregulating superoxide dismutase and catalase protein expression.

Idebenone regulates sirt1/Nrf2/TNF-α pathway with inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in testicular torsion/detorsion in juvenile rats.

Testicular torsion is an emergency, mainly in newborn and adolescent males, resulting in testicular ischemia. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of Idebenone (IDE) on testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in juvenile rats. Thirty-two rats were randomized into: (1) the sham group: rats received sham operations with no other interventions; (2) the IDE group: rats received idebenone (100 mg/kg, i. p) without T/D; (3) the T/D group: rats underwent torsion for 2 h and detorsion for 4 h; and (4) the IDE+ T/D group: rats received IDE 1 h before T/D. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-3, sirtuin type 1 (Sirt1), serum interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), total cholesterol, and testosterone were measured. Histological changes, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factors (Nrf2), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immuno-expressions were assessed. T/D displayed an increase in MDA, NOx, TNF-α, caspase-3, IL-1ß, and total cholesterol with a significant decrease in TAC, Sirt1, and testosterone and strong positive Nrf2 and negative PCNA immuno-expressions. IDE could improve all oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic indicators. Therefore, IDE significantly reduced testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury in the juvenile rat testicular T/D model by limiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via the Sirt1/Nrf2/TNF-α pathway.

Protective effect of remote ischemic postconditioning in rat testes after testicular torsion/detorsion.

BACKGROUND: Testicular torsion/detorsion can lead to severe testicular damage. The organ-protective effect of remote ischemic postconditioning (RLIPost) against ischemia/reperfusion injury has been characterized; however, it remains unknown whether RLIPost has a testicular protective effect. OBJECTIVES: Here, we tested the hypothesis that RLIPost can protect the testes in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to sham-operated, control, or remote liver and limb ischemic postconditioning-treated groups. Testicular torsion/detorsion was performed by 3 h of testicular torsion (720° clockwise unilateral spermatic cord torsion), followed by 3 h of detorsion. For liver and limb ischemic postconditioning, four cycles of 5 min of liver or limb ischemia with 5-min intermittent reperfusion stimuli were conducted at the onset of testicular reperfusion. RESULTS: Liver and limb ischemic postconditioning significantly ameliorated ipsilateral and contralateral testicular swelling responses, preserved morphological integrity and spermatogenesis and inhibited testicular apoptosis. In addition, RLIPost enhanced the phosphorylation of AKT/ERK1/2/GSK-3ß/STAT-3 in the ipsilateral testis while suppressing JNK activation in the ipsilateral and contralateral testes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the involvement of RLIPost in an animal model of testicular torsion/detorsion. We showed that RLIPost protects both ipsilateral and contralateral testes against testicular torsion/detorsion in vivo, via at least in part, the RISK and SAFE-mediated signaling pathways.