Protective effect of tadalafil on ischemia/reperfusion injury of rat ovary

Effect of Formaldehyde and Curcumin on Histomorphological Indices, Gene Expression Associated with Ovarian Follicular Development, and Total Antioxidant to Oxidant Levels in Wistar Rats

The present experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effect of formaldehyde (FA) and curcumin (CUR) on histomorphological features, antioxidant potential, and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of genes related to follicular development in FA-exposed rats. 24 Wistar female rats were divided into four study groups and given intraperitoneal injections of FA (10 mg/kg) (N = 6), FA (10 mg/kg) + CUR (100 mg/kg) (N = 6), sham (N = 6), and control (N = 6) for 14 days. Ovarian follicular histology, the related gene expression, blood factors, and anti/oxidation potentials were assessed using ovarian tissue and serum, respectively. The klotho was significantly overexpressed in the FA group compared with controls and shams. Contradictory, the factor in germ line alpha was significantly down-regulated in FA and FA + CUR groups compared to shams and controls. A significant decline was seen in the number of ovarian follicles in the FA group, independent of the developmental stage. Regarding the comparison of the FA + CUR group to other groups, a significant change was seen in the number of secondary, graafian, and atretic follicles. The FA group demonstrated significantly lower hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration than controls. The activity of glutathione peroxidase increased significantly in the FA group than in the controls. Despite the deleterious effects of FA on histological and molecular aspects of rat ovarian follicles, CUR does not appear to have a protective effect against the hazardous effects of this chemical. However, CUR in some cases has positive effects such as reducing follicular destruction and interstitial edema.

The danger of hyperoxia on the rat kidneys: is tadalafil a real shield?

PURPOSE

Continuous oxygen therapy to compensate for decreased oxygen saturation in the blood is a life-saving treatment used in case lung involvement. Excess oxygen delivery was reported to be a common situation, in which about 50% of the patients showed hyperoxemia and 4% in severe hyperoxemia. In this work, we investigated the effects of hyperoxia on the rat kidneys and whether tadalafil has an effect to reduce this damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three groups of 8 male rats each weighing 300-350 g were formed. The groups were divided into the control group, hyperoxia group, and hyperoxia and tadalafil administered group for 10 days. At the end of the 10th day, blood and kidney samples were taken for biochemical analysis (SOD and NO levels) and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

While our findings showed that SOD levels were significantly different among the control and experimental groups and within the experimental groups, no statistical difference was found in terms of NO levels among the groups (Table 1). While the glomerular and tubular injury was higher in the Hyperoxia group and the Hyperoxia + Tadalafil group than in the control group (p < 0.001), as a result of the rate of severe glomerular and tubular injury in the hyperoxia group, was 62.5% and 43.8% and in the group given tadalafil was 43.8% and 31.3%, respectively (Table 2).

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to hyperoxia condition causes renal glomerular and tubular damage, and tadalafil does not show a protective effect on this damage according to this study's dose and exposure time.

The effect of medical ozone therapy in addition to ovarian detorsion in ischemia reperfusion model

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of ozone therapy on ovarian reserve, number of ovarian follicles, ovarian morphology in a rat ischaemia reperfusion (IR) injury model. Twenty-four, Wistar Hannover rats were included. The rats were divided into three groups as control, detorsion-only, and ozone therapy + detorsion groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the follicular damage and inflammation scores between the study groups (p = .019, p = .002, respectively). The highest AMH decrease was observed in the detorsion-only group (p = .012). The total damage score was higher in the detorsion-only group than the ozone therapy + detorsion group. Preantral, small and large antral follicle numbers were less in the detorsion-only group than the ozone therapy + detorsion group. The highest postoperative day 7 TAS level was in the ozone therapy + detorsion group. TOS levels did not differ significantly between the study groups. The combination of the ozone therapy with ovarian detorsion is more effective in protecting the ovarian reserve than ovarian detorsion-only.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Adnexal torsion is a common gynecological emergency in reproductive-age women. The recommended management is the detorsion of the adnexal pedicle in patients with fertility desire.What do the results of this study add? The combination of the medical ozone therapy with conventional surgical ovarian detorsion is more effective in the protection of the ovarian reserve compared to surgical ovarian detorsion.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study speculates that medical ozone therapy in addition to conventional surgical ovarian detorsion could preserve ovarian reserve and function if confirmed in further clinical studies.

Tadalafil against hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress; an experimental study

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of tadalafil on reactive oxygen species induced by a hyperoxia model in rats, both in terms of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO), and its pathological effects on the corpus cavernosum. Overall, 24 rats were divided into three groups. The control group (eight rats) was not exposed to any intervention. The second group (eight rats), was exposed to hyperoxia in a hyperoxia cabinet for 8 h a day for 10 days. The third group (eight rats) was exposed to hyperoxia the same as in the second group, tadalafil at a dose of 10 mg/kg was given orally as a dissolved form in water in the amount of 10-12 ml/100 g/day to the rats placed in separate cages having removed from the hyperoxia cabin. SOD levels differ enough to create a difference, but there was no significant difference in terms of NO levels. The SOD level was highest in hyperoxia conditions and lowest in the group given tadalafil. While corpus cavernosum hyperemia was found to be higher statistically in the experimental groups than in the control group, we found that the severity of hyperemia was less in the group given tadalafil. The corpus cavernosum was found to be statistically more dilated in the experimental groups than in the control group. We determined that hyperoxia status increased the level of SOD and this level decreased with tadalafil administration, which would make a statistical difference.

Effect of Tadalafil Administration on Redox Homeostasis and Polyamine Levels in Healthy Men with High Level of Physical Activity

Background: The phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5I) tadalafil, in addition to its therapeutic role, has shown antioxidant effects in different in vivo models. Supplementation with antioxidants has received interest as a suitable tool for preventing or reducing exercise-related oxidative stress, possibly leading to the improvement of sport performance in athletes. However, the use/abuse of these substances must be evaluated not only within the context of amateur sport, but especially in competitions where elite athletes are more exposed to stressful physical practice. To date, very few human studies have addressed the influence of the administration of PDE5Is on redox balance in subjects with a fitness level comparable to elite athletes; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate for the first time whether acute ingestion of tadalafil could affect plasma markers related to cellular damage, redox homeostasis, and blood polyamines levels in healthy subjects with an elevated cardiorespiratory fitness level. Methods: Healthy male volunteers (n = 12), with a VO_2max range of 40.1–56.0 mL/(kg × min), were administered with a single dose of tadalafil (20 mg). Plasma molecules related to muscle damage and redox-homeostasis, such as creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG), free thiols (FTH), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), protein carbonyls (PrCAR), and polyamine levels (spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd)) were evaluated immediately before and 2, 6 and 24 hours after the acute tadalafil administration. Results: A single tadalafil administration induced an increase in CK and LDH plasma levels 24 after consumption. No effects were observed on redox homeostasis or antioxidant enzyme activities, and neither were they observed on the oxidation target molecules or polyamines levels. Conclusion: Our results show that in subjects with an elevated fitness level, a single administration of tadalafil induced a significant increase in muscle damage target without affecting plasma antioxidant status.

Sildenafil beyond erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension: Thinking about new indications

Sildenafil, approved two decades ago, is the inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). First of all, it was designated for angina pectoris, but soon it showed a wonderful efficacy in erectile dysfunction (ED) and then pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Due to the distribution of phosphodiesterase (PDE) in almost all organs, maybe it effects other diseases. Hence, a great number of investigations began to understand the role of PDEi in different organs. Preliminary research on sildenafil in cell culture and animal models has yielded promising results. Soon, a greater number of animal researches and clinical trials joined them. The results disclosed sildenafil can have beneficial effects in each organ such as heart, liver, kidney, brain, and intestines. Furthermore, it has significantly improved the prognosis of organ ischemia in various animal models. Clinical trials in several diseases, such as recurrent spontaneous miscarriage, fatty liver disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), heart failure, and premature ejaculation (PE) brought promising results. Although some clinical trials are available on the effects of sildenafil on various diseases, further studies on humans are needed to consolidate the ultimate effects of sildenafil. The aim of this review was to describe the effects of sildenafil on each organ and explain its mechanisms of action. Further, other PDE inhibitors such as tadalafil and vardenafil have been briefly discussed in parts of this review.

The long-term protective effect of hypothermia and gradual detorsion on ovarian tissue in adnexal torsion/detorsion model in rats

INTRODUCTION

Ischemia in ovarian torsion and subsequent reperfusion has significant effects on fertility in the long term. The most important reason for these changes is thought to be a reperfusion injury rather than ischemia. We aimed to evaluate whether the reperfusion injury following ovarian detorsion could be reduced by hypothermia and intermittent reperfusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty adult female rats were divided into five groups as follows: Sham (Sh) (n = 8), torsion detorsion (control TD) (n = 8), progressive reperfusion "gradual detorsion" (GD) (n = 8), hypothermia (H) (n = 8) and the progressive reperfusion + hypothermia (GD + H) (n = 8). In all rats, except for the Sh group, the left ovary was rotated counter clockwise 1080° and fixed to the abdominal wall by three 5-0 non-absorbable sutures followed by the closure of the laparotomy. After 30 h, reperfusion was achieved following the detorsion of the ovaries. In both the control TD and H groups, the torsed ovaries were detorsed. H group, however, was subjected to hypothermia with ice packs 30 min before and during the detorsion. Tissue temperature was kept constant at 4 °C, controlled by a digital thermometer. In the GD group, the torsed ovary and pedicle were detorsed by 360°, followed by a 5 min pause. This procedure was repeated twice until a complete detorsion was achieved. GD + H group underwent hypothermia with ice packs 30 min before the procedure and the torsed ovary and pedicle were detorsed by 360°. After a 5 min pause, we repeated this process twice to provide full detorsion. The tissue temperature was constantly held at 4 °C. In the hypothermia groups, we applied hypothermia for an additional 30 min after detorsion and then left the rats at normal body temperature during reperfusion. We followed the rats in all groups for 60 days. Then we excised the left ovaries of all rats through laparotomy and spared some of the ovaries for biochemical and pathological examination. Intracardiac blood was taken at the end of the procedure and it was sent to the biochemical laboratory to assess oxidative stress markers. Finally, all the animals were sacrificed with high-dose of anesthesia.

RESULTS

Evaluation of the results revealed that oxidative stress markers were significantly lower, and antioxidant parameters were higher in the experimental groups compared with the control TD group (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, we found that tissues were preserved in GD, H, GD + H groups (p < 0.05). When we compared the groups among each other, both biochemical and histopathological values in GD + H group showed that the tissue was preserved from oxidative damage, albeit the difference did not reach a level of significance.

DISCUSSION

Several studies have shown that both hypothermia and intermittent reperfusion protect tissue from IR damage in the early period. However, as far as we know there is no study on long-term outcomes of both practices. Our study showed that both hypothermia and intermittent reperfusion alone protect tissue from IR damage in the long term. However, it did not show the superiority of the combination of both methods compared to that of individual application. The advantages of these methods lie in their easy application and cost-effectiveness. We believe that our study will serve as a base for future studies on the subject.

Sildenafil Citrate: Novel Therapy in the Management of Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian torsion is defined as partial or complete rotation of ovarian vascular pedicle, leading to the obstruction of venous outflow and arterial inflow. It is an emergency condition with an incidence of 2%–15% in patients with adnexal masses. The main risk in ovarian torsion is an ovarian mass or an enlarged ovary with a long pedicle. Due to the rotation of ovarian tissue axis on its vascular pedicle, there is compression of vessels followed by stromal edema, hemorrhagic infarction, and necrosis of adnexa. Expedient diagnosis poses a difficult challenge because clinical presentation is a variable and often misleading. We report a case of right ovarian torsion after oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization, where vaginal sildenafil citrate was successfully used to reduce ovarian edema by improving venous drainage. It also helped in maintaining ovarian tissue perfusion and preventing reperfusion injury and spontaneous detorsion of the ovary without any surgical intervention.

Effect of lutein on methotrexate-induced oxidative lung damage in rats: a biochemical and histopathological assessment

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lutein on methotrexate (MTX)-induced pulmonary toxicity in rats biochemically and histopathologically.

METHODS

The rats in the MTX + lutein (MTXL, n = 6) group were given 1 mg/kg of lutein orally. A 0.9% NaCl solution was administered orally to the MTX (n = 6) group and the healthy group (HG, n = 6). One hour later, a single 20 mg/kg dose of MTX was injected intraperitoneally in the MTXL and MTX. Lutein or 0.9% NaCl solution was administered once a day for 5 days. At the end of this period, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total glutathione (tGSH), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured in the lung tissues from the animals euthanized with 50 mg/kg thiopental sodium anesthesia. Subsequently, histopathological examinations were performed.

RESULTS

The levels of MDA, MPO, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the lung tissue of the MTX were significantly higher than those of the MTXL and HG groups (p < 0.0001), and the amount of tGSH was lower. The histopathological findings in the MTX group, in which the oxidants and cytokines were higher, were more severe.

CONCLUSION

Lutein prevented the MTX-induced oxidative lung damage biochemically and histopathologically. This result indicates that lutein may be useful in the treatment of MTX-induced lung damage.

Current state and future possibilities of ovarian tissue transplantation

BACKGROUND

As a result of recent developments in cancer treatment, cancer survivorship and survivors' quality of life have been emphasized. Although ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is an experimental technique, it would be the sole technique for fertility preservation treatment for girls with malignant disease. Indeed, OTC requires ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) for conception. As for OTC, there is room to investigate OTT. The present review focused on the current state and progress of OTT.

METHOD

The literature regarding OTT, which is currently under development, was reviewed.

MAIN FINDINGS

To improve the outcome of OTT, both efficacy and safety are important. Good surgical technique and the optimal site are important surgical factors, with orthotopic transplantation increasing. Treatment of growth factors, gonadotropins, antioxidants, apoptosis suppression factors, and cell therapy may improve the efficacy of OTT by inducing neo-angiogenesis and preventing damage. Artificial ovaries, complete in vitro primordial follicle culture technique, and non-invasive ovarian imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography, to select the best ovarian tissue are future possibilities.

CONCLUSION

Improving neo-angiogenesis and preventing damage with optimization, as well as investigation of future techniques, may bring us to the next stage of a fertility preservation strategy.

Tadalafil attenuates ischemic damage as well as reperfusion injury in the rat ovary

Objective:

Tadalafil is a selective phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor with a long half-life. It has a dual function in ischaemic and re-perfused tissues, i.e. vasodilatation and anti-oxidant effects. These features of tadalafil distinguish it from other anti-oxidants. We investigated the dual effect of tadalafil on ischaemia and reperfusion injury in the rat ovary.

Material and Methods:

We established five study groups. Group 1 (n=6): sham-operated; group 2 (n=6): torsion; group 3 (n=6): torsion and Tadalafil; group 4 (n=6): torsion/de-torsion; and group 5 (n=6): torsion/de-torsion and tadalafil. Ovarian samples were harvested from animals and evaluated in terms of histopathologic changes, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, lactate production, and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).

Results:

Follicular degeneration, oedema, haemorrhage, and inflammatory cells were significantly decreased in group 5 in comparison with group 4. Group 2 and group 3 were compared in terms of vascular congestion and haemorrhage; these parameters were significantly decreased in group 3. In addition, significantly decreased MDA and lactate concentrations were observed in group 5 in comparison with group 4. Increased cGMP concentrations were detected in group 3 and group 5.

Conclusion:

We conclude that tadalafil might be useful in protecting the ovary against ischaemia and reperfusion injury. In the evet of ovarian torsion, it will provide a greater therapeutic effect than only performing de-torsion of the ovary or using other anti-oxidant agents.

Does progesterone have protective effects on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury?

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of progesterone (PG) against ovarian ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury through the evaluation of biochemical and histopathologic parameters.

Material and Methods:

Twenty-one female Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. Group 1: Sham; group 2: I/R; group 3: I/R+PG (8 mg/kg). PG was administered intraperitoneally to the rats in group 3, 30 minutes before a detorsion operation. Ovarian I/R injury was evaluated in serum and tissue by using biochemical parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and immunofluorescence staining by using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

Results:

Serum and tissue TOS levels were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2. Tissue TAS levels were higher in group 3 than in group 2 (p<0.001). NGAL and MDA levels were similar between the groups. Histologic score, including vascular congestion, hemorrhage, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and interstitial edema, was higher in group 2. Pre-treatment with PG decreased the score, but this difference was not statistically significant. The number of apoptotic cells was higher in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3. The TUNEL-positive cell number decreased with PG in group 3.

Conclusion:

Preoperative PG treatment might exert protective effects on ovarian I/R injury through its anti-apoptotic and antioxidative properties.

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibition as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke: A systematic review of preclinical studies

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), such as sildenafil (Viagra®) are widely used for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Preclinical studies suggest that PDE5i may improve functional outcome following ischemic stroke. In this systematic review we aimed to evaluate the effects of selective PDE5i in animal models of brain ischaemia. A systematic search in Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library was performed including studies in English assessing the effects of selective PDE5i. 32 publications were included describing outcome in 3646 animals. Neuroprotective effects of PDE5i were dependent on the NO-cGMP-PKG-pathway. These included reduced neuronal apoptosis (n=3 studies), oxidative stress (n=5), and neuroinflammation (n=2). PDE5i increased angiogenesis and elevated regional cerebral blood flow in the ischemic penumbra, and improved functional recovery. Some studies found that PDE5i treatment reduced lesion volume (n=9), others found no effect (n=9). Treatment was effective when administered within 24h post-ischemia, though treatment delayed to seven days improved outcome in one study. This review demonstrates both neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of PDE5i in animal models of stroke, though the specific underlying signaling pathways relating to PDE5 inhibition and cGMP may remain serendipitous in some studies. There is currently limited evidence on the effects of selective PDE5i in human stroke patients, hence translation of preclinical results into clinical trials may be warranted.

Influence of the PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil on redox status and antioxidant defense system in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), widely known for their beneficial effects onto male erectile dysfunction, seem to exert favorable effects onto metabolism as well. Tadalafil exposure increases oxidative metabolism of C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. A rise in fatty acid (FA) metabolism, requiring more oxygen, could induce a larger reactive oxygen species (ROS) release as a byproduct thus leading to a redox imbalance. The aim of this study was to determine how PDE5I tadalafil influences redox status in skeletal muscle cells to match the increasing oxidative metabolism. To this purpose, differentiated C2C12 skeletal muscle cells were treated with tadalafil and analyzed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione levels as marker of redox status; enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) engaged in antioxidant defense; and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein carbonyls (PrCar) as markers of oxidative damage. Tadalafil increased total intracellular glutathione (tGSH), CAT, SOD, and GPx enzymatic activities while no changes were found in TAC. A perturbation of redox status, as showed by the decrease in the ratio between reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), was observed. Nevertheless, it did not cause any change in TBARS and PrCar levels probably due to the enhancement in the antioxidant enzymatic network. Taken together, these data indicate that tadalafil, besides improving oxidative metabolism, may be beneficial to skeletal muscle cells by enhancing the enzymatic antioxidant system capacity.

Protective effects of intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries: Histological and biochemical assessments in a rat model

PURPOSE

Ovarian torsion must be diagnosed and treated as much early as possible. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries.

METHODS

Thirty healthy male Wistar rats weighing approximately 250g were randomized into six experimental groups (n=5): Group Sham: The rats underwent only laparotomy. Group I: A 3-h ischemia only. Group I/R: A 3-h ischemia and a 3-h reperfusion. Group I/Nimodipine: A 3-h ischemia only and 1mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine 2.5h after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/Nimodipine: A 3-h ischemia, a 3-h reperfusion and 1mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine 2.5h after induction of ischemia.

RESULTS

Nimodipine treated animals showed significantly ameliorated development of ischemia and reperfusion tissue injury compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). The significant higher values of SOD, tGSH, GPO, GSHRd and GST were observed in I/R/Nimodipine animals compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). The damage indicators (NOS, MDA, MPO and DNA damage level) were significantly lower in I/R/Nimodipine animal compared to those of other groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine could be helpful in minimizing ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian tissue exposed to ischemia.

Effects of phosphodiestrase type 5 inhibitors in epinephrine-induced arrhythmia in rats: Involvement of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase downregulation and adiponectin expression

Cardiac arrhythmia is a common cause of mortality, and its progression may be due to abnormal sympathetic nerve activity and catecholamine release. Besides, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) downregulation and adiponectin expression play important roles in promoting coronary artery disease. The study aimed to examine the possible cardioprotective effect of members of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors in epinephrine-induced arrhythmia in rats. Arrhythmia was induced by cumulative boluses of epinephrine (4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 mg/kg) given at 10-min intervals. Rats were randomly allocated into five groups. Group I: Normal control group received only saline. Group II: Rats injected with epinephrine and served as arrhythmia group. Groups III, IV, and V: Rats received daily oral sildenafil (0.5 mg/kg), vardenafil (3 mg/kg), and tadalafil (10 mg/kg), respectively, for 30 days prior to epinephrine injections. Injection of epinephrine to rats decreased heart rate and QTc interval but increased RR interval and duration of arrhythmia. Epinephrine group had lower serum reduced glutathione (GSH) and adiponectin levels and higher serum malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), heart LDH, and CK contents. Histopathological investigations of epinephrine group provoked necrotic changes with strong positive immunoreactivity for caspases-3. While pretreatment of rats with PDE-5 inhibitors improved GSH and adiponectin contents, ameliorated serum MDA and NO levels and heart LDH and CK contents and corrected epinephrine-induced histopathological changes. PDE-5 inhibitors may delay epinephrine-induced arrhythmia through expression of adiponectin and downregulation of heart LDH and CK.

Functional and Structural Evaluation of Sildenafil in a Rat Model of Acute Retinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

PURPOSE

Retinal ischemia is a common cause of visual impairment and blindness. Sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor which inhibits cGMP degradation and in turn prolongs the effect of nitric oxide, has been shown to be protective in a number of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries, as well as in neuronal damage. We hypothesized that treatment with sildenafil might be neuroprotective in a model of acute retinal I/R injury.

METHODS

Anterior chamber cannulation was performed to induce unilateral I/R injury in 38 Lewis rats. Animals received intraperitoneal injections of sildenafil (0.5 and 1 mg/kg once a day, for a period of 7 and 18 days, respectively), or saline. Electroretinography recordings, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) counts following retrograde labeling with fluorogold, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against PDE5, NOS2, caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bcl-2 were conducted.

RESULTS

No significant differences in electroretinography, RGC counts, or retinal morphometry were observed between experimental eyes of sildenafil- and saline-treated animals. A tendency toward less necrosis in histopathology, and a slight trend toward lower PDE5, NOS2, and caspase-9 and higher Bcl-2 IHC scores were evident in experimental retinas of sildenafil-treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroretinography, RGC counts, and retinal morphometry failed to show any neuroprotective effect of sildenafil in acute retinal I/R injury in rats. A slight positive effect of sildenafil was qualitatively indicated by histopathology and IHC.

The effects of tadalafil and pentoxifylline on apoptosis and nitric oxide synthase in liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tadalafil (TDF) and pentoxifylline (PTX) on hepatic apoptosis and the expressions of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (eNOS and iNOS) after liver ischemia/reperfusion (IR). Forty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8) as follows: sham group; IR group with ischemia/reperfusion alone; low-dose and high-dose TDF groups received 2.5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg TDF, respectively; and PTX group received 40 mg/kg PTX. Blood was collected for the analysis of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, uric acid, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). MDA and TAC also were measured in liver tissue. Histopathological examination was performed to assess the severity of hepatic injury. Apoptosis was evaluated using the apoptosis protease-activating factor 1 (APAF-1) antibody; the expressions of eNOS and iNOS were also assessed by immunohistochemistry in all groups. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, uric acid, MDA, and TAC, tissue MDA and TAC levels, hepatic injury, and score for extent and for intensity of eNOS, iNOS, and apoptosis protease-activating factor 1 were significantly different in TDF and PTX groups compared to the IR group. High dose-TDF and PTX have the best protective effect on IR-induced liver tissue damage. This study showed that TDF and PTX supplementation may be helpful in preventing free oxygen radical damage, lipid peroxidation, hepatocyte necrosis, and apoptosis in liver IR injury and minimizing liver damage.

Protective effects of udenafil citrate, piracetam and dexmedetomidine treatment on testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties of udenafil citrate (1.4 mg kg(-1) -2.8 mg kg(-1) ), dexmedetomidine 25 μg kg(-1) and piracetam 200 mg kg(-1) administered on ipsilateral/contralateral testes after ischaemia in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) and define its protective effect histologically. Fifty-six Wistar albino rats were included and randomly assigned into 6 groups. No intervention was performed in control group (Group 1, n = 8) and in torsion/detorsion group, (Group 2, n = 8). Udenafil 1.4 mg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 3, n = 10), udenafil 2.8 mg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 4, n = 10), piracetam 200 mg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 5, n = 10) and dexmedetomidine 25 μg kg(-1) was given to torsion/detorsion group (Group 6, n = 10) intraperitoneally after 60 mins of testicular torsion. Biochemical and histopathological testicular injury were evaluated. When the tissue was examined by TOS values, Group 3, Group 4 and Group 5 were significantly lower than Group 2. In contrary Group 6 values were significantly higher than Group 2. The increasing doses of udenafil demonstrated antioxidant properties on the testis tissue and histopathological that protects the testicles.

Protective effects of ellagic acid and ozone on rat ovaries with an ischemia/reperfusion injury

AIM

This study investigated the effects of the antioxidant agents, ozone (O) and ellagic acid (EA), on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries developed from an ovarian torsion-detorsion model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Arteries in the left ovaries of rats were clamped for two hours to achieve torsion, and then the clamps were removed for a two-hour detorsion period. Thirty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: control: administered only with anesthesia, rats were not subjected to torsion-detorsion; I/R: subjected to torsion and subsequent detorsion, without administering any treatment agent; and I/R + EA, I/R + O and I/R + O + EA: subjected to torsion and detorsion processes and administered with EA, O or EA + O at the 75th minute of torsion. The rats were then sacrificed under general anesthesia and the ovarian tissues were excised. The tissues were homogenized and levels of glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. Tissue damage was evaluated in terms of histopathological parameters, such as hemorrhage, congestion, edema and inflammation.

RESULTS

Antioxidant enzyme activity and MDA levels in the ovary tissue increased in the I/R group and decreased in the O, EA and O + EA groups (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that tissue damage in the O, EA and O + EA groups decreased in comparison with the I/R group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These biochemical and histopathological findings suggest that EA and O are effective against ovarian I/R injury.

The effect of hypothermia on adnexal torsion/detorsion injury in a rat ovary model

PURPOSE

Much attention has been given to hypothermia as it is effective in inhibiting inflammatory responses and also ischemia/reperfusion injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hypothermia on torsion/detorsion injury in rats.

METHODS

Twenty-eight rats were randomly divided into four groups of sham-operated (SG), adnexal torsion/detorsion group (TG), adnexal torsion/detorsion+hypothermia group (THG) and hypothermia group (HG). In the SG group, right ovaries were excised after 3-h fixation to abdominal wall. In the TG, right adnexal underwent 720° torsion in a counterclockwise direction for 3h and then excised after 3-h detorsion period. In the THG, after 3-h torsion period, ovaries were immediately subjected to hypothermia (4°C) for 30-min and they were excised after 3-h detorsioned period. In the HG, the right ovaries were subjected to hypothermia for 30-min and excised after 3-h fixation period. One half of each ovary was immediately stored for antioxidant enzyme activity and tissue lipid peroxidation. The remainder was fixed for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Adnexal torsion and detorsion significantly increased the tissue level of Malondialdehyde, Superoxide dismutase and Reduced glutathione. On the other hand, hypothermia significantly reduced these oxidative stress parameters. The histopathological changes were less in the THG group; these changes were not statistically different from the other groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggested that hypothermia inhibited the production of oxidative stress in the ovaries subjected to torsion/detorsion injury.

Protective effect of sodium nitroprusside on the rat small intestine transplanted mucosa

The intestinal mucosal epithelium is extremely susceptible to even brief periods of ischemia. Mucosal barrier damage, which is associated with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and consequently bacterial translocation, remains a major obstacle for clinically successful small bowel transplantation (SBT). Previous studies have demonstrated a protective effect of nitric oxide (NO) on other transplanted organs and NO mediated intestinal protection has also been reported in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), NO donor, on graft mucosal histology and molecular markers of function after SBT in rats. We used SNP in different period of heterotopic SBT rats. The groups consisted of SBT, pre-SNP group, and post-SNP group. Interestingly, the pre-SNP graft samples exhibited less damage compared to the SBT and post-SNP samples. In addition, mucosal samples from the pre-SNP group showed higher Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and higher levels of laminin expression compared to the SBT and post-SNP samples. The findings of the present study reveal that SNP given before graft ischemia/reperfusion injury has a protective effect on mucosal histology and molecular markers of function in the transplanted small intestine.

Tadalafil enhances working memory, and reduces hippocampal oxidative stress in both young and aged mice

Tadalafil, a type-5 phosphodiesterase enzyme inhibitor with long half-life used to treat erectile dysfunction. Recently it has been reported that tadalafil improves cognitive function. Here, we aimed to investigate the age dependent effects of tadalafil on memory, locomotor, behavior, and oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Tadalafil was orally administered everyday (5 mg/kg) to young (2 months) and old (16 months) healthy mice for 4 weeks. Control mice from each group received equal volume of 0.9% normal saline for the same duration. Memory and locomotor activity were tested using radial arm maze and open field test respectively. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and advanced protein oxidation product (APOP) was analyzed and catalase activity was determined from the isolated hippocampus. Treatment with tadalafil in aged mice improves working memory than the corresponding tadalafil treated young mice in radial arm maze test. Tadalafil treated mice traveled less distance in the center and the mean speed of tadalafil treated aged mice was significantly lower than the tadalafil treated young mice in open field test. Tadalafil treatment elicited a decrease of MDA level in the hippocampus of aged mice than that of young mice. APOP level was decreased only in aged mice treated with tadalafil. Treatment with tadalafil decreased NO and increased catalase activity in both young and aged mice. On the basis of previous and our findings, we conclude that tadalafil treatment reduces oxidative stress while increased cGMP level in the hippocampus might be responsible for memory enhancement.

Protective effect of ethyl pyruvate on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat ovary: biochemical and histopathological evaluation

BACKGROUND

To investigate the protective effect of ethyl pyruvate (EP), an anti-oxidant agent, against ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model of ovarian torsion, considering biochemical and histopathological aspects.

METHODS

Forty Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups: Group I, sham operation; Group II, ischemia alone, Group III, ischemia-reperfusion; Group IV, ischemia-reperfusion+50 mg/kg EP; and Group V, ischemia-reperfusion+100 mg/kg EP. Through laparotomy, 360° torsion was performed and maintained for 3 h, and detorsion was maintained for a further 3 h. Intraperitoneal EP was given 30 min before the surgical procedure. Ovarian tissues and blood samples were obtained after surgery. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) levels were measured in both plasma and tissue samples. Tissue sections were evaluated histopatologically. Analysis of variance was used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

In both serum and tissue samples, ADMA and MDA levels were found to be significantly lower in the EP groups compared with the ischemia alone and ischemia-reperfusion groups (p=0.0001). However, no significant difference was found between groups treated with 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg EP. On histopathological evaluation, the total tissue injury score was found to be lower in rats treated with EP. No significant difference was detected between groups treated with 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg EP.

CONCLUSION

Ethyl pyruvate may exert positive effects in ischemia-reperfusion injury in cases of ovarian torsion. However, no difference was detected between 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg EP.

Neuroprotective effects of tadalafil on gerbil dopaminergic neurons following cerebral ischemia

Impairment of dopamine function, which is known to have major effects on behaviors and cognition, is one of the main problems associated with cerebral ischemia. Tadalafil, a long-acting phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor, is known to ameliorate neurologic impairment induced by brain injury, but not in dopaminergic regions. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of treatment with tadalafil on cyclic guanosine monophosphate level and dopamine function following cerebral ischemia. Forty adult Mongolian gerbils were randomly and evenly divided into five groups (n = 8 in each group): Sham-operation group, cerebral ischemia-induced and 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg tadalafil-treated groups, respectively. Tadalafil dissolved in distilled water was administered orally for 7 consecutive days, starting 1 day after surgery. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate assay and immunohistochemistry were performed for thyrosine hydroxylase expression and western blot analysis for dopamine D₂ receptor expression. A decrease in cyclic guanosine monophosphate level following cerebral ischemia was found with an increase in thyrosine hydroxylase activity and a decrease in dopamine D₂ receptor expression in the striatum and substantia nigra region. However, treatment with tadalafil increased cyclic guanosine monophosphate expression, suppressed thyrosine hydroxylase expression and increased dopamine D₂ receptor expression in the striatum and substantia nigra region in a dose-dependent manner. Tadalafil might ameliorate cerebral ischemia-induced dopaminergic neuron injury. Therefore, tadalafil has the potential as a new neuroprotective treatment strategy for cerebral ischemic injury.

Effect of detorsion alone and in combination with enoxaparin therapy on ovarian reserve and serum antimüllerian hormone levels in a rat ovarian torsion model

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of enoxaparin on ovarian reserve and serum antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels in a rat ovarian torsion model.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

SETTING

Experimental surgery laboratory in a training and research hospital.

ANIMAL(S)

Fourteen female Wistar Hannover rats.

INTERVENTION(S)

1) Control group received no special treatment other than abdominal exposure; 2) detorsion-only group received bilateral adnexal torsion (3-hour ischemia), and then after 3-hour torsion period, detorsion (reperfusion) was performed; and 3) detorsion-enoxaparin group received 0.5 mg/kg enoxaparin subcutaneously 2 hours before the same surgery as the detorsion-only group and a second 0.5 mg/kg dose of enoxaparin 24 hours after the first surgeries. Apart from the surgeries, preoperative and postoperative 1-mL blood samples were drawn from the right jugular vein of each rat.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Preoperative and postoperative serum AMH levels, histopathologic damage scores, and follicle counts in the ovarian tissue of the rats.

RESULT(S)

Vascular congestion and hemorrhage scores were higher in the detorsion-enoxaparin group than in the detorsion-only and control groups. The number of small antral follicles was smaller in the detorsion-only group than in the control group. The difference in the pre- and postoperative AMH levels was higher in the detorsion-only group than in the control and detorsion-enoxaparin groups.

CONCLUSION(S)

The combination of enoxaparin therapy with conventional ovarian detorsion is more effective in protecting the ovarian reserve than detorsion alone.

The protective effect of single dose tadalafil in contrast-induced nephropathy: an experimental study

Objective:

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the most common causes of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients. The direct toxic effect of contrast media; ischemic damage caused by reactive oxygen species; increased perivascular hydrostatic pressure; high viscosity and changes in the activity of vasoactive substances play important roles in the pathogenesis. Tadalafil inhibits the phosphodiesterase enzyme which destroys nitric oxide. Nitric oxide causes renal vasodilatation, increases renal medullar blood flow and mediates the removal of free oxygen radicals. Drugs that increase levels of nitric oxide are expected to reduce the development of contrast nephropathy due to contrast media. We aimed to test the hypothesis that tadalafil reduces the development of contrast nephropathy due to contrast toxicity.

Methods:

A total of 24 female Wistar albino rats, three groups of eight, were included in the study. After 48 hours of dehydration, contrast media (meglumine diatrozoate, 6 mL/kg) was administered to the first group, and contrast media with tadalafil (10 mg/kg) was administered to the second group. The third group served as the control group. Blood and tissue samples were taken 48 hours after this procedure.

Results:

Serum cystatin C, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values were significantly lower in the contrast with tadalafil group compared to the group given only contrast. Serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly lower in the contrast with tadalafil group than in the contrast only group.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate the protective effect of tadalafil in the prevention of CIN in rats.

Effects of tadalafil on ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat brain

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is caused by lack of blood supply to the brain. The accumulation of toxic products such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs on reperfusion, when the occlusion is removed. The resulting oxidative stress results in the initiation of pathways leading to necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Tadalafil (TAD) prevents the accumulation of ROS and increases antioxidant cellular protective mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TAD treatment against short-term global brain I/R injury in rats. The study was carried out on 30 Wistar-albino rats, which were divided into three groups including a control group (n = 10), an I/R group (n = 10) and an I/R + TAD group (n = 10) (2 mg/kg/day for 4 days before ischemia). At the end of the experiment, tissue samples were collected for both biochemical and histopathological analyses. Malondialdehyde was significantly lower in the TAD-administered group (9.06 ± 0.15) than in the I/R group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in nitric oxide levels in the TAD-administered group compared to the I/R group. The mean superoxide dismutase level was significantly higher in the I/R-TAD group than the I/R group. There was no statistically significant difference in glutathione peroxidase levels in I/R + TAD group compared to I/R group. Histopathologically, TAD-administered group provided significant morphological improvement compared to the I/R group. We concluded that TAD prevented I/R-induced neurotoxicity as shown by obtained biochemical and histopathological findings.

Tadalafil significantly reduces ischemia reperfusion injury in skin island flaps

Introduction:

Numerous pharmacological agents have been used to enhance the viability of flaps. Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury is an unwanted, sometimes devastating complication in reconstructive microsurgery. Tadalafil, a specific inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 is mainly used for erectile dysfunction, and acts on vascular smooth muscles, platelets and leukocytes. Herein, the protective and therapeutical effect of tadalafil in I/R injury in rat skin flap model is evaluated.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty epigastric island flaps were used to create I/R model in 60 Wistar rats (non-ischemic group, ischemic group, medication group). Biochemical markers including total nitrite, malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were analysed. Necrosis rates were calculated and histopathologic evaluation was carried out.

Results:

MDA, MPO and total nitrite values were found elevated in the ischemic group, however there was an evident drop in the medication group. Histological results revealed that early inflammatory findings (oedema, neutrophil infiltration, necrosis rate) were observed lower with tadalafil administration. Moreover, statistical significance (P < 0.05) was recorded.

Conclusions:

We conclude that tadalafil has beneficial effects on epigastric island flaps against I/R injury.

Protective effects of erythropoietin and N-acetylcysteine on methotrexate-induced lung injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

Methotrexate (MTX) is known to have deleterious side effects on lung tissue. We aimed to investigate the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) on MTX-induced lung injury in rats.

STUDY DESIGN

Animal experiment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. Sham group, 0.3 mL saline; MTX group, 5 mg/kg MTX; EPO group, 5mg/kg MTX and 2000 IU/kg EPO; NAC group, 5 mg/kg MTX and 200 mg/kg NAC were administered once daily for 4 consecutive days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and inflammation and congestion scores in lung tissues were evaluated.

RESULTS

In MTX group MDA were significantly higher, CAT and SOD were significantly lower than in sham, EPO and NAC groups (p<0.005). In EPO group MDA, CAT, and SOD were higher, but not significant than those in group NAC (p>0.005). In group MTX both scores were significantly higher than in sham (p<0.005). The congestion score of group MTX was significantly higher than those of group EPO and NAC (p<0.005).

CONCLUSION

EPO and NAC have significant preventive effects on MTX-induced lung injury in rats. Decreased antioxidant capacity and increased MDA level may cause the oxidative damage in MTX group. Also, higher antioxidant capacity and lower MDA level may be a response to oxidative stress in EPO and NAC groups.

Selenium has a protective effect on ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat ovary model: biochemical and histopathologic evaluation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of selenium (Se) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries.

METHODS

Thirty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 7): sham (S), I/R1, I/R2, Se1, and Se2. In the I/R1 and Se1 groups, 4 hours of ischemia was followed by 6 hours of reperfusion, and in the I/R2 and Se2 groups, 4 hours of ischemia was followed by 12 hours of reperfusion. In the Se groups, 30 minutes before reperfusion, a single dose of 0.2 mg/kg Se was administered intraperitoneally. The ovarian tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured biochemically. Tissue damage to ovarian tissue was scored by histopathologic examination.

RESULTS

The I/R groups had significantly higher MDA levels and lower CAT, SOD, and GPx activities than the sham group (P < .05). Although NO levels were significantly higher in the I/R1 group than in the sham group (P < .05), the NO levels in the I/R2 and sham groups were similar. Selenium pretreatment significantly lowered tissue MDA and NO levels and increased tissue SOD and GPx activities in the Se groups, compared with those in the I/R groups (P < .05). Catalase activities were significantly higher in the Se2 group than in the I/R2 group (P < .05). Catalase activities were higher in the Se1 group than in the I/R1 group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Treatment with Se significantly decreased the ovarian tissue damage scores in the Se2 group compared with those in the I/R2 group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Selenium is effective in preventing tissue damage induced by I/R in rat ovaries.

Effects of low-dose, long-term formaldehyde exposure on the structure and functions of the ovary in rats

Formaldehyde (FA) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. However, the effects of FA exposure on reproduction are still a matter of scientific controversy. In this study, we assessed the ovarian toxicity of long-term, low-dose FA exposure in rats and explored the potential oxidative stress mechanisms. A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly allotted to three groups, in which rats were exposed to FA at a dose of 0 mg/m(3) (control), 0.5 mg/m(3) and 2.46 mg/m(3), respectively, by inhalation consecutively for 60 days. The results showed that the ovarian toxicity of FA is dose dependent. Ovarian structure and function in the group of rats exposed to 0.5 mg/m(3) FA showed no obvious difference when compared with those in the control group. However, the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly decreased, whereas the level of malondialdehyde was significantly increased in ovaries of rats exposed to 2.46 mg/m(3) FA. Moreover, histopathological results demonstrated that the number and size of mature follicles significantly decreased, vascular congestion and interstitial edema in the ovaries of rats exposed to 2.46 mg/m(3) FA. In conclusion, this study may suggest that the FA level of 0.5 mg/m(3) can be considered as a safe level for FA exposure, but long-term FA exposure at a dose of 2.46 mg/m(3) has a harmful effect on ovary by inducing oxidative stress.

Effects of sildenafil citrate on torsion/detorsion-induced changes in red blood cell and plasma lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, and blood hematology of male rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to determine effects of intrapertoneally-administered sildenafil citrate (SC) for prevention testicular injury after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in rats on red blood cell (RBC) and plasma lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and blood hematology.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty seven adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: sham operated (group 1), T/D+saline (group 2), T/D+0.7mg SC (group 3) and T/D+1.4mg SC (group 4). Testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720° in a clockwise direction for 2h in all the groups, except for group 1.

RESULTS

Our results showed that that testicular injury significantly induced erythrocyte reduced glutathion (GSH) (p<0.05), malondialdehyde (MDA) in RBC (p<0.01) and plasma (p<0.05) and blood lymphocyte (p<0.01) counts. Administration of low dose SC led to significantly increase in the levels of RBC GSH (p<0.05), plasma paraoxonase (PON1) (p<0.01), nitric oxide (NO) (p<0.01) and blood lymphocyte counts (p<0.01), but to decreases in the levels of MDA in plasma and RBC, blood mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p<0.05) and eosinophil counts (p<0.05). Treatment with high dose SC caused a significantly increase in PON1, vitamin E and β-carotene in plasma, levels of GSH in RBC and blood lymphocyte counts. On the other hand, results showed that high dose sildenafil significantly decreased plasma and RBC MDA levels. Total tissue damage scores of the group 2 were significantly higher than group 1 and 3.

CONCLUSION

Low dose SC appears to be beneficial in reducing the effects of injury to the testicular torsion.