Milrinone ameliorates ischaemia-reperfusion injury in experimental testicular torsion/detorsion rat model

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.

Protective effect of curcumin on testicular damage caused by carbon tetrachloride exposure in rats

Context Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) is a chemical that is still widely used in industry and has been shown to cause structural defects in rat testicles through oxidative stress. Aims In our study, the effect of curcumin on CCl4 -mediated testicular damage was investigated. Methods Twenty-four adult Wistar albino male rats weighing 300-350g were divided into four groups: control group (olive oil was applied by gavage every consecutive day for 3weeks); curcumin and CCl4 +curcumin groups (200mg/kg curcumin dissolved in olive oil was given by gavage once a day, every consecutive day for 3weeks); and CCl4 and CCl4 +curcumin groups (0.5mL/kg CCl4 was dissolved in olive oil at a ratio of 1/1 and given by i.p. injection every other day for 3weeks). Tissue samples were examined histopathologically, histomorphometrically, immunohistochemically and biochemically. Key results CCl4 disrupted both testicular morphology and testosterone synthesis, whereas curcumin treatment resulted in an improvement in testicular morphology and biochemical parameters, as well as a decrease in caspase-3 and tumour necrosis factor-α expression. Conclusions Curcumin has a protective effect on testicular tissue damage caused by CCl4 with its anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and antioxantioxidant properties. Implications Curcumin can prevent testicular damage due to CCl4 , an environmental pollutant.

Pathophysiology and management of testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury: Lessons from animal models

Testicular torsion is a urological emergency that involves the twisting of the spermatic cord along its course. Compelling pieces of evidence have implicated oxidative stress-sensitive signaling in pathogenesis of testicular I/R injury. Although, surgical detorsion is the mainstay management; blockade of the pathways involved in the pathogenesis may improve the surgical outcome. Experimental studies using various testicular I/R models have been reported in a bid to explore the mechanisms associated with testicular I/R and evaluate the benefits of potential therapeutic measures; however, most are limited by their shortcomings. Thus, this review was intended to describe the details of the available testicular I/R models as well as their merits and drawbacks, the pathophysiological basis and consequences of testicular I/R, and the pharmacological agents that have being proposed to confer testicular benefits against testicular I/R. This provides an understanding of the pathophysiological events and available models used in studying testicular I/R. In addition, this research provides evidence-based molecules with therapeutic potentials as well as their mechanisms of action in testicular I/R.

Testicular torsion in vivo models: Mechanisms and treatments

BACKGROUND

Testicular torsion is a condition in which a testis rotates around its longitudinal axis and twists the spermatic cord. This in turn results in a significant decrease in blood flow and perfusion of testicular tissue. During Testicular torsion, the testicular tissue is affected by ischemia, heat stress, hypoxia, and oxidative and nitrosative stress. The testicular torsion should be considered an emergency condition and surgical intervention (testicular detorsion ) as the sole treatment option in viable cases involves counter-rotation on twisted testes associated, when possible, to orchipexy, in order to avoid recurrence. Possible testicular detorsion side-effects occur due to reperfusion and endothelial cells injury, microcirculation disturbances, and intense germ cells loss.

OBJECTIVES

To discuss testicular torsion surgery-based methods, different time frames for testicular torsion induction, and the associated pathophysiology by emphasizing cellular and molecular events as well as different therapeutic agent applications for testicular torsion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed all original research and epidemiological papers related to testicular torsion condition.

RESULTS

Testicular torsion causes germ cell necrosis, arrested spermatogenesis, and diminished testosterone levels, with consequent infertility. Among different involved pathophysiological impacts, testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischemia seems to play the key role by leading the tissue toward other series of events in testis. Numerous studies have used adjuvant antioxidants, calcium channel blockers, anti-inflammatory agents, or vasodilating agents in order to decrease these effects.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, no previously conducted study examined therapeutical agents' beneficial effects post clinical I/R condition in humans. Different agents targeting different pathophysiological conditions were used to ameliorate the ischemia/reperfusion-induced condition in animal models, however, none of the administrated agents were tested in human cases. Although considering testicular detorsion surgery is still the golden method to reverse the testicular torsion condition and the surgical approach is undeniable, the evaluated agents with beneficial effects, need to be investigated furthermore in clinical conditions. Thus, furthermore clinical studies and case reports are required to approve the animal models proposed agents' beneficial impacts.

MiR-195-5p is involved in testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury by directly targeting PELP1 and regulating spermatogonia pyroptosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), which is characterized by testicular torsion and causes permanent impairment of spermatogenic function, is linked with pyroptosis. Studies have implicated endogenous small non-coding RNAs in IRI development across various organs. In this study, we elucidated the mechanism underlying miR-195-5p's action in regulating pyroptosis in testicular IRI.

METHODS

We established two models, namely a testicular torsion/ detorsion (T/D) mouse model and an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-treated germ cell model. 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 CCK-8 and LDH assays, whereas expression patterns of inflammatory proteins were measured using ELISA, immunofluorescence, and western blot assays. miR-195-5p interaction with PELP1 was validated by conducting the luciferase enzyme reporter test.

RESULTS

Pyroptosis-related proteins NLRP3, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly upregulated following testicular IRI. A similar pattern was observed in the OGD/R model. miR-195-5p was significantly downregulated in mouse IRI testis tissue and OGD/R-treated GC-1 cells. Notably, miR-195-5p downregulation promoted whereas its upregulation attenuated pyroptosis in OGD/R-treated GC-1 cells. Furthermore, we found that PELP1 is a miR-195-5p target. miR-195-5p attenuated pyroptosis in GC-1 cells by inhibiting PELP1 expression during OGD/R, and this protective effect was blocked upon miR-195-5p downregulation. Collectively, these results indicated that miR-195-5p inhibits testicular IRI-induced pyroptosis by targeting PELP1, suggesting that it has the potential to serve as a novel target for the future development of therapies for testicular torsion.

Serine Administration Improves Selenium Status, Oxidative Stress, and Mitochondrial Function in Longissimus Dorsi Muscle of Piglets with Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) causes oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle. Serine and selenoproteins are involved in anti-oxidative processes; however, whether IUGR affects selenium status and whether serine has beneficial effects remain elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of serine administration on selenium nutritional status and oxidative stress in the longissimus dorsi muscle of piglets with IUGR. Six newborn Min piglets having normal birth weight were administered saline, and 12 IUGR piglets were either administered saline or 0.8% serine. The results showed a lower selenium content in skeletal muscle in IUGR piglets, which was restored after serine administration. IUGR piglets showed a disturbed expression of genes encoding selenoproteins, with decreased expression of GPX2, GPX4, TXNRD1, and TXNRD3 and increased expression of DIO1, DIO2, SELF, SELM, SELP, and SELW. Notably, serine administration restored the expression levels of these genes. In accordance with the changes in gene expression, the activity of GPX, TXNRD, and DIO and the content of GSH and SELP were also altered, whereas serine administration restored their contents and activities. Moreover, we observed severe oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle of IUGR piglets, as indicated by decreased GSH content and increased MDA and PC content, whereas serine administration alleviated these changes. In conclusion, our results indicate that IUGR piglets showed a disturbed expression of genes encoding selenoproteins, accompanied by severe oxidative stress. Serine administration can improve selenium status, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial function in the longissimus dorsi muscle of piglets with IUGR. These results suggest that serine could potentially be used in the treatment of IUGR in piglets.

Conditioned medium of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells improves sperm parameters and reduces histological alteration in rat testicular ischaemia/reperfusion model

Testis ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) plays a vital role in male infertility. Recent studies have demonstrated that paracrine factors of mesenchymal stem cells exert the transplanted cells' reparative effects. The present experimental study aimed to investigate the effects of conditioned medium (CM) of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). In this study, 21 rats were separated into three groups of 7 animals: sham, I/R and I/R plus CM. Sperm parameters were measured at the end of this study. Moreover, histological parameters were examined. 2-Deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay was done to assess the apoptotic cells. The count of adhered neutrophils was measured in subtunical venules. Testicular I/R led to a significant reduction in the viability and concentration of sperm and resulted in a significant elevation in the rate of abnormal sperms in comparison with sham. The CM-treated group demonstrated a significant reduction in the rate of abnormal sperm and a significant elevation in the viability and concentration of sperm compared with the I/R group. Based on the morphometric analysis, in the I/R group, epithelial thickness and seminiferous tubule diameter significantly decreased in comparison with sham. A significant reduction was seen between the I/R and sham groups regarding the mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) value. However, an improvement was observed in the I/R + CM group MTBS value in comparison with the I/R group. TUNEL assay showed that the apoptotic cells in the seminiferous tubules belonging to the I/R group were significantly higher compared with the control. Nevertheless, apoptotic cells were reduced in the I/R + CM group compared with the I/R group. Results of the present study showed that CM of BMMSCs exerts protective effects on the testicular I/R damages.

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-1β 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.

Testicular torsions in veterinary medicine

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive comparison of spermatic cord torsion in domestic animals. Spermatic cord torsion leads to occlusion of testicular blood flow resulting in ischemia and tissue hypoxia. Spermatic cord torsion has been reported in all domestic mammals but dogs and horses are overrepresented. Abdominal pain (colic), anorexia, vomiting, lameness, and stiff gait are the most common clinical signs reported. The condition may be asymptomatic in cases of a low degree of spermatic cord torsion. In dogs, spermatic cord torsion is most commonly reported in undescended testes, which in some cases are neoplastic. However, in horses, spermatic cord torsion occurs more commonly in scrotal testes. Surgical treatment for spermatic cord torsion depends upon the degree and duration of torsion. If the affected testis is located within the scrotum and determined to still be viable, detorsion with orchidopexy can be performed. Orchiopexy of the unaffected scrotal testis is also recommended in stallions. If the affected testis cannot be salvaged, unilateral or bilateral orchidectomy is recommended. In all cases of spermatic cord torsion of an undescended testis, orchidectomy is recommended. Veterinarians should be aware of the clinical signs and treatment options for spermatic cord torsion in domestic mammals.

Astaxanthin Protects Testicular Tissue against Torsion/Detorsion-Induced Injury via Suppressing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Rats

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of astaxanthin (ASX) on testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) damage in rats in terms of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

METHODS

Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups with six rats in each group: control, T/D and T/D + 20 mg/kg ASX. Torsion and detorsion times were applied as 4 h and 2 h, respectively. ASX application was performed 30 minutes before detorsion. At the end of the period, testicular tissues were removed and biochemical and histological analyzes were performed. To evaluate the degree of oxidative stress, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were determined using colorimetric methods, while tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined using ELISA kit. To evaluate the degree of ER stress, tissue glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) levels were determined using ELISA kits. Johnsen's testicle scoring system was used for histological evaluation.

RESULTS

In the T/D group, it is determined that statistically significant decreasing in TAS, SOD levels and Johnsen score, and increasing in TOS, OSI, MDA, GRP78, ATF6 and CHOP levels (p < 0.001) compared with control group. ASX administration statistically significantly restored this T/D-induced damage (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show that ASX prevent T/D-induced testicular damage through its antioxidant activity. More comprehensive studies are needed to see the underlying mechanisms.