Protective effects of crocin on testicular torsion/detorsion in rats

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.

The potential prophylactic and therapeutic impacts of niacin on ischemia/reperfusion injury of testis

INTRODUCTION

The testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is characterized by the excessive aggregation of un-scavenged reactive oxygen species, leading to the heightened levels of oxidative stress. This phenomenon plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of testicular torsion damage.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to detect the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of niacin on testicular I/R injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-four healthy adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three groups as follows: (1) sham group, (2) torsion/detorsion (T/D) group, and (3) treatment group which received 200 mg/kg niacin along with testicular T/D. Torsion/detorsion was induced by 2 h of torsion followed by 10 days of reperfusion period. In the treatment group, niacin was injected 30 min before the reperfusion period intraperitoneally and continued for 10 days by oral gavage.

RESULTS

T/D was associated with marked decreases in terms of sperm count, viability, and kinematic parameters versus the sham group (P < 0.05), which niacin significantly reverted the kinematic parameters (P < 0.05). I/R injury caused a significant increase in the number of abnormal epididymal sperms compared to the sham group (P < 0.05). Niacin decreased the epididymal sperm abnormality significantly compared to the T/D group (P < 0.05). Tissue abnormalities in T/D group, such as edema, hyperemia, inflammation, and necrosis were completely visible histopathologically, while the histological changes in the niacin-treated group were better than those in the T/D group. Regarding the pathological parametric evaluations, I/R injury significantly reduced the mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS), germinal epithelial cell thickness (GECT), and mean seminiferous tubular diameter (MSTD), and increased the tubular hypoplasia/atrophy (THA) compared to the sham group (P < 0.05), which niacin treatment significantly improved the MTBS and GECT compared to the T/D group (P < 0.05). T/D significantly increased the oxidative stress index (OSI) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) (P < 0.05). Niacin significantly reduced the OSI and MDA levels compared to the T/D group (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

The current study found that niacin has preventive/therapeutic effects against the elevation of oxidative stress markers and depletion of antioxidants during I/R injury. Following administration of niacin, a reduction in histologic injury was observed in rats. In our study, we showed the antioxidant properties of niacin and its capacity to protect against I/R damage.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present investigation revealed that niacin, as an antioxidant agent, can suppress the oxidative stress induced by testicular I/R injury, and can be used as a supplementary agent in the treatment of those undergoing testicular torsion surgery.

Apoptosis and DNA damage mediated by ROS involved in male reproductive toxicity in mice induced by Nickel

Nickel (Ni) is the most important environmental pollution in the world. Ni has been confirmed to have multi-organ toxicology and carcinogenicity. Recently, Ni also can impair the male reproductive system, however, its precious mechanism still has not been clarified. The current work found that nickel chloride (NiCl2) induced histopathological lesions in testis. And, the Johnsen's score, seminiferous tubule diameter, and spermatogenic epithelium thickness were decreased in NiCl2-treated mice. The number of spermatogonium, primary spermatocyte, and round spermatid also were significantly reduced after Ni treatment. Next the potential molecular mechanism was measured. NiCl2 treatment elevated ROS production in the testis. Additionally, NiCl2 was found to induce apoptosis with features including up-regulation of Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-12, while down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. In the meantime, the marker protein of DNA damage γ-H2AX was significantly increased in NiCl2-primed mice testis. To clarify effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in apoptosis and DNA damage induced by NiCl2, NiCl2 was used to co-treat antioxidant NAC (N-Acetyl-L-cysteine). NAC weakened ROS production induced by NiCl2, and played an inhibition role in apoptosis and DNA damage. Moreover, co-treatment using NiCl2 and NAC group also eliminated spermatogenesis disorders. In summary, research results reveal the relations of spermatogenesis disorder induced by NiCl2 with apoptosis and DNA damage mediated by ROS and apoptosis in the testis.

Genetic and histopathological analysis of spermatogenesis after short-term testicular torsion in rats

BACKGROUND

Patients with testicular torsion (TT) may exhibit impaired spermatogenesis from reperfusion injury after detorsion surgery. Alteration in the expressions of spermatogenesis-related genes induced by TT have not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

Eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped as follows: group 1 (sham-operated), group 2 (TT without reperfusion) and group 3 (TT with reperfusion). TT was induced by rotating the left testis 720° for 1 h. Testicular reperfusion proceeded for 24 h. Histopathological examination, oxidative stress biomarker measurements, RNA sequencing and RT-PCR were performed.

RESULTS

Testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury induced marked histopathological changes. Germ cell apoptosis was significantly increased in group 3 compared with group 1 and 2 (mean apoptotic index: 26.22 vs. 0.64 and 0.56; p = 0.024, and p = 0.024, respectively). Johnsen score in group 3 was smaller than that in group 1 and 2 (mean: 8.81 vs 9.45 and 9.47 points/tubule; p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury significantly upregulated the expression of genes associated with apoptosis and antioxidant enzymes and significantly downregulated the expression of genes associated with spermatogenesis.

CONCLUSION

One hour of TT followed by reperfusion injury caused histopathological testicular damage. The relatively high Johnsen score indicated spermatogenesis was maintained. Genes associated with spermatogenesis were downregulated in the TT rat model.

IMPACT

How ischemia/reperfusion injury in testicular torsion (TT) affects the expressions of genes associated with spermatogenesis has not been fully elucidated. This is the first study to report comprehensive gene expression profiles using next generation sequencing for an animal model of TT. Our results revealed that ischemia/reperfusion injury downregulated the expression of genes associated with spermatogenesis and sperm function in addition to histopathological damage, even though the duration of ischemia was short.

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.

Protective effects of empagliflozin on testicular injury induced by torsion/detorsion in adult male rats

INTRODUCTION

Testicular torsion is a known urologic emergency condition and one of the common causes of infertility in males. Hence, prompt diagnosis and treatment play a crucial role in prevention of testicular injury. It has been observed that empagliflozin, a drug for management of hyperglycemia, has anti-oxidative properties against different pathologies, the most important of which are ischemia reperfusion related injuries.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of empagliflozin on a testicular torsion injury in adolescent rats followed by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) phenomena.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty-six rats were randomly assigned into three groups including sham-operated group received all surgical procedures except testicular torsion-detorsion, torsion/detorsion + dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as vehicle, and torsion/detorsion + empagliflozin (10 mg/kg). Testicular torsion was performed for 2 h through rotating right testis 720° in the clockwise direction. Thirty minutes before detorsion, a single intraperitoneal dose of empagliflozin was injected to treatment group. Four hours later, orchiectomy was conducted for histopathological and biochemical examinations of testicular tissue specimens.

RESULTS

The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the torsion/detorsion animals was markedly greater than in the animals under sham operated procedure. Moreover, the testicular MDA levels in the torsion/detorsion + empagliflozin group were significantly lower than in the torsion/detorsion group. Also, significant decreases observed in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in the torsion/detorsion group in comparison with sham operated group. These values were significantly improved in the empagliflozin group. Furthermore, histopathological examinations also revealed severe testicular injury which were improved by empagliflozin administration.

DISCUSSION

Empagliflozin prevented increases in oxidative stress markers and subsequently reduced the tissue injury induced by torsion/detorsion in the current study.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that administration of empagliflozin before prevents I/R related cellular damage in testicular torsion, possibly via oxidative stress inhibition.

Crocin improves the renal autophagy in rat experimental membranous nephropathy via regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a glomerular disease. Crocin is isolated from saffron and gardenia. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-tumor, free-radical scavenging and neuroprotective activities have been well established. We investigated the biological functions of crocin and its related mechanisms in MN. We established an experimental passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) rat model induced by anti-Fx1A antiserum. The rats were divided into sham, sham + crocin, PHN, PHN + crocin, and PHN + enalapril groups. Blood samples and kidneys of rats were collected for estimation of biochemical parameters in serum and oxidative stress indicators in kidney tissues. Histopathological changes of renal tissues were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson staining. The podocyte number was estimated by immunohistochemistry staining of Wilms tumor type 1 (WT1). The deposition of rat anti-rabbit IgG antibodies, complement C3 and C5b-9 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting was performed to measure the levels of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and apoptosis-related proteins. The total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urine volume and urine albumin of PMN rats were significantly reduced by crocin. Additionally, crocin attenuated the renal histopathological changes. Moreover, the oxidative stress damage and podocyte loss and immune injury were relieved by crocin in PHN rats. Mechanistically, crocin administration activated the Sirt1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. The results provide a scientific basis that crocin could alleviate MN by inhibiting immune injury and podocyte damage through activating the Sirt1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Role of augmenter of liver regeneration on testicular ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion injury: An experimental study

Background

Testicular torsion causes ischemic injury, and torsion causes reperfusion injury.

Aim

Evaluating the role of augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) in testicular ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Materials and Method(s)

Seventy-eight (78) healthy Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into four groups; control (C) (n = 6), sham (S) (n = 24), torsion (T) (n = 24), and torsion/detorsion (T/D) (n = 24). S, T, and T/D groups were divided into four subgroups (n = 6) as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hours. Blood, tissue ALR, and histology analyses were performed between groups and subgroups.

Results

The increase in plasma ALR values at the 3rd and 4th hours compared to the 1st hour in the T group were significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). In the T/D group, a significant increase was observed in plasma ALR values at the 3rd and 4th hours compared to the 1st hour (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). Plasma ALR values at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hours were higher in the T and T/D groups than in the C group (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively). Plasma ALR values were higher in the T group at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hours than in the S group (P < 0.05). A significant increase was observed in tissue ALR at the 3rd and 4th hours than at the 1st hour in the T group (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). A significant increase was observed in tissue ALR at the 3rd and 4th hours than in the 1st hour in the T/D group (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively).

Discussion

ALR in plasma and testicular tissue has a potential role in the early diagnosis of testicular torsion and in predicting the prognosis of T and T/D.

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.

The effects of natural active substances in food on the toxicity of patulin

Patulin (PAT) is a mycotoxin, a secondary metabolite mainly produced by fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Byssochlamys, and Penicillium. Many studies have looked into the potential impacts of this mycotoxin due to its high risk. Researchers are currently doing a more in-depth investigation of and employing physical, chemical, and biological ways to remove PAT. However, existing technology cannot completely remove it, and the residual PAT will continue to pose a threat to human health. As a result, substances capable of reducing PAT toxicity need be discovered. According to previous studies, natural components in food could reduce the toxicity of PAT. This article will review the different types of active compounds and discus the detoxification processes, as well as give recommendations for decreasing the toxicity of PAT and future research directions.

Protective effects of curcumin on ischemia/reperfusion injury

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a term used to describe phenomena connected to the dysfunction of various tissue damage due to reperfusion after ischemic injury. While I/R may result in systemic inflammatory response syndrome or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, there is still a long way to improve therapeutic outcomes. A number of cellular metabolic and ultrastructural alterations occur by prolonged ischemia. Ischemia increases the expression of proinflammatory gene products and bioactive substances within the endothelium, such as cytokines, leukocytes, and adhesion molecules, even as suppressing the expression of other "protective" gene products and substances, such as thrombomodulin and constitutive nitric oxide synthase (e.g., prostacyclin, nitric oxide [NO]). Curcumin is the primary phenolic pigment derived from turmeric, the powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin has strong antiinflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. It also prevents lipid peroxidation and scavenges free radicals like superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, NO, and hydroxyl. In our study, we highlight the mechanisms of protective effects of curcumin against I/R injury in various organs.

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.

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.