Effects of melatonin on testis histology, oxidative stress and spermatogenesis after experimental testis ischemia-reperfusion in rats.
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences, vol.16, no.5, pp.582-8, 2012 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 16 Issue: 5
- Publication Date: 2012
- Journal Name: European review for medical and pharmacological sciences
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.582-8
- Lokman Hekim University Affiliated: No
Abstract
Background: Testicular torsion due to oxidative stress results in infertility and testicular damage which can be preventable an important health problem worldwide.
Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the changes of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) levels; histopathological alterations; morphology, concentration and motilities of the sperm in post ischemic reperfused (I/R) testis tissue.
Materials and methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were carried out and were randomized to five groups; (1) Control group, (2) Ipsilateral left testis ischemia, (3) Melatonin plus ipsilateral left testis ischemia, (4) Contralateral right testis ischemia, 5. Melatonin plus contralateral right testis ischemia. After 1 h ischemia and 24 h perfusion; MDA, TAS and TOS levels were measured, histopathological alterations were determined using by Johnsen's score (JS) and sperm morphology, concentration, motility were examined.
Results: MDA, TAS and TOS levels of the testis tissue did not change in all groups (p > 0.05 for all). JS was decreased in I/R group and melatonin treatment reversed histopathological changes and increased JS both in ipsilateral and contralateral testis. Abnormal sperm rate significantly increased in I/R group and melatonin administration changed abnormal sperm rate to normal.
Conclusions: As a result, the present study demonstrated that testicular damage occurs following I/R without an increase of MDA, TAS and TOS levels. Our results also suggested that melatonin is a potent antioxidant agent in preventing testicular I/R injury, as shown by increased JS and changed abnormal sperm rate.