Oxidative stress induced by torsion of the spermatic cord in young rats

Abstract

Purpose:To evaluate the effects of the oxidative stress in an experimental model of torsion/detorsion of the spermatic cord and the legitimacy of this model for oxidative stress studies. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomized in two groups (n=24): G-1 (Sham) and G-2 (Ischemia/Reperfusion). All rats received intraperitoneal saline injections (2.0 ml), at 21, 9, and 1 h before right spermatic cord torsion or first sham operation. Detorsion or second sham operation was carried out 3 h later followed by testis and blood samples collection (T-0). Additional samples were collected at 1-3-6 h time-points for assessment of testis malonaldehyde, glutathione, and plasma total antioxidant power (TAP). Results: Spermatic cord torsion/detorsion induced a significant increase in testicular malonaldehyde contents and a significant decrease in glutathione concentrations in ischemic rats compared with sham animals. Additional increase in malonaldehyde levels occurred during reperfusion in G-2 rats. TAP was similar in both groups denoting absence of systemic effects in this study. Conclusion: Torsion/detorsion of the spermatic cord for 3 h induces significant lipid peroxidation and reduction in glutathione content of the testis and is, therefore, a valid model for studying the oxidative stress effects of the ischemia/ reperfusion injury in young rat testis. Key words: Antioxidants. Testis. Oxidative stress. Malonaldehyde. Glutathione. Rats. RESUMOObjetivo: Investigar os efeitos do estresse oxidativo utilizando um modelo experimental de torção/destorção do cordão espermático e a aplicabilidade do modelo para estudo do estresse oxidativo. Métodos: Foram utilizados 48 ratos distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos (n=24): G-1 (Simulado) e G-2 (Isquemia/Reperfusão). Todos os animais receberam injeções intraperitoniais de solução salina (2,0 ml) 21-9-1 horas antes da torção ou primeira operação simulada. A destorção/ segunda operação simulada (T-0) foi realizada após 3 horas, com coleta das amostras (testículo e sangue arterial) nesta ocasião e após 1-3-6 horas para determinação das concentrações de malonaldeído, glutationa e capacidade antioxidante total do plasma (CAT). Resultados: a torção do cordão espermático induziu aumento significante das concentrações de malonaldeído e redução simultânea das concentrações de glutationa nos ratos do grupo G-2, comparados ao grupo simulado. Ocorreu aumento adicional das concentrações de malonaldeído durante a reperfusão (G-2). A capacidade antioxidante total do plasma foi semelhante nos dois grupos estudados, denotando ausência de efeitos sistêmicos. Conclusão: A torção durante 3 horas seguida de destorção do cordão espermático induz um nível significante de peroxidação lipídica e redução da concentração de glutationa constituindo-se um modelo válido para o estudo dos efeitos do estresse oxidativo decorrente da lesão de isquemia/reperfusão no testículo de ratos jovens.

Lycopene, an Antioxidant Carotenoid, Attenuates Testicular Injury Caused by Ischemia/Reperfusion in Rats

“…ROS-induced oxidative stress was increased in testicular tissue following detorsion, indicates the reperfusion injury (Guimaraes et al 2007). ROS are highly reactive oxidizing agents belonging to the class of free-radicals, which contain one or more unpaired electrons (Sikka 1996).…”

Antioxidant Systems and Oxidative Stress in the Testes

“…Even short periods of ischaemia, for 3 hours or less, can lead to a high levels of oxidative stress in the testes, depletion of testicular glutathione levels and the consequent disruption of spermatogenesis. Significantly, the level of peroxidative damage observed in testicular tissue increases following detorsion, indicating the induction of reperfusion injury 54. The biochemical basis for reperfusion injury is thought to involve a key metabolic enzyme, xanthine dehydrogenase, which becomes converted to a xanthine oxidase during ischaemia, due to oxidation of essential -SH groups and/or a limited proteolytic clip.…”

Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Antioxidant Enzyme and GLUT 8 Expression in Testes of Type 2 Diabetic Rats

“…Significantly, the level of peroxidative damage observed in testicular tissue increases following detorsion, indicating the induction of reperfusion injury. 54 The biochemical basis for reperfusion injury Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2008; Vol. 1 Issue 1 male germ line and high rates of embryonic loss in mated females (dominant lethal effect).…”