Effects of melatonin on testis histology, oxidative stress and spermatogenesis after experimental testis ischemia-reperfusion in rats

M. Koksal 1, E. Oguz 2, F. Baba 3, M. Ali Eren 4, H. Ciftci 5, M.E. Demir 4, Z. Kurcer 6, G. Take 7, F. Aral 8, A.R. Ocak 9, N. Aksoy 10, T. Ulas 4

1 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa (Turkey)
2 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa (Turkey)
3 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya (Turkey)
4 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa (Turkey)
5 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa (Turkey)
6 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Bu?lent Ecevit University, Zonguldak (Turkey)
7 Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara (Turkey)
8 Bor Vocational School, Nigde Un?vers?ty, Nigde (Turkey)
9 Department of Biochemistry, Kanuni Diyarbak?r Research and Education Hospital, Diyarbak?r (Turkey)
10 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa (Turkey)

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• Pharmacology

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.

Corresponding Author: Mete Köksal, MD; e-mail: mkoksal@harran.edu.tr; metekok89@hotmail.com