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The effects of curcumin on sperm biological parameters and underlying mechanisms in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) induced testicular injury in rats
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Sajad Salehiyeh   , Ali Nabi |
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Abstract: (263 Views) |
Introduction: Spermatic cord torsion is a common urologic emergency that can harm testicular tissue and decrease fertility via oxidative stress. Curcumin (CUR), an agent with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, has crucial effects in preventing I/R injuries in various organs. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of CUR on testicular I/R damage.
Methods and Materials: An experimental study was conducted on 18 adult rats. The rats were divided into three groups, namely Sham-operated (SO), Torsion/detorsion (T-D), and Torsion/detorsion+Curcumin (CUR) groups, by random distribution. The induction of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was carried out via dual surgical procedures, involving the counterclockwise rotation of the left testis to a 720° angle, followed by detorsion after two hours. The administration of curcumin was performed thirty minutes before the detorsion process. Sperm parameters (motility, vitality, morphology, and count), oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD), histopathological factors (seminiferous tubular diameter, germinal epithelial cell thickness), sperm chromatin dispersion test for DNA fragmentation, Real-time RT-PCR technique for gene expression (Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3), and the TUNEL technique for the detection of germ cell apoptosis were performed in this study.
Results: Sperm parameters significantly decreased in I/R group compared to the sham group. Administration of curcumin remarkably improved sperm parameters and DFI compared to I/R group. Although curcumin increased SOD activity, it decreased the levels of MDA as well as gene expression (Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3) and the percentage of apoptotic cells. In addition, the thickness and diameter of seminiferous tubules were preserved in the curcumin group.
Conclusion: CUR can be used as an effective antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent in reducing damage caused by testicular I/R. These results strongly suggested that curcumin may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for safeguarding against testicular I/R in rats.
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| Keywords: Testicular Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), Curcumin, Sperm, Oxidative stress, Apoptosis |
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Full-Text [PDF 260 kb]
(37 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2023/12/17 | Accepted: 2023/08/23 | Published: 2023/08/23
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