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

Background: Testicular tor- sion 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 oxi- dant status (TOS) levels; histopathological alter- ations; morphology, concentration and motili- ties of the sperm in post ischemic reperfused (I/R) testis tissue. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male Wis- tar 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 is- chemia, 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 us- ing by Johnsen's score (JS) and sperm morpholo- gy, 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 in- creased 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 fol- lowing I/R without an increase of MDA, TAS and TOS levels. Our results also suggested that melatonin is a potent antioxidant agent in pre- venting testicular I/R injury, as shown by in- creased JS and changed abnormal sperm rate.