Berberine inhibits the ischemia-reperfusion induced testicular injury through decreasing oxidative stress

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of berberine (BBR) on oxidative stress in an experimental testicular I/R injury model. Methods Eighteen rats were divided into three groups: control group, torsion-detorsion (T/D) group, and BBR + T/D group. In the pre-treatment of the BBR group, 200 mg/kg BBR was given intraperitoneally 30 min before detorsion. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were determined using colorimetric methods. Histological evaluation of the tissue samples was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results In T/D group, tissue MDA, TOS, and oxidative stress index levels were higher than control group. These increases were significantly reversed with BBR pre-treatment. Although Johnsen scores were lower in T/D group than the control group, BBR pre-treatment recovered the Johnsen scores. Conclusion These results suggest that BBR can inhibit I/R-induced testicular injury by suppressing oxidative stress. Further studies may prove that BBR is a useful agent as an adjunctive treatment in surgical repair in human cases.