Pentoxifylline promotes spermatogenesis via upregulation of the Nrf2-ARE signalling pathway in a mouse model of germ-cell apoptosis induced by testicular torsion-detorsion

Abstract

Context. Testicular torsion-detorsion results in loss of germ cells and infertility. Pentoxifylline has been shown to prevent tissue damage. Aims. To determine the effect of pentoxifylline on germ cell survival in torsion-detorsion induced apoptosis Methods. Twenty male mice were divided into four groups of five animals each: Control, T1 (Torsion-detorsion + single dose 100 mg/kg Pentoxifylline/IP), T2 (Torsion-detorsion + daily 20 mg/kg pentoxifylline/IP for 2 weeks, and T/D (Torsion-detorsion only). 35th day after torsion-detorsion, the left testes of all the animals were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis. Key results. Histomorpholoical analysis showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in seminiferous tubule diameter, Johnsen's score and germ cells of Control and T1 compared to T2 and T/D, with no significant difference (P > 0.05) in testis weight, sertoli, leydig and myoid cells. Tunnel assay showed significant increase (P < 0.05) in apoptotic cells of T/D and T2 animals compared to Control and T1. RT-PCR analysis showed significant high (P < 0.01) mRNA expression of Bax gene in T/D compared to T1 and T2 and significant increase (P < 0.05) of Bcl2 in Control, T1, T2 compared to T/D. Nrf2-ARE transcripts revealed significant increase (P < 0.05) in Control and T1 compared to T2 and T/D. Western blot showed significantly increased (P < 0.05) caspase-3 in T/D compared to Control, T1 and T2. Conclusion. Pentoxifylline promotes spermatogenesis and suppressed apoptosis induced by testicular torsion-detorsion. Implication. Pentoxifylline could serve as adjunct therapy to surgery in the treatment of torsion-detorsion induced germ cell apoptosis.