Introduction: Testicular torsion is a serious urologic problem that can cause dysfunction of the testis and fertility loss due to ischemia. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) with its high convergence of growth factor can possess a beneficial role in regenerative therapy particularly ischemia/reperfusion (1/R) injury.
Aim of the work: To evaluate the possible ameliorating effect of PRP in the I/R injury in testicular torsion rat model.
Materials and Methods: Thirty two adult male albino rats were used. 24 were assigned into three groups, with eight in each: Group I (Control group). Group II (Ischemia/reperfusion group) (I/R group): subjected to left testicular torsion for two hours followed by detorsion .Group III (PRP-treated I/R group) subjected to left testicular torsion for two hours followed by detorsion and PRP was injected into the testis parenchyma upon detorsion. The PRP was prepared from the remaining eight rats. Testicular sections were taken and stained with H&E, toluidine blue and immunohistochemical staining against PCNA & Bcl-2 and other samples were processed for transmission electron microscopic study. Western blot assay for caspase -3 and transforming growth factors- β(TGF-β) protein expressions. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) measurement were performed. Blood samples are collected for testosterone hormone and Inhibin-B levels assays. Morphometric and statistical analysis were done.
Results: Light microscopic examination revealed testicular structural changes in I/R group, marked damage of the testis, defective spermatogenesis with wide areas of cell loss. Injection of PRP in group III resulted in improvement of testicular tissue changes .This was proved ultrastructurally and by the morphometric results, which showed significant changes in serum testosterone, Inhibin-B levels, MDA, GSH, and SOD measurement of group II when compared to the control group and was documented by Western blot assay for caspase -3 and TGF-β.
Conclusion: Platelet rich plasma could be promising to have an effective role in treatment for rescuing the testis from ischemia/reperfusion injury. PRP could use as a therapeutic plan for regeneration after I/R to avoided orchidectomy.