Upregulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha by fenofibrate in induced testicular ischemia reperfusion

Torsion of the spermatic cord is a common urological emergency among infants and adolescents that can lead to testicular necrosis and infertility. We investigated the effect of fenofibrate (FEN) on induced testicular ischemia reperfusion (testicular (I-R). FEN (100, 300 mg/kg/day) was administered orally in presence or absence of testicular (I-R). We measured testicular weight changes and serum testosterone level. In addition; Testicular tissue reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrites (NOx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. Moreover; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) immunoexpressions and histopathology were evaluated. Testicular (I-R) induced group showed significant decrease in serum testosterone level and testicular weight with increase in testicular tissue MDA and NOx levels. Testicular (I-R) induced group showed the histopathological changes of marked testicular damage according to Johnsen's score. In addition, there was significant reduction in GSH and SOD testicular tissue levels but significant increase in TNF-α and NF-κB immunoexpressions. FEN was able to markedly improve testicular (I-R) induced changes through its action on peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα), anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.