The Effects of RAAS Inhibition in Rate Limiting Step by Aliskiren on Testicular Torsion Injury in Rats

PurposeTesticular torsion is a urological emergency. Failure of timely intervention for this issue leads the testicles to go into necrosis. If left untreated, it can lead to loss of the reproductive organs. The aim of this study was to examine the role of aliskiren in testicular torsion and detorsion injuries.Materials and MethodsRats were divided into 8 groups of 12 each, including no torsion-detorsion, no torsion-detorsion plus 200 mg/kg aliskiren orally, torsion, torsion-detorsion, torsion plus 100 mg/kg aliskiren orally, torsion plus 200 mg/kg aliskiren orally, torsion-detorsion plus 100 mg/kg aliskiren orally and torsion-detorsion plus 200 mg/kg aliskiren orally. Aliskiren was administered 30 minutes before ischemia and reperfusion, and also 24 hours before the experimental protocol in all treatment groups. Ischemia and reperfusion were each applied for 2 hours.ResultsTesticular damage decreased superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and increased malondialdehyde in the testis tissues of rats. Aliskiren administration increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and decreased malondialdehyde in the testis tissues. Values were measured by a biochemical autoanalyzer. In addition, this torsion-detorsion damage caused a significant increase in levels of the inflammatory cytokine and agents interleukin-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase, as examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Aliskiren administration decreased these parameters. On pathological evaluation administration of a 200 mg/kg dose of aliskiren was found to protect the testis. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition by aliskiren caused an increase in serum renin levels and a decrease in serum angiotensin II levels.ConclusionsIt appears that aliskiren protects the testis from ischemia-reperfusion damage by regulating inflammation and the oxidant-antioxidant balance via renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition.