Original ArticleThe effects of melatonin and colchicine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in experimental rat testicular torsion model

PurposeThe aim of the present study is to investigate the efficiency of colchicine and melatonın in an experimental rat testicular torsion model in the light of histological and biochemical data.MethodsA total of 34 Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups as: Group C (control, n = 6), Group S (sham; underwent only left scrotal exploration, n = 7), Group TD (torsion and detorsion; 6 h of ischemia and 7 days of reperfusion, n = 7), Group TD/M (TD + Melatonin; 6 h of ischemia and 7 days of reperfusion and 7 days of 17 mg/kg intraperitoneal melatonin per day, n = 7), group TD/Col (TD + Colchicine; 6 h of ischemia and 7 days of reperfusion and 7 days of 1 mg/kg oral colchicine per day, n = 7). Histopathologic evaluation of seminiferous tubule deterioration was performed by Johnsen's scoring system. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), IL-6, TNF alpha levels were analyzed in each group.ResultsThe histopathologic scores, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), IL-6, TNF alpha levels in groups C and TD/Col were significantly lower than groups TD and TD/M (P < .001).ConclusionOur study results revealed that colchicine reduced testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury in experimental rat testis torsion model. Although detorsion of testis is crucial for the preserving the testicular viability, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatment modalities like colchicine might help to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury in detorsed testis.