Mechanism mediating the protective effect of diacerein in ischemia-reperfusion- induced testicular injury in rats

Aims: Torsion of the spermatic cord is a common urologic emergency and can lead to testicular necrosis and infertility. Diacerein (DIA) is interleukin-1b (IL-1b) blocker which has a protective role against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, however, to-date this role has not been investigated in testicular ischemia-reperfusion (TIR). We aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of action of DIA in induced TIR. Main methods: DIA (50 mg/kg) was administered i.m (intramuscular) to rats in the presence or absence of TIR. Testicular weight changes and serum testosterone and total cholesterol levels were evaluated. In addition; the level of testicular tissue reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrites (NOx) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. Histopathology and interleukin1b (IL-1b) immunoexpression were evaluated. Key findings: TIR manifested by significant decrease in testicular weight, serum testosterone and testicular tissue GSH levels and SOD activity as well as increase in serum total cholesterol, testicular MDA and NOx levels. TIR showed the histopathological changes of marked testicular damage with increase in IL-1b immunoexpression. DIA was able to normalize both testicular weight, serum testosterone and cholesterol levels with attenuation of oxidative stress parameters along with amelioration of histopathological changes and IL-1 b immunostaining induced by TIR. Significance: DIA has a protective effect against TIR induced injury in rats mediated by its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities.