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Resveratrol protects against isoflurane-induced testicular injury: a stereological and molecular study in mice
Zahra Mohammadi1, Sanaz Alaee2, Majid Kamali-Dolat Abadi3
1Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Background:
This study examines the therapeutic effects of resveratrol, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in mitigating the harmful effects of isoflurane, an inhalation anesthetic, on testicular tissues in mice.
Methods:
Sixty adult male C57BL/6 mice were grouped into six categories: control (normal saline), isoflurane only (1.5% for 1-hour/day), low-dose Resveratrol (RSV, 50 mg/kg/day), high-dose RSV (100 mg/kg/day), isoflurane combined with low-dose RSV, and isoflurane combined with high-dose RSV. After 35-days, the mice were euthanized, and their testes were harvested for stereological analysis and the assessment of antioxidant and apoptotic markers.
Results:
Exposure to isoflurane resulted in decreased seminiferous tubule volume and length, along with increased interstitial tissue volume of the testis. Co-treatment with resveratrol, especially at higher doses, mitigated these changes. Additionally, resveratrol modulated the expression of the apoptotic genes Bcl2l1, Bax, and Caspase-3, and enhanced the expression of antioxidant genes GPX1, Sod1, and catalase in mice that received isoflurane.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that resveratrol effectively counters isoflurane-induced damage in testicular structures and gene expression, enhancing tubular integrity and antioxidant defense. This indicates a potential therapeutic approach to protect against isoflurane-induced testicular toxicity.
Insights
Resveratrol protects mouse testes from isoflurane damage. This antioxidant compound improved testicular structure and gene expression, offering a potential therapy against anesthetic-induced toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Isoflurane, an inhalation anesthetic, can induce testicular toxicity.
- Resveratrol exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Investigating resveratrol's protective effects against isoflurane-induced testicular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of resveratrol in mitigating isoflurane-induced testicular toxicity in mice.
- To assess the impact of resveratrol on testicular structure and gene expression following isoflurane exposure.
Main Methods:
- Adult male C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups, including control, isoflurane-only, and isoflurane with varying doses of resveratrol (RSV).
- Mice were treated for 35 days, followed by testicular harvesting for stereological analysis and assessment of antioxidant and apoptotic markers.
- Gene expression analysis focused on apoptotic markers (Bcl2l1, Bax, Caspase-3) and antioxidant genes (GPX1, Sod1, catalase).
Main Results:
- Isoflurane exposure decreased seminiferous tubule volume and length, while increasing interstitial tissue volume.
- Resveratrol co-treatment, particularly at high doses, attenuated isoflurane-induced testicular structural damage.
- Resveratrol modulated apoptotic gene expression and upregulated antioxidant gene expression in isoflurane-exposed mice.
Conclusions:
- Resveratrol effectively counteracts isoflurane-induced testicular damage.
- The compound enhances testicular tubular integrity and bolsters antioxidant defense mechanisms.
- Resveratrol presents a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing isoflurane-related testicular toxicity.

