Effectiveness of platelet rich plasma on short and long term torsion-induced rats in experimental testicular torsion model

ABSTRACT Ischemia during testicular torsion and reperfusion injury after detorsion causes severe damage to the testis. In this study, we investigated the histopathological results of intratesticular administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an endogenous agent, in rat testicular torsion models after different torsion durations of 3 and 5 hours. In the study, 35 prepubertal male Wistar Albino rats were divided into 5 groups: Control, Sham - 3 hours of torsion (SHM-3), Sham - 5 hours of torsion (SHM-5), PRP application in 3 hours of torsion (PRP-3) and PRP application in 5 hours of torsion (PRP-5). Five rats were used for supplying blood to prepare PRP. In groups with testicular torsion; right testis, epididymis, spermatic cord were released and rotated 720 ° clockwise. Detorsion was performed after 3 hours of torsion in the SHM-3 group and after 5 hours of torsion in the SHM-5 group. Intratesticularly, 100 μL of PRP was injected, following detorsion, after 3 hours of torsion in the PRP-3 group and after 5 hours of torsion in the PRP-5 group. All animals were sacrificed after 28 days and the right testicles were examined histopathologically. The most significant reduction in testicular weight and size was seen in the PRP-5 group (p=0,03; p=0,001). There was no significant difference in tubule diameter and number of Sertoli cells per tubule (p=0,234; p=0,124). No sperm or spermatids were seen in any of the PRP-3, SHM-5 and PRP-5 groups (p<0,001; p<0,001). None of the PRP-3, SHM-5 and PRP-5 groups were found to have completely preserved basal layer integrity (p=0,003). It was found that the germinal epithelium was completely depleted in all of the SHM-5 group (p<0,001). The worst Cosentino classification and Johnsen score were determined at the SHM-5 and PRP-5 groups (p<0,001; p=0,001). In the light of these findings, long-term recovery is possible for the damage following up to 3 hours of torsion. Intratesticular administration of 100 μl PRP increased the damage and affected the results negatively in short-term torsion cases. Since no recovery was detected after the long term torsion, both the Sham group and the PRP group had the worst results. Further studies focusing on dosing and administration routes are needed to observe effectiveness of PRP in testicular torsion. Key words: Testicular torsion, platelet-rich plasma, oxidative stress, reperfusion damage