Assessment of possible protective effects of propolis on ischemic reperfusion injury in an acute ischemic priapism model

SUMMARY ASSESSMENT OF POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF PROPOLİS ON ISCHEMIC REPERFUSION INJURY IN AN ACUTE ISCHEMIC PRIAPISM MODEL Introduction Priapism is defined as a prolonged erection lasting approximately 4-6 hours, independent of sexual desire, orgasm, and stimulation. This condition is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately, as prolonged erection can damage penile tissues and lead to permanent loss of sexual function. The pathophysiology of priapism is generally classified into three main types: low-flow, ischemic, anoxic, or veno-occlusive priapism; high-flow, non-ischemic, well-oxygenated, or arterial priapism; and recurrent, on-off, or "stuttering" priapism. After the priapism ends, ischemia reperfusion injury occurs. Propolis has been shown to have strong antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcer biological activities in many scientific studies. Propolis helps protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals or provides detoxification. Objective It is aimed to evaluate the possible positive effects of propolis on priapism+reperfusion injury in a penile ischemia-reperfusion model created in rats from a histological and biochemical point of view. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 18 adult male rats of the Spraque Dawley type, weighing 350-400 g, were used (3 groups; 6 rats in each group; control, priapism+reperfusion, priapism+ reperfusion+ Propolis). Changes in tissue levels of MDA ,SAD , GPx, SIRT1, GSH , NFkB, İL6 , STAT 3, HIF1a, GRP78, ATF6, CHOP,CASP 3 in the penectomy material taken and histological characteristics of the penis tissue taken from the sacrificed rats (cavernous sinus congestion, cavernous tissue oedema/degeneration ,inflammatory cell infiltration, separation in the tunica albuginea) were evaluated. Findings In our study, it was observed that Propolis could prevent the deterioration in tissue SOD, NFkB, HIF1a and ATF6 values biochemically. In our study, it was suggested that Propolis caused by histological examinations provided results suggesting a protective effect in separation of the tunica albuginea. Result It has been concluded that Propolis may be effective in preventing biochemical and histological damage that may occur in tissues in case of priapism/reperfusion. Keywords: Priapism, Propolis, Reperfusion injury