The effects of melatonin and the antioxidant defence system on apoptosis regulator proteins (Bax and Bcl-2) in experimentally induced varicocele
Urological Research, cilt.32, sa.3, ss.204-208, 2004 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 32 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2004
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00240-004-0403-0
- Dergi Adı: Urological Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.204-208
- Anahtar Kelimeler: varicocele, apoptosis, Bax, Bcl-2, melatonin, reactive oxygen species
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Our aim was to examine the effects of melatonin on the testicular tissue of adult rats with experimentally-induced left varicocele, and to determine the relationship between melatonin and apoptosis regular proteins in the anti-oxidant defence system. Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided equally into four groups. A sham operation was performed on the rats in group I, and experimental left varicocele was created in groups II, III and IV. Melatonin was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg to rats in groups III and IV, respectively. An immunohistochemical analysis of the left testicular tissue was performed to evaluate the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, while tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed in homogenates to determine the role of the oxygen defence system. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increased ratio of proapoptotic protein Bax in groups II and III, whereas no significant activity was observed in the sham operated rats (P < 0.05). Similarly, the tissue MDA level increased and a significantly decreased level of antioxidant enzymes was observed in these groups (P < 0.05). Although rats in group IV showed a slightly increased ratio of the pro-apoptotic marker Bax, there was no significant difference between groups I and IV. Similarly, group IV showed decreased levels of MDA and increased levels of anti-oxidant enzyme activity with decreased Bax expression. The close relationship between pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic markers, reactive oxygen species and antioxidant agents provided a useful in vivo model for studying the pathophysiology of varicocele and evaluating the role of antioxidants in the prevention testicular damage.