Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates spinal cord hemisection-induced testicular injury in rats

Oncotarget, 2017 · DOI: · Published: March 3, 2017

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of hydrogen-rich saline (HS) to improve testicular function in rats after a spinal cord injury. Researchers created a spinal cord injury in rats and then administered HS to see if it could counteract the negative effects of the injury on the testicles. The study found that HS treatment improved hind limb function, testis index, and testicular morphology. It also reduced cell death and improved the structure of cells in the testicles and pituitary gland. These findings suggest that HS could be a promising treatment for testicular injury caused by spinal cord injury, potentially by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

90 healthy, sexually mature male Wistar rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
hSCI significantly decreased the hind limb neurological function, testis index, MSTD, and MSET, and induced severe testicular morphological injury.
2
The MFN-2 level was decreased, and HO-1 and HMGB-1 were overexpressed in testicular tissues.
3
HS administration can promote the recovery of testicular biological function by anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic action.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effects of hydrogen-rich saline (HS) on testicular function in rats with hemisectioned spinal cord injury (hSCI). The results showed that hSCI significantly impaired hind limb neurological function, decreased testis index, and induced testicular morphological injury, while HS administration improved these parameters. HS administration also inhibited the hSCI-induced ultrastructural changes in testicular spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells and interstitial cells.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Intraperitoneal injection of HS can be a new breakthrough for the clinical treatment of SCI-induced male sterility.

Underlying Mechanisms

Recovery of testis function may involve recovery of hind limb motor function, inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammatory response and germ cell apoptosis.

Cellular Protection

HS protects the morphology and function of germ cells, Sertoli cells, testicular interstitial cells, and hypophysial gonadotrophs.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms by which HS exerts its protective effects need further investigation.
3
The long-term effects of HS administration on testicular function were not assessed.

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