Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Human Platelet-Rich Plasma on Spermatogenesis and Sperm Chromatin Condensation Following Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Due to Spermatic Cord Torsion in Mice

Torsion of spermatic cord induces ischemic-reperfusion injury which leads to testicular dysfunction, apoptosis of germ cells, ROS generation and infertility. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a rich source of growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, the effects of PRP on spermatogenesis and sperm chromatin condensation after ischemia-reperfusion injury were evaluated.

Forty adult male mice were procured in the study. Control group, torsion/ detorsion group, negative control group: torsion/ detorsion surgery with intra testicular injection of culture medium, treatment group: torsion/ detorsion surgery with intra testicular injection of PRP. After one cycle of spermatogenesis, histomorphometric evaluation was performed by PAS staining and sperm chromatin condensation was assessed by aniline blue staining. Data was analyzed by using SPSS Statistics and ANOVA followed by Tukey test.

The mean number of spermatogenic cells, Sertoli, Leydig, Myoid, Johnson score and mean diameter and thickness of germinal epithelium were significantly decreased following ischemia-reperfusion injury. Mean thickness of seminiferous tubules basement membrane as well as sperm percentage with residual histone increased after ischemia-reperfusion injury (P <0.001). After PRP treatment, there was a significant improvement in the histological structure of the tubules, cell viability, and sperm chromatin condensation (P <0.001). While, a significant difference was observed in comparison with control group.

PRP can partially ameliorate the complications of ischemia-reperfusion injury through its growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines involved in angiogenesis and antioxidant activity.