Radioprotective effects of dexmedetomidine on X-ray-induced testicular damage

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 70% of cancer patients require radiotherapy. However, despite its effectiveness in the treatment of cancer, radiotherapy can also affect and damage surrounding healthy tissues in addition to tumorous tissues. Since testicular tissues are highly radiosensitive, radiotherapy can cause impairments in spermatogenesis leading to infertility. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential radio-protective effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex), an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, on oxidative stress and apoptosis in testicular tissues caused by x-irradiation in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups of ten (n=10): control, irradiation (IR), and IR + Dex groups. The IR group was exposed to a single dose of 2 Gy IR. The IR+Dex group was given a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of 100 µg/kg Dex before IR. The control group received a single dose of saline solution i.p. Testicular tissues removed 24 hours after IR were subjected to histochemical, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: IR resulted in increased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and significant changes in testis tissues. However, the application of Dex elevated glutathione levels by preventing MDA formation. In addition, Dex decreased tubular epithelial apoptosis via elevated Cleaved Caspase-3 expressions. CONCLUSIONS: Dex exhibited a radio-protective effect against lipid peroxidation and apoptosis caused by IR.