Pentoxifylline attenuates reperfusion injury in testicular torsion

Objectives: An experimental study was designed to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline (Ptx) on lipid peroxidation, and histopathology in both testes after unilateral testicular torsion and detorsion. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of sham operation, sham operation with Ptx, torsion and detorsion, torsion and detorsion with Ptx. After intraperitoneal administration of Ptx at a dose of 50 mg/kg 15 min before torsion; right testes of the rats underwent 30 min of torsion and 30 min of detorsion. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assayed and histopathological changes were evaluated in both testes of all groups. Results: Unilateral testicular torsion and detorsion caused an increase in the MDA levels of both testes. Histopathological evaluation showed interstitial hemorrhage on the ipsilateral side. Pentoxifylline decreased MDA levels on both side, and attenuated interstitial injury on the ipsilateral side. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that pentoxifylline treatment attenuates reperfusion damage on both side, possibly with its effects on blood flow and neutrophils. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline on testicular torsion.