Possible protective effect of remifentanil against testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract Objectives This study aims to evaluate the protective efficacy of remifentanil against testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods The study included 24 male rats. The rats were randomized into three groups: Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 was subjected to a testicular torsion/detorsion model. Group 3 underwent similar procedures and additionally received remifentanil (0.6 μg/kg/min) intravenously for the first 20 min of reperfusion. Blood samples were taken for biochemical analyses, and orchiectomy was performed for histopathologic examination. Results Biochemical analysis of blood samples showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p:0.004 and p:0.002, respectively). There was a dramatic decrease in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 Beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p:0.001, p:0.046, and p:0.004, respectively). Similarly, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p:0.004). Histopathologic examination of Group 3 rats showed positive changes in inflammation, hemorrhage, edema, and congestion levels compared to Group 2 (p<0.001). Similarly, there was a positive effect on the Johnsen and Cosentino score in Group 3 compared to Group 2 (p:0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions In our study, it has been documented that remifentanil protects against testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury.