Effects of Ficus carica L. Leaf Extract on Ipsilateral and Contralateral Testes After Testicular Torsion/Detorsion Injury: Evaluation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis

The current study aimed to investigate the dose-dependent effects of Ficus carica leaf extract on oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic processes contributing to ischemia–reperfusion injury in bilateral testes following testicular torsion–detorsion. Forty-eight male Wistar Albino rats were assigned into six groups (n= 8): Intact, Sham, Torsion/Detorsion (T/D), T/D + 125, T/D + 250, and T/D + 500. Sixty minutes of left testicular torsion was followed by 56-day reperfusion in all T/D, T/D + 125, T/D + 250, and T/D + 500 groups, and rats in these groups were daily administered with vehicle, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg F. carica leaf extract, respectively. Sperm, serum, and bilateral testes tissue samples were examined. Sperm count of the contralateral epididymis and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level in the T/D + 250 group were higher than in the T/D and T/D + 125 groups. FSH level in the T/D + 500 group was higher compared to the T/D, T/D + 125, and T/D + 250 groups. Total Oxidant Status (TOS) level in the ipsilateral testis of the T/D + 500 group was lower than that of the T/D, T/D + 125, and T/D + 250 groups. The Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) value in the ipsilateral testis was lower in the T/D + 500 group compared to the T/D, T/D + 125, and T/D + 250 groups. Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) level in the contralateral testis of the T/D + 125, T/D + 250, and T/D + 500 groups was elevated compared to the T/D group. TOS level of the contralateral testis in the T/D + 500 group was lower than that in the T/D and T/D + 125 groups. OSI value of the contralateral testis was lower in the T/D + 125, T/D + 250, and T/D + 500 groups than that in the T/D group. TNF-α and IL-10 immunostaining intensities were improved in bilateral testes of the treatment groups compared to the T/D group. Johnsen’s score of the ipsilateral testis in the T/D + 250 and T/D + 500 groups was greater compared to the T/D group. BAX and CASP3 immunostaining intensities were lower in the bilateral testes of the treatment groups than in the T/D group. BCL-2 immunostaining intensity in bilateral testes of the T/D + 250 and T/D + 500 groups was higher than in the T/D group. By exerting antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, F. carica leaf extract emerges as a promising therapeutic candidate in testicular ischemia–reperfusion injury. Further studies may help clarify the optimal dosage, potential adverse effects, and fertility outcomes.