[The effect of antioxidant enzyme on germ cell apoptosis in cryptorchidism].

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) on germ cell apoptosis in cryptorchidism.

METHODS

Forty-eight immature male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the cryptorchid and the control group randomly. Testes were harvested at 1, 3 and 7 days after the operation. Germ cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL technique, at the same time the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the level of malonic diethyl aldehyde (MDA) were detected with spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

At the 7th day, as compared with the control, testicular weight, SOD activities, CAT activities and the ratio of SOD/(CAT + GSHPx) were reduced significantly(P < 0.01), GSHPx activities had no apparent change(P > 0.05), while apoptosis index and the MDA level increased predominantly in cryptorchidism(P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Germ cell apoptosis in cryptorchidism related closely to the decrease of antioxidant enzyme activity.