Resveratrol may reduce apoptosis of rat testicular germ cells after experimental testicular torsion.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on apoptosis of testicular germ cells after experimental testicular torsion. Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups. Torsions were created by rotating the right testis 720 degrees in a clockwise direction for 4 h in all groups except the control group (group 1). They were then repaired by counter-rotation and replaced into the scrotum. In group 2, saline was infused 30 min before detorsion. In group 3, 30 mg/kg resveratrol was infused 30 min before detorsion. In groups 2 and 3, the bilateral testes were removed to determine germ cell apoptosis after 20 h of detorsion. The number of apoptotic cells was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) technique and caspase 3. Mean apoptotic score of ipsilateral testes in group 3 was lower than that of group 2 (p < 0.05). Mean apoptotic score of the contralateral testes in group 3 was not different from that of group 2 (p > 0.05). The present study demonstrates that intraperitoneal administration of resveratrol in rats may decrease germ cell apoptosis in the ipsilateral testes.