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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC 3.0International Journal of Fertility & Sterility

Role of Crocin and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined Therapy in Reducing Testicular Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

  • Saman Boostani1
  • Ahmad Asghari2
  • Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh3
  • Parviz Tajik4
4 affiliations
  1. 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3Applied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract

Background:: Testicular torsion is a urological emergency that obstructs blood flow and causes ischemic damage, potentially leading to infertility or orchiectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and crocin on testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.

Materials and Methods:: In this experimental study, 50 adults male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham-operated (no ischemia or treatment), ischemia only, crocin-treated, MSC-treated, and combined crocin and MSCs. Testicular ischemia was induced by rotating the left testis for three hours, followed by reperfusion. Crocin (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally, and MSCs (3×10⁴ cells) were administered intraperitoneally. After 21 days of reperfusion, histological evaluation, using the Johnsen spermatogenesis scoring system, and assessment of oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant status (TAS)] were performed.

Results:: Combination therapy significantly improved the Johnsen score compared to the ischemia-only group (P<0.05) indicating enhanced spermatogenesis. MDA levels were significantly reduced, while antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx and TAS) were significantly increased in the combined treatment group compared to the untreated ischemic group (P<0.05). Each of crocin and MSCs individually exerted protective effects; however, the combined treatment showed a more pronounced overall improvement in testicular structure and oxidative status.

Conclusion:: Co-administration of MSCs and crocin effectively attenuated testicular I/R injury in rats by improving spermatogenesis and antioxidant defense, suggesting potential therapeutic value for reducing testicular torsion–related damage.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{boostani2026role,
  title = {{Role of Crocin and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined Therapy in Reducing Testicular Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats}},
  author = {Saman Boostani and Ahmad Asghari and Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh and Parviz Tajik},
  journal = {International Journal of Fertility \& Sterility},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.22074/ijfs.2026.2070505.1946},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.22074/ijfs.2026.2070505.1946},
  note = {CC BY-NC 3.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Role of Crocin and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined Therapy in Reducing Testicular Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats
AU  - Saman Boostani
AU  - Ahmad Asghari
AU  - Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh
AU  - Parviz Tajik
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/03
JO  - International Journal of Fertility & Sterility
DO  - 10.22074/ijfs.2026.2070505.1946
UR  - https://doi.org/10.22074/ijfs.2026.2070505.1946
AB  - Background:: Testicular torsion is a urological emergency that obstructs blood flow and causes ischemic damage, potentially leading to infertility or orchiectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and crocin on testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.  Materials and Methods:: In this experimental study, 50 adults male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham-operated (no ischemia or treatment), ischemia only, crocin-treated, MSC-treated, and combined crocin and MSCs. Testicular ischemia was induced by rotating the left testis for three hours, followed by reperfusion. Crocin (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally, and MSCs (3×10⁴ cells) were administered intraperitoneally. After 21 days of reperfusion, histological evaluation, using the Johnsen spermatogenesis scoring system, and assessment of oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant status (TAS)] were performed.  Results:: Combination therapy significantly improved the Johnsen score compared to the ischemia-only group (P<0.05) indicating enhanced spermatogenesis. MDA levels were significantly reduced, while antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx and TAS) were significantly increased in the combined treatment group compared to the untreated ischemic group (P<0.05). Each of crocin and MSCs individually exerted protective effects; however, the combined treatment showed a more pronounced overall improvement in testicular structure and oxidative status.  Conclusion:: Co-administration of MSCs and crocin effectively attenuated testicular I/R injury in rats by improving spermatogenesis and antioxidant defense, suggesting potential therapeutic value for reducing testicular torsion–related damage.
SN  - 2008-076X
SN  - 2008-0778
ER  -