Evaluation of testicular torsion management in Ogbomoso, South-Western Nigeria and surgical detorsion-augmented treatment with phytochemical fractions of Corchorus olitorius leaf in experimental rats

BACKGROUND: There is need to investigate whether phytochemicals along with surgical detorsion could serve as better managements options in TT patients rather than surgical detorsion (SD) alone. METHODS: The descriptive cross-sectional part of this study is questionnaire-based addressing sociodemographic characteristics of participants and their experience in management of TT. In the experimental part, male rats (n = 32) were grouped into: sham, Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), dichloromethane (DCM) and ethanol fraction (100 mg/kg) of CO. Evaluation of tissue GPx, total thiol, SOD, MDA and H(2)O(2) was done. Serum estimations of nitrite, TNF-α and IL-6, MPO, sperm motility, count and viability was also carried out. Tissue expression of bax and caspase 3 was assessed. RESULTS: 68.9 % respondents agreed that SD alone is non-effective in the management of TT while 83.6 % reported a need to augment surgery with medications. Oxidative stress markers like H(2)O(2,) MDA and nitrite increased by IRI were decreased in post-treatment groups, along with a significant increase in the tissue level of GSH, GST, SOD, GPx, and total thiol. Inflammatory mediators were elevated in IRI while post-treatment rats showed significant decrease. IRI decreased sperm count significantly this was reversed by post-treatment. Bax and caspase 3 was increased in IRI rats and post-treatment with CO fractions reduced them. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative cross-sectional study has revealed through experience of clinicians that surgical detorsion alone is not effective in managing TT. Augmented treatment with CO leaf fractions suppressed testicular IRI through inhibition of pro-apoptotic proteins expression, oxidative stress and inflammation.