Impact of NiO2 Nanoparticles and Curcumin on Testis Torsion/Detorsion Injury: Role of miR-34 and circRNA 0001518

Background: Testicular torsion is one cause of infertility without proper treatment. In this study, we investigate the effects of NiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and curcumin on sperm parameters in rats and the expressions of genes involved in the apoptotic pathway, as well as expressions of miR-34 and circRNA 0001518. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into eight groups: control (healthy rats), control rats that received NiO2-NPs, healthy rats that received curcumin, rats that received simultaneous NiO2-NPs and curcumin, untreated testicular ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rats, testicular I/R rats that received NiO2-NPs, testicular I/R rats that received curcumin, and testicular I/R rats that received NiO2-NPs and curcumin. Then, sperms were extracted from the rats’ epididymides to analyze concentration, viability, morphology, and motility. The cellular apoptosis level was studied using flow cytometry. Also, Bad and Bcl-X gene expressions, as well as miR-34 and circRNA 0001518 levels were measured. Results: We observed improved sperm parameters in the testicular I/R) rats that received curcumin and NiO2-NPs. Administration of NiO2-NPs to healthy rats increased both apoptosis and the Bad/Bcl-X expression ratio. However, its administration to testicular I/R rats alone or in combination with curcumin decreased apoptosis and the Bad/Bcl-X expression ratio and increased expressions of miR-34 and circRNA 0001518. Conclusion: Administration of NiO2-NPs and curcumin, alone or in combination, can have therapeutic effects in testicular I/R conditions by altering the expressions of genes in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and their regulatory elements.

Case Report: Rare Presentation of Mixed Germ Cell Tumor in an Infant

The estimated incidence of pediatric testis tumor is 0.5–2.0 per 100,000 children, accounting for 1–2% of all pediatric tumors. Mixed germ cell tumors (MGCT) in prepubertal males are exceedingly rare, with only one previous case report found in the literature. We report a case of a MGCT in an infant. For prepubertal males, GCTs typically present with a painless scrotal mass, though trauma, testis torsion and hydrocele are also common presentations. Similar to such tumors in postpubertal males, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and tumor markers are integral to determine the best treatment. The patient described in this report presented with a painless scrotal mass. Following orchiectomy, the patient was found to have MGCT that was limited to the testis. With prudent management, these patients tend to have favorable prognoses.

Paediatric urology

Paediatric urology is a sub-specialty derived from urology and paediatric surgery. It is generally an elective surgical specialty with few acute conditions. Development of a good team incorporating a paediatric nephrologist, a radiologist, and a pathologist assists in the clinical diagnosis, management options, and follow-up. A paediatric anaesthetist and skilled experienced and compassionate nursing staff are essential to manage the children. This chapter covers the foreskin and circumcision, undescended testes and testis torsion, hypospadias, abnormalities of the urethra, ambiguous genitalia, and malignancies of the genitourinary tract.

Predictive value of hematological parameters in testicular torsion: retrospective investigation of data from a high-volume tertiary care center

Objective To investigate the use of hematological parameters in the differential diagnosis of testis torsion and epididymo-orchitis, and to determine the predictive value of these parameters in the diagnosis of testis torsion. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed the medical data of patients who presented to our institute with the complaint of acute scrotal pain. Eighty-five patients who had undergone orchiectomy or surgical detorsion due to testis torsion and 72 patients with epididymo-orchitis were included in the study. The control group comprised 78 healthy males. The groups were compared with respect to age, hematological parameters, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte to eosinophil ratio (MER), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Results The monocyte count significantly differed between testis torsion and epididymo-orchitis, and was useful in the differential diagnosis. The mean neutrophil, platelet, and white blood cell counts, and the NLR, MER, and PLR values in the control group were significantly lower than those in the torsion and epididymo-orchitis groups. Conclusion The sensitivity and specificity of NLR in predicting testis torsion were as high as the sensitivity and specificity of doppler ultrasonography, suggesting the possible use of this parameter in the diagnosis of testis torsion.