Effects of acute epididymitis on blood plasma oxidative and antioxidative status in an experimental rat model.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the oxidative and antioxidative status in blood plasma after the induction of acute epididymitis in an experimental rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Escherichia coli was inoculated into the ductus deferens of rats in the epididymitis group (n = 10), and saline, instead of bacteria, was injected into the saline group (n = 10). No inoculums were performed in control group (n = 10). The infection was confirmed by microbiological tests. As antioxidative parameters, the total peroxide (TP), indicative marker of lipoperoxidation and protein oxidation, and the total antioxidant response (TAR) were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: Acute epididymitis was demonstrated in all rats of the epididymitis group. The TP level increased significantly in the epididymitis group compared to the other two groups. The TAR level also increased significantly in the infected group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results are concordant with the fact that the increased oxidative status caused by epididymitis was tolerated by the endogenous antioxidant defense system. Moreover, we suggest that the measurement of oxidative and antioxidative level may be useful in clinical practice to detect defective defense system and prevent possible complications.