The synergistic activity of fisetin on quercetin improves testicular recover in ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Abstract

This study examines a potential treatment for testicular ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury using fisetin (FIS) and quercetin (QUE) in a rat model. Male rats were divided into five groups: a control group, a torsion/detorsion (T/D) group, and three experimental groups treated with FIS, QUE, or a combination of FIS + QUE. Sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, histopathological features, RT-PCR analysis of apoptotic and antiapoptotic gene expression, and fertility index were evaluated. The results demonstrated that FIS + QUE, FIS, and QUE significantly improved sperm motility and concentration, leading to a higher fertility index, than the reduced metrics in the T/D group. Additionally, levels of MDA and NO were significantly lowered, while CAT, SOD, GPx, and TAC levels increased in the FIS + QUE, FIS, and QUE groups. Histopathological, RT-PCR and fertility analyses also revealed evidence of apoptosis and testicular damage in the T/D group, shown by significant increases in P53, Bax, and caspase-3, along with marked decreases in AKT, PI3K, and Bcl-2. Treatment with FIS and QUE, particularly in combination, significantly improved outcomes, indicating a strong synergistic effect that helps repair damage and enhance reproductive function after T/D injury.