Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Markers in Undescended Testes Patients

Abstract

Aim: Undescended testis is a congenital genitourinary system pathology characterized by the absence of testis in the scrotum. In this disease, the heat stress caused by the testes not being at the optimal temperature can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation. Our study investigated the status of oxidative stress and inflammation markers between patients with undescended testes and healthy infants.Materials and Methods: Fifty pediatric patients with undescended testes and a control group who applied to Pediatric Surgery Clinic were included in the study. From the blood samples, oxidative stress and inflammation status were examined. Interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels of inflammation parameters were measured by the ELISA method using commercial kits. Total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, total thiol, and native thiol levels were measured photometrically with commercial kits. Oxidative stress index and disulfide levels were calculated with a mathematical formula. Oxidative stress and inflammation marker levels of the patient and healthy groups were compared statistically. Results: Total antioxidant status, total thiol, and native thiol levels were statistically significantly lower in the patient group than the healthy group (p<0.05). Total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, disulfide levels, and interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 levels were also statistically significantly higher in the patient group (p<0.05). There was no difference in tumor necrosis factor-α levels between the groups.Conclusion: In our study, it was observed that oxidative stress and inflammation were higher in patients with undescended testes. Since this situation may lead to systemic diseases in the future, more extensive studies are needed.