Neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) and
survivin might play an important role in testicular function. We investigated the effect of PDRN, an agonist of
adenosine A2A receptor, on testicular NAIP and
survivin expression in an experimental model of
varicocele. After the creation of experimental
varicocele (28 days), adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to one of the following treatments lasting 21 days: vehicle, PDRN (8 mg/kg i.p., daily), PDRN + 3,7-dimethyl-propargylxanthine (
DMPX, a specific
adenosine A2A-receptor antagonist, 0.1 mg/kg i.p., daily), varicocelectomy, and varicocelectomy + PDRN (8 mg/kg i.p., daily).
Sham-operated animals were used as controls. Animals were then euthanized and testis expression of NAIP and
survivin was evaluated through qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. Spermatogenetic activity was also assessed. NAIP and
survivin expressions were significantly reduced following
varicocele induction when compared to
sham animals whereas PDRN-treated rats showed an increase in NAIP and
survivin levels. Immunohistochemistry revealed an enhanced expression of NAIP and
survivin with a characteristic pattern of cellular localization following PDRN treatment. Moreover, administration of PDRN significantly restored spermatogenic function in
varicocele rats. PDRN may represent a rational therapeutic option for accelerating recovery from depressed testicular function through a strategic modulation of apoptosis in experimental
varicocele.