The impact of low-intensity extracorporeal shock waves on testicular spermatogenesis demonstrated in a rat model

Background: In rodent models, low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy has been shown to negatively impact semen concentration after treatment on the penis, implying that the reproductive system in close proximity may be indirectly affected by this modality. We hypothesized that shock waves are detrimental to spermatogenesis, and the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of shock waves on spermatogenesis after direct shockwave treatment on testes using different energy settings. Methods: Twenty-five male Sprague Dawley rats, 8 weeks old, were divided into five groups, including one control group and four treatment groups each treated using shock waves of different intensities. All rats in the treatment groups received 2000 shocks on the left testis twice a week for 4 weeks, with shock wave intensity and frequency varied by treatment group: 0.1 mJ/mm²at 4 Hz for Group A, 0.15 mJ/mm²at 4 Hz for Group B, 0.35 mJ/mm²at 4 Hz for Group C, and 0.55mJ/mm²at 3 Hz for Group D. At the end of the experiment, sperm collected from the epididymis was evaluated for concentration and motility. Testicular spermatogenesis, the apoptotic index of germ cells, and the expression of a meiotic-specific gene were also analyzed. Results: The treatment group receiving shock wave intensity at 0.55 mJ/mm²showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration, motility, and Johnsen score as compared to other groups. The apoptotic index of spermatogenic cells increased as the intensity of the shock wave treatment escalated, and reach a statistically significant difference at 4 weeks posttreatment. Treating testes with intensity levels of 0.55 mJ/mm²at 3 Hz interfere with the quality or quantity of spermatogenesis and also increases in spermatogenic cell apoptosis, whereas the expression of the SYCP3 gene significantly decreased after treatment with intensity levels of 0.10 mJ/mm², 0.15 mJ/mm², and 0.35 mJ/mm²at 4 Hz. Conclusion: Treating testes with intensity levels of 0.55 mJ/mm²at 3 Hz interfere with the quality or quantity of spermatogenesis and also increases spermatogenic cell apoptosis, whereas the expression of the SYCP3 gene significantly decreased after treatment with intensity levels of 0.10 mJ/mm², 0.15 mJ/mm², and 0.35 mJ/mm²at 4 Hz.