Background: Varicocele is a major cause of male infertility, but its pathophysiology is unclear. Recent studies declare that fertile varicocele people with normal semen analysis are also at risk of loss of infertility. The exact mechanism by which varicocele damages spermatogenesis is still unknown. Some studies have reported increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) is a major factor in semen of men with varicocele. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the source of elevated ROS is intracellular or not. In addition, we studied Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), viability, antioxidant activity, sperm count and motility in these rats.
Methods: The study group consisted of 28 male rats divided in four groups: control, sham, varicocele 1, varicocele 2, Experimental varicocele was established by partial ligation of the left renal vein in last two groups. Animals were sacrificed two and six months after surgery and dilation of the internal spermatic veins was observed. Then, superoxide anion production and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential were evaluated by Flow cytometry sperm characteristics were evaluated by Flow cytometry. Sperm superoxide anion production was assessed by the dihydroethidium and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential with rhodamin 123.
Results: Our results showed intracellular superoxide anion production significantly increased and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, viability, sperm count and motility significantly decreased in rats with experimental left varicocele. However, there was no significant difference for seminal plasma antioxidant activity between all groups.
Conclusions: Consequently, our findings suggest that one of the main sources of ROS production is intracellular and we must consider it in treatment.