Oxidative stress biomarkers and hormonal profile in human patients undergoing varicocelectomy

Abstract

The aetiology of varicocele is multifactorial although hormonal imbalance and oxidative stress play a key role in the progression of illness. No conclusive evidence has been presented previously, describing the changes in these two factors and the evolution of patients after varicocelectomy. Semen characteristics and hormonal profile were analysed in 36 infertile men with unilateral left varicocele and 33 age-paired controls (proved to be fertile men), after careful inclusion/exclusion selection criteria. Liposoluble and hydrosoluble antioxidants, oligoelements and enzyme activities of the antioxidant defence system were also determined in plasma and erythrocyte from antecubital and spermatic veins, and in spermatozoa. Data were compared between groups at different times before and after varicocelectomy. Decreased levels of liposoluble and hydrosoluble antioxidants and increased activities of the antioxidant defence system enzymes were observed in patients compared with controls. Varicocelectomy normalized this condition at different post-surgical times. Levels of Zn and Se in seminal plasma, protein carbonyls and fragmented DNA remained elevated up to 1 month after surgery. Luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone concentrations exhibited a biphasic behaviour while testosterone was diminished in patients but normalized soon after varicocelectomy. The results clearly demonstrate the link between the antioxidant defence system, hormonal status and semen characteristics along the post-varicocelectomy period. We suggest that oxidative biomarkers may be appropriate in controlling the evolution of post-varicocelectomy patients, and antioxidant supplementation may improve the clinical condition of infertile men with varicocele.

Are varicoceles associated with increased deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation?

“…Several studies have examined the levels of oxidative stress markers (e.g., ROS, lipid peroxidation, oxidative DNA damage) in the semen of infertile and fertile men with and without varicocele. These studies have shown that infertile men with varicocele have higher levels of seminal oxidative stress markers than fertile men and infertile men without varicocele (25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35). In seven of these studies, the authors observed that infertile men with varicocele demonstrate higher semen ROS levels than do fertile men (27,(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34).…”

Selenium, Copper and Zinc in Seminal Plasma of Men with Varicocele, Relationship with Seminal Parameters

“…In relation to the oxidative stress status, a recent study [3] showed that there are significantly higher levels of oxidants and reduced level of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in semen of infertile men with varicocele. Varicocelectomy has been associated with an increased activity of the antioxidant defense system enzymes in seminal plasma, as well as with a decrease in DNA fragmentation [4].…”

Silymarin protects from varicocele-induced damages in testis and improves sperm quality: evidence for E2f1 involvement

“…Previous reports indicate that varicocelectomy has been identified as an appropriate method in order to treat infertility in varicoceles [Mostafa et al 2001;Hurtado de Catalfo et al 2007]. There are, however, reports indicating that a significant number of human patients remain infertile after varicocelectomy [Sofikitis and Miyagawa 1992;Shiraishi and Naito 2007].…”