The Negative Impact of Varicocele on Basic Semen Parameters, Sperm Nuclear DNA Dispersion and Oxidation-Reduction Potential in Semen

Abstract

Since varicocele is so common in infertile men, this study intends to analyse the relationships between varicocele and conventional semen characteristics, sperm nuclear DNA dispersion and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in semen. Varicocele-positive and varicocele-negative infertile men (study groups) showed significantly lower standard sperm parameters and higher sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and ORP in semen than healthy volunteers and subjects with proven fertility (control groups). A lower proportion of low SDF levels (0–15% SDF) and higher incidence of high SDF levels (>30% SDF), as well as a higher prevalence of high ORP values (>1.37 mV/106 sperm/mL), were found in the study groups vs. the control groups. Moreover, infertile men had significantly lower odds ratios (ORs) for low SDF levels and significantly higher ORs for high SDF levels and high ORP. SDF and ORP were negatively correlated with sperm number, morphology, motility and vitality. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between SDF and ORP. The obtained results suggest that disorders of spermatogenesis may occur in varicocele-related infertility. These abnormalities are manifested not only by reduced standard semen parameters but also by decreased sperm DNA integrity and simultaneously increased oxidative stress in semen.

Bibliometrics and visualisation analysis of literature on varicocele: From 2002 to 2021

“…As shown in Figure 7 the major burst keywords in varicocele include diagnosis and treatment (e.g., evaluation colour Doppler flowmetry surgical technique artificial embolization); onset population (e.g., school child); male fertility impairment (e.g., complication sperm quality in vitro fertilisation [IVF] DNA fragmentation metabolism) which has similarity with the keyword clustering results derived from keyword (Figure 6). According to the above findings the main focus of current varicocele research is its surgical treatment method and effect on sperm quality with the correlation between varicocele and sperm DNA fragmentation being a current research hotspot that deserves the attention of relevant researchers (Gill et al, 2021). Varicocele can lead to decreased sperm quality and testosterone secretion through local tissue hypoxia elevated temperature and accumulation of metabolic waste which all lead to decreased fertility in men (Razi et al, 2021)…”

The Role of Seminal Oxidative Stress Scavenging System in the Pathogenesis of Sperm DNA Damage in Men Exposed and Not Exposed to Genital Heat Stress

“…Not surprisingly, we observed chromatin/DNA damage in men exposed as well as not exposed to prolonged heat stress because DNA fragmentation in sperm cells can be induced by a variety of pathological and environmental factors [ 41 ]. In addition, it is known to be prevalent among men with poor semen quality [ 42 , 43 ]. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study documenting an elevated sperm DNA fragmentation in the group of professional drivers, suggesting a potential link between heat stress and levels of ejaculated sperm DNA fragmentation.…”

Long noncoding RNAs regulated spermatogenesis in varicocele‐induced spermatogenic dysfunction

“…Varicocele (VC) is a common disease in male infertility in which the internal spermatic vein malformation is twisted, dilated, and elongated 1 . The prevalence of VC in the general population is approximately 15%, and in infertile males, it is approximately 35% 2,3 . VC is a common aetiology of male infertility.…”

“…1 The prevalence of VC in the general population is approximately 15%, and in infertile males, it is approximately 35%. 2,3 VC is a common aetiology of male infertility. Studies have shown that VC plays a role in decreased testicular function, leading to spermatogenic dysfunction and diminished testosterone levels.…”