Author/Authors :
?shak ?ztürk، Metin نويسنده Department of Urology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey , , Koca، Orhan نويسنده Department of Urology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. , , O?uz Kele?، Muzaffer نويسنده Department of Urology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey , , Y?lmaz، Seda نويسنده Ferticenter IVF Unit, Istanbul, Turkey , , Ihsan Karaman، Muhammet نويسنده Department of Urology, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey ,
Abstract :
Background: Varicocele, the abnormal dilatation of the veins in the pampiniform plexus
is commonly seen in infertile patients. In this study, we aim to examine sperm DNA
damage after the creation of experimental varicocele in rats and to observe the change
of this damage after a varicocelectomy.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 30 adult male Wistar albino
rats were divided into three groups. The 10 rats in group 1 underwent a sham operation, an
experimental varicocele was created in both the10 rats in group 2 and the 10 rats in group 3 (a
total of 20 rats). While the rats of group 2 were sacrificed after four weeks, the rats in group 3
underwent a varicocelectomy after four weeks and were sacrificed four weeks after the varicocelectomy
to observe its effects. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed with a Halomax®
kit. The DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) was calculated and the groups were compared according
to their DFI. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: Median sperm DFI was 17.6 (range: 7.6) in the right testicle and 18.3 (range: 6.8)
in the left testicle in the control group; 30.7 (range: 8.8) in the right testicle and 31.8 (range:
9.6) in the left testicle in the varicocele group; 27.1 (range: 8.1) in the right testicle and 28.6
(range: 8.9) in the left testicle in the varicocelectomy group. DNA damage in both right and
left testicles was statistically significant between the three groups (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that varicocele leads to increased sperm
DNA damage and this damage is decreased by varicocelectomy.