Background: CatSper gene, a member of cation channel sperm family, has an essential role in sperm motility and male fertility. Following varicocele, sperm parameters especially sperm movement decreases. For this reason, we hypothesized that CatSper gene expression might be reduced after varicocele induction in an animal model. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of CatSper 1 and 2 genes, sperm parameters and testis histology following varicocele induction. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three following groups (n=10/ each): control, sham, and varicocele group. Experimental varicocele was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein. The epididymal sperm parameters, CatSper1 and 2 genes expression, and testes histology were studied two months after varicocele induction. Results: Our results revealed that motility (32.73±16.14%), morphology (48.80±17%) and viability (31.23±9.82%) of sperms significantly reduced following varicocele induction. In addition, we showed a significant decrease in the number of spermatogonia (43.63±5.31) and seminiferous tubules diameters (190.51±19.23 mm) in experimental varicocele rats. The level of CatSper1 and 2 genes expression evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction was significantly downregulated 2 months after varicocele induction. Conclusion: Our data indicated that experimental varicocele has deleterious effects on sperm parameters, testis structure as well as the expression of CatSper 1 and 2 genes.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the ameliorative effects of Morin (MRN) on Bisphenol-A (BPA)induced oxidative stress in testicular mitochondria and sperm quality of rats.Methods: BPA and MRN (25, 50, and 100 μM) were given to the spermatozoa and testicular tissue mitochondria. The sperm quality, mitochondrial viability, and MMP (mitochondrial membrane potential) were examined. Superoxide dismutase, CAT (catalase), malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of rat testicular mitochondria were measured.Results: BPA raised mitochondrial oxidative stress biomarkers, whereas antioxidant acclivity and MMP were significantly lowered. BPA significantly lowered the normality, viability, and motility of the sperms. MRN dosedependently lowered oxidative stress of the mitochondria, raised MMP, as well as improved the percentage of abnormality, motility, and viability of the sperms.Conclusions: These data demonstrated that MRN dose-dependently attenuated BPA-induced mitochondrial damage and improved sperm quality by preventing oxidative stress.