The effect of varicocoelectomy on the relationship of oxidative stress in peripheral and internal spermatic vein with semen parameters

Abstract

SUMMARYThe aim of this prospective controlled study was to investigate the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), oxidative stress index (OSI) and total oxidant capacity (TOC), and antioxidants with total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in peripheral and internal spermatic veins blood, the relationship of these factors with sperm parameters in the infertile varicocoele patients, and the amelioration effect of varicocoelectomy on these outcomes. Thirty-one primary infertile varicocoele patients and 31 fertile control patients evaluated for determining the levels of ADMA, TOC, OSI, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), TAC, and semen analysis. The patients' preoperative SOD, GSH and TAC levels, which were significantly lower than the controls, significantly increased postoperatively. Although SOD and GSH were significantly higher in spermatic vein compared to median cubital vein, TAC was significantly higher in median cubital vein. ADMA, TOC and OSI were significantly higher in the patient group. TOC and OSI were significantly higher in spermatic vein compared to median cubital vein. Postoperative TOC, OSI and ADMA reduced to the control levels. Total antioxidant capacity in the peripheral circulation and oxidative stress index in the internal spermatic vein could give an idea about the possible improvement in sperm count acquired by varicocoelectomy.

A global view of the pathophysiology of varicocele

“…Several studies have demonstrated the association of higher levels of seminal ROS with the presence of varicocele (Shiraishi & Naito, 2007;Cocuzza et al, 2008;Agarwal et al, 2009). The evidence shows that varicocelectomy effectively lowers the preoperative elevated level of testicular OS (Shiraishi & Naito, 2006;Altintas et al, 2016;Tiseo et al, 2016).…”

Thiol–disulphide balance in infertility secondary to varicocele

“…Mostafa et al (2006) also reported a significant increase in the ROS level in the internal spermatic vein when compared to the peripheral venous circulation in infertile patients with varicocele in their study. The total antioxidant capacity was shown to be significantly lower in patients with varicocele compared to the control group and significantly lower in the peripheral spermatic veins than in the peripheral circulation in the study of Altintas et al (2016).…”

“…The total oxidant capacity and oxidative stress index in patients with varicocele has been shown to be significantly higher in the internal spermatic vein compared to the peripheral circulation in a study conducted by Barbieri, Hidalgo, Venegas, Smith, and Lissi (1999), similar to our study. The total antioxidant capacity was shown to be significantly lower in patients with varicocele compared to the control group and significantly lower in the peripheral spermatic veins than in the peripheral circulation in the study of Altintas et al (2016). The total antioxidant capacity was shown to be significantly lower in patients with varicocele compared to the control group and significantly lower in the peripheral spermatic veins than in the peripheral circulation in the study of Altintas et al (2016).…”

Relationship between aryl hydrocarbon receptor and spermatogenic dysfunction in male patients with varicocele

“…Several studies have shown that the increase in the level of ROS in semen is related to the existence of VC (Agarwal, 2009; Marcello et al., 2008; Koji & Katsusuke, 2007). There is evidence that VC operation can effectively reduce the level of preoperative OS (Altintas et al, 2016; Cocuzza, Tiseo, & Esteves, 2016).…”