The Role of Apoptosis and Reactive Oxygen Species in Varicocele-Associated Azoospermia

Background: The exact mechanism of impaired testicular function in patients with varicocele is not yet known. There is an increasing body of evidence pointing towards the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis in the pathogenesis of varicocele related subfertility.

Objective: The aim of the study is to study the role of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species in varicocele-associated azoospermia.

Methods: Testicular tissue biopsy was obtained from 40 azoospermic infertile patients with varicocele and 40 infertile obstructive azoospermic patients. Caspase 3 level was determined by ELISA and malondialdehyde (MDA) level by colorimetry.

Results: Testicular MDA and caspase 3 level were significantly higher in the varicocele group compared to the control group. Increasing levels of MDA and caspase 3 were associated with higher varicocele grades. There was a statistically positive correlation between testicular caspase 3 and MDA levels in the varicocele group.

Conclusion: The present study documented the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and regulators of apoptosis in the pathophysiology of infertility in patients with varicocele-associated azoospermia.