Capacitation-associated Changes In Spermatozoa From Varicocele Patients

Abstract

Varicocele are pathological dilations of the venous pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord, and occur more frequently on the left side. The etiology of varicocele is still controversial. The incidence of varicocele in the general population is approximately 15%. However, the higher frequency found among infertile population (19 to 41%) might suggest a possible detrimental effect on the spermatozoa of these patients. In spite of the studies of the possible molecular mechanism related to the varicocele associated infertility, the sperm capacitation process in these individuals are poorly studied.