Varicocele-Associated Infertility and the Role of Oxidative Stress on Sperm DNA Fragmentation.

Guilherme Jacom Abdulmassih Wood,João Paulo Greco Cardoso,Marcello Cocuzza,Thiago Fagundes Nunes,Davi Vischi Paluello

doi:10.3389/frph.2021.695992

Abstract

Varicocele has been extensively described and studied as the most important reversible cause of male infertility. Its impact on semen parameters, pregnancy rates, and assisted reproductive outcomes have been associated with multifactorial aspects, most of them converging to increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS). More recently, sperm DNA fragmentation has gained significant attention and potential clinical use, although the body of evidence still needs further evolution. The associations between sperm DNA damage and a variety of disorders, including varicocele itself, share common pathways to ROS increase. This mini-review discusses different aspects related to the etiology of ROS and its relation to varicocele and potential mechanisms of DNA damage.

Highlights

Varicocele is defined as abnormally dilated veins in the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord and is graded according to physical examination
We report varicoceleassociated infertility and the role of oxidative stress on Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and male infertility
Varicocelectomy is very promising in mitigating SDF, clinical outcomes of pregnancy of this treatment modality still have to be better elucidated with well-designed clinical trials [38]

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Varicocele is defined as abnormally dilated veins in the pampiniform plexus of the spermatic cord and is graded according to physical examination. In men with varicoceles the blood flows backwards into the internal spermatic vein and results in vascular dilation of the veins in the pampiniform plexus This pathological reflux of blood is thought to be caused, amongst other possible etiologies, by congenital insufficient or absent venous valves. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the American Urological Association, in their recent joint guideline, consider surgical varicocelectomy in men attempting to conceive who have palpable varicocele, infertility, and abnormal semen parameters [9]. Both societies agree on the lack of evidence regarding subclinical varicocele treatment

Varicocele and Oxidative Stress

OXIDATIVE STRESS AND DNA FRAGMENTATION

Findings

CONCLUSION