High levels of lipid peroxides and vitamin E in spermatic veins of patients with primary varicocele

Abstract

Mechanisms leading to impairment of spermatogenesis by varicocele have been subject of much debate. This study was designed to introduce a new insight into the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of male infertility. In 23 patients who underwent high ligation of the spermatic vein (ages 18-38 years ) and in 18 controls (ages 22-56 years ), LPO (lipid peroxides), GSH (reduced glutathione) and vitamin E were determined in peripheral blood drawn preoperatively and in spermatic vein samples . LPO and vitamin E contents in the spermatic veins of varicocele patients were greater than in peripheral blood samples of the same patients (mean ± SEM, peripheral and spermatic, respectively; LPO: 3.32 + 0.26 nmol/mL and 4.22 ± 0.24 nmol/mL (p< 0.01), vitamin E: 1.41 ± 0.13 mg/dL and 1.81 ± 0.11mg/dL (p< 0.05). Neither of the measured parameters exhibited significant differences between peripheral and spermatic blood samples in controls nor did any differ between controls and varicocele patients. Impaired spermatogenesis in varicocele may derive from accelerated free radical generation and subsequent alterations in LPO and some antioxidants due to local hypoxia , as a result of decreased testicular blood flow