Short and long‐term effects of experimental varicocele

• DOI: 10.1111/andr.13841
• Publication Date: 2025-01-14T06:45:35Z
• Authors: Aram Minas; Dunia Waked; Valter Luiz Macie...; Mika Alexia Miyazaki; Raquel Lozano Gui...; Mariana Pereira A...; Mariana Matera Veras; Ricardo Pimenta B...

Varicocele is associated with a progressive decrease in male fertile potential, but it has yet to be determined if the duration of varicocele altered sperm functional quality. This experimental study investigated time-dependent effects on spermatogenesis, parameters, and traits. Thirty-five mature Wistar rats (200 ± 25 g) were included. After 2 weeks adaptation, randomly divided (n = 7/group) into control, months sham (sham-2), (VCL-2), 4 (sham-4), (VCL-4) groups. Cauda epididymides incised transversally incubated Biggers-Whitten-Whittingham media at 37°C for 30 min. Sperm concentration, motility, morphology, viability, mitochondrial activity (3,3' diaminobenzidine staining), acrosome integrity (PNA-FITC), DNA fragmentation (alkaline Comet assay) determined. Histological analysis testicular cross-sections was performed using H&E staining, Johnsen's score each sample. Decreased Johnsen score, count, normal observed VCL-2 VCL-4 groups when compared sham-2, sham-4, control Higher levels damage A negative correlation between scores (r -0.7690; p < 0.0001), positive 0.8333; 0.0001). No differences any analyses. Experimental leads decreased semen quality, integrity, scores. Moreover, our knowledge, this first demonstrating direct association spermatogenesis acrosomal varicocele. Longer periods did not potentiate effects, study.