Evaluation of Sperm DNA Integrity in Varicecolized Rat models
Volume 11, Issue 2, Summer 2020, Pages 127-138
https://doi.org/10.52547/JCT.11.2.127
E Shaygannia, MH Nasr-Esfahani, F Sotoodehnejadnematalahi, K Parivar
Abstract Aim: The current study aims to utilize varicocele induction in male rat models to evaluate effect and impact of varicocele on DNA integrity.
Material and Methods: 66 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: control, sham and varicocele-induced (VI). 2 months post-VI, Sperm parameters, percentage of sperm DNA damage, persistent histone and lipid peroxidation were assessed.
Results: Animal weight and their epididymal length shown no significant changes but there were significant differences in testis volume and sperm parameters between VI group versus control and sham groups. Similarly, increased level of DNA damage, persistent histone and lipid peroxidation were evaluated, and compared between varicocele and control group.
Conclusion: Based on literature and the result of this study, it is likely that increase oxidative stress following varicocele induction leads to lipide peroxidation, DNA damages and reduced sperm parameters. In the current study, by taking the advantage of homogenous genetic background and high number of animals, we showed that varicocele have damaging effect on DNA and chromatin integrity and should be reversed in human before aiming for pregnancy.