Apoptosis-related phenotype of ejaculated spermatozoa in patients with varicocele.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane, mitochondria, and DNA, which are essential for accurate transmission of genetic material to offspring, and to quantify possible apoptosis and investigate any relationship between these parameters in ejaculated sperm from men with or without varicoceles.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
University teaching hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with varicocele and 10 normal, fertile controls.


METHODS
Apoptosis-related phenotype activations including the plasma membrane translocation of phosphatidylserine, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear DNA damage, were assessed by using the annexin-V/propidium iodide double staining assay, 3,3'-dihexloxacarbocyanine iodide staining assay, and single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay).


METHODS
Apoptosis-related phenotype.


RESULTS
Patients with varicocele had statistically significantly more annexin V live sperm cells and nuclear DNA fragmentation than did the control men. In contrast, their numbers of 3,3'-dihexloxacarbocyanine iodide live cells were statistically significantly less than those in control men.


CONCLUSIONS
The increased externalization of phosphatidylserine, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear DNA damage occurred in the sperm of men with varicoceles, suggesting that certain apoptotic mechanisms may relate to the condition of varicocele, originating in the mitochondria of spermatocytes and then functioning within the nucleus of the cell.
Wu
Gwo-Jang
GJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan. gwojang@yahoo.com
Chang
Fung-Wei
FW
Lee
Shang-Sen
SS
Cheng
Ya-Yuan
YY
Chen
Chi-Huang
CH
Chen
I-Ching
IC
D000328:Adult; D017304:Annexin A5 / Q000378:metabolism; D017209:Apoptosis; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D004542:Ejaculation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053078:Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000473:pathology; D010641:Phenotype; D010718:Phosphatidylserines / Q000378:metabolism; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult
D017304:Annexin A5; D010718:Phosphatidylserines