The effects of N-acetylcysteine on spermatogenesis and degree of testicular germ cell apoptosis in an experimental model of varicocele in rats.
BACKGROUND
The mechanism by which varicocele interferes in spermatogenesis has not been clearly defined. Germ cell apoptosis and oxidative stress appear to be involved in this process and the use of antioxidants has been proposed to counteract upon these effects. The present study evaluated the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on spermatogenesis and germ cell apoptosis in an experimental model of varicocele in rats.


METHODS
Twenty 30-day-old animals were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation (Group 1), left experimental varicocele (Group 2) and left experimental varicocele group treated with NAC 50 mg/kg/day (Group 3). After 2 months, spermatogenesis was evaluated by absolute and true count of round spermatids, pachytenes, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. The different cell relations were also analyzed. Germ cell apoptosis was quantified using the TUNEL method. The apoptotic index (AI) was calculated as the number of apoptotic cells per tubule. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance considering P < 0.05.


RESULTS
The absolute and true cell counts were similar among the groups (P > 0.05). The round spermatid/pachytene ratio was significantly smaller in Groups 2 and 3 compared to the Group 1 (P = 0.012). The AI values were 0.207 ± 0.09, 0.138 ± 0.11 and 0.298 ± 0.27, respectively (P = 0.256).


CONCLUSIONS
Experimental varicocele in rats presented an association with the decreased round spermatid/pachytene ratio, suggesting the loss of germ cells during spermatogenesis. These effects were not influenced by the administration of NAC. Germ cell apoptosis was not influenced by experimental varicocele.
Duarte
Fernando
F
Research Center of the Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA-Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Blaya
Rodrigo
R
Telöken
Patrick Ely
PE
Becker
Daniel
D
Fernandes
Marilda
M
Rhoden
Ernani Luis
EL
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002452:Cell Count; D005854:Germ Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000473:pathology; D013087:Spermatids / Q000473:pathology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology; D014646:Varicocele / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D000111:Acetylcysteine