title: Varicocele-Induced Infertility in Animal Models.
abstract: Varicocele is characterized by abnormal tortuosity and dilation of the veins of the pampiniform plexus within the spermatic cord. Although several reports show the mechanisms by which the varicocele exerts its infertility impact, the exact pathophysiology for varicocele-induced inflammation and its relationship with testicular endocrine disruption remain largely unknown. This review article will update previous findings by discussing the pathophysiology of long term-induced varicocele in rats. Testicular endocrine disruption in experimentally-induced varicocele, new findings related to biochemical alterations in germinal epithelium, and sperm cells apoptosis are highlighted. Recent observations show that varicocele down-regulates first and second maturation divisions, results in Leydig and Sertoli cell inflammation, and increases immune cell infiltration in the testes of the rat as an animal model. Ultimately, previous findings of our laboratory have revealed that varicocele decreased sperm motility, viability and severe DNA damage. Damage in sperm significantly lowers the animal's fertility potential. Varicocele not only exerts its pathologic impact by lowering the testicular antioxidant capacity but it also down-regulates first and second maturation divisions by exerting biochemical alterations such as reducing the intracytoplasmic carbohydrate ratio in germinal epithelium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
authors.forename: Mazdak
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Razi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia Medical University, Urmia, Iran Abstract.
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Malekinejad
keywords: In Vitro Fertilization; Infertility; Inflammation; Oxidative Stress; Varicocele