生精片对男性少弱精子症患者精液参数的影响及作用机制研究

目的:观察生精片治疗男性少弱精子症患者的临床有效性,并对其作用机制进行探讨。方法:选取少弱精子症患者120例,采取随机对照研究的方法,治疗组口服生精片,对照组服用维生素E,服用12周后,观察治疗前后两组精子浓度、精子活力及正常形态精子百分率,血清FSH、T、LH水平,DNA碎片指数,低渗肿胀精子百分率,精浆弹性蛋白酶、α-葡糖苷酶、精子顶体酶、果糖及精浆锌等指标变化。结果:生精片能显著改善精子浓度、活力和形态(P<0.01),血清FSH水平明显降低,T明显升高(P<0.01),DNA碎片指数明显降低,低渗肿胀精子百分率显著升高,弹性蛋白酶明显降低,α-葡糖苷酶、精子顶体酶、果糖、精浆锌等水平明显升高。结论:生精片通过多层次、多环节、多途径改善少弱精子症患者的精液参数,具有良好的临床疗效。     

Relationship between seminal ascorbic acid and sperm DNA integrity in infertile men

Ascorbic acid has recently been reported to protect sperm DNA from the damage induced by exogenous oxidative stress in vitro. But, there is no report on seminal ascorbic acid and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men. In this study, we asked whether sperm DNA damage correlates with seminal ascorbic acid levels. Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was analysed in 75 men by flow cytometry after acridine orange staining. We also measured the levels of seminal plasma ascorbic acid and total antioxidant capacity. Abnormal sperm DNA integrity (DFI >or= 30%) was observed in 12% of the patients with normal semen parameters and in 52% of the patients with abnormal semen parameters. There were significant correlations between the level of DFI and conventional semen parameters including sperm count, motility and morphology (r = -0.29, -0.55 and -0.53 respectively; p < 0.05). Seminal ascorbic acid level was significantly lower in the patients with leucospermia than the patient with normal semen parameters. Interestingly, a significantly greater percentage of men with abnormal DFI were observed in the patients with low levels of seminal ascorbic acid compared with those with normal or high levels of ascorbic acid (59% vs. 33%, p < 0.05). Men with insufficient seminal ascorbic acid frequently have sperm DNA damage.     

Clinical correlates of the biological variation of sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men attending an andrology outpatient clinic

Determination of sperm DNA fragmentation, as assessed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), has become an important tool for the evaluation of semen quality. The aim of the present study was to describe the biological variation of sperm DNA fragmentation in men attending an andrology clinic and to identify clinical correlates of the biological variation of sperm DNA fragmentation. For this study, two consecutive semen samples from 100 patients attending our andrology outpatient clinic were subjected to semen analysis, performed in parallel according to WHO guidelines and by SCSA. A good agreement between pairs of samples was found for SCSA-derived variables, as indicated by a significantly lower median coefficient of variation (CV) of the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) and the high DNA stainability (HDS) compared with WHO semen parameters. In half of the men attending our andrology clinic, however, the individual biological variation of DFI and HDS, expressed as CV of two samples, exceeded 10%. Dysregulation of spermatogenesis, as seen as testicular insufficiency or varicocele, was not associated with increased variability of DFI or HDS. A backward multiple linear regression analysis, however, indicated that the biological variation of DFI may be more profound in men with characteristics of normal spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we confirm previous reports that sperm DNA fragmentation has a lower biological variability than classical semen parameters. We hypothesize that the sperm chromatin structure may be more influenced in patients with normal spermatogenesis, whereas in men with disturbed spermatogenesis, the chromatin structure may be already so impaired that the effect of unidentified factors leading to variability of sperm DNA fragmentation in time may not be as profound.     

精子DNA损伤、核蛋白组型转换与顶体酶活性及精液参数的相关性分析

目的:探讨精子DNA损伤、精子核蛋白组型转换与顶体酶活性及精液参数的相关性。方法:收集535例精液标本,采用精子染色质扩散(sperm chromatin dispersion,SCD)检测精子DNA损伤,并与精子核蛋白组型转换、顶体酶活性和WHO手册(第4版)精液参数进行相关性分析。结果:精子DNA损伤与精子核蛋白组型转换、顶体酶活性、精子浓度及前向运动精子这些指标之间比较均具有显著性差异(P<0.01);精子DNA损伤与年龄、核蛋白组型转换、精子浓度和D级精子比例之间呈显著正相关(P<0.01或P<0.05),而与顶体酶活性呈显著负相关(P<0.001),多元逐步回归分析显示年龄、精子浓度、D级精子比例、核蛋白组型转换及顶体酶活性是5个独立的相关变量。精子核蛋白组型转换、顶体酶活性、精子密度和前向运动精子这4个指标的异常率在精子DNA异常组(DFI≥30%)中均显著的高于正常组(DFI<30%)。结论:精子DNA损伤与精子核蛋白组型转换、顶体酶活性及WHO(第4版)精液各参数之间存在密切的联系,可能是评价精子质量的另一项重要的指标。     

Smoking influence on sperm vitality,DNA fragmentation,reactive oxygen species and zinc in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men with varicocele

This study aimed to assess the influence of smoking duration and intensity on sperm vitality, sperm DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and zinc (Zn) levels in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men with varicocele (Vx). A total of 246 men were investigated who were divided into OAT nonsmokers, OAT smokers, OAT nonsmokers and OAT smokers with Vx. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and semen analysis. In their semen, sperm hypo‐osmotic swelling (HOS) test, sperm DNA fragmentation test, seminal ROS and seminal Zn were assessed. The results demonstrated significantly decreased HOS test, seminal Zn level and significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation, seminal ROS levels in OAT smokers with Vx more than OAT smokers compared with OAT nonsmokers. Smoking intensity, smoking duration and Vx grade demonstrated significant negative correlations with sperm motility, HOS test percentage and significant positive correlations with sperm DNA fragmentation, seminal ROS level. It is concluded that smoking has a negative impact on sperm progressive motility, HOS test, seminal Zn and positive impact on sperm DNA fragmentation, semen ROS level that are exaggerated if Vx is associated being correlated with smoking intensity, smoking duration and Vx grade.     

精液常规参数初检合格后不同时间点再分析结果及其与精子DNA损伤的关系

目的:探讨完全液化且常规参数初检合格的精液标本,于不同时间再分析的结果差异,及精子DNA碎片化指数(DFI)与精子活动力改变的相关性。方法:选取127份符合纳入标准的精液标本,分别于取样后15、30、60 min时采用计算机辅助精液分析(CASA)系统进行分析。精子形态分析采用Shorr染色法,吖啶橙试验(AOT)检测DFI。结果:3个时间点精子浓度、a级和b级精子百分率均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。取样15 min时a+b和a+b+c级精子百分率显著高于30和60 min时的结果(P<0.05),后两者间无统计学差异(P>0.05)。不同时间精子活动力各项指标中,至少有1项由"正常组"变为"异常组"的发生率为25.2%,两组间DFI和形态学无统计学差异(P>0.05)。取样后15到60 min变化的精子活动力指标中,a、a+b、a+b+c级下降值与DFI存在正相关性(P<0.05)。结论:取样后15 min内完全液化并初查参数合格的精液标本,30～60 min内复查时,a级和b级精子百分率波动并无显著差异,而a+b级及a+b+c级精子则可能显著下降,精子活动力指标可能出现异常。故应至少进行2次精液分析,综合评估生育力。如2次结果差异较大,尤其是a级精子百分率下降幅度较大,则可能与精子DNA损伤有关,需进一步行精子DNA损伤检测。     

Recombinant human FSH reduces sperm DNA fragmentation in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

A prospective randomized controlled study was designed to evaluate the effects of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) treatment on sperm DNA fragmentation in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT). One hundred twenty-nine men with sperm count less than 10 × 10(6) spermatozoa/mL and forward motility <25% were included; normal serum levels of FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone, and no other causes of infertility were enrolled. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: 65 men were treated on alternate days for 90 days with injections of 150 IU rFSH, and 64 subjects received nonantioxidant vitamin supplements. Main outcome measures were serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, and inhibin B and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) at baseline and after 90 days. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups with regard to sperm parameters and hormone values. The DFI was similar between the 2 groups at the time of the enrollment but reduced significantly (P < .05) after rFSH therapy in study group, whereas no significant variation occurred in the control group. In the subgroup of patients with high basal DFI values (>15%), rFSH treatment significantly increased DFI (P < .01), whereas no significant variation occurred after 90 days of vitamin supplements. We conclude that rFSH administration improves sperm DNA integrity in iOAT men with increased DFI values. The degree of sperm DFI might be useful to identify those iOAT patients in which rFSH treatment can be advantageous.     

High total acrosin activity in varicocele individuals

Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility and reports indicate that varicocelectomy has a beneficial effect on male fertility. The aims of this study were to evaluate and compare the total acrosin activity along with DNA integrity in semen samples obtained from 70 varicocele individuals with male factors infertility presenting grades II and III varicocele before and after the surgery and 30 fertile individuals without any clinical presentation of varicocele. Total acrosin activity, protamine deficiency, DNA fragmentation, and semen parameters including sperm concentration, motility and sperm morphology were assessed by spectrophotometery, CMA3 staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay and WHO criteria, respectively. Total acrosin activity (P = 0.03), percentage CMA3 positivity (P = 0.00) and TUNEL-positive spermatozoa (P = 0.04) were higher in the varicocele individuals before the surgery compared with the fertile individuals; yet, all the aforementioned criteria decreased significantly after surgery (P < 0.05). The results of this study reveal that DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency, as negative parameters in fertility, improve post-surgery; however, total acrosin activity as a positive parameter in fertility is higher in the varicocele individuals compared with fertile and decreases to a value close to the fertile control post-surgery. High levels of total acrosin activity in varicocele individuals need more research in future.     

The assessment of oxidative stress in infertile patients with varicocele

OBJECTIVES

To assess oxidative stress markers, antioxidant capacity and cytokines in seminal plasma from infertile patients with varicocele, and to investigate seminal oxidative status and sperm DNA damage after varicocelectomy.

PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The records were retrospectively evaluated for 28 azoospermic, 30 oligospermic (15 with varicocele and 15 without) and 30 patients with normal semen characteristics (15 with varicocele and 15 without). The mean (sd ) age of the men was 32.4 (5.6) years; all men with varicocele had a unilateral or bilateral microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy. The level of nitric oxide (NO), 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), hexanoyl‐lysine (HEL), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor‐α in seminal plasma were measured. In addition, sperm DNA fragmentation was analysed before and 6 months after varicocelectomy.

RESULTS

Azoospermic and oligospermic patients had a significantly higher HEL concentration and SOD activity in seminal plasma; those with varicocele had a significantly higher NO, HEL, and SOD activity in seminal plasma. There was a significant increase in sperm concentration and reduction in NO, HEL, 8‐OHdG level and SOD activity after varicocelectomy. Oligospermic patients with varicocele had a significantly higher IL‐6 level in seminal plasma, and there was a significant reduction after varicocelectomy. The percentage of apoptosis‐positive sperm decreased significantly after varicocelectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that the seminal plasma of patients with varicocele is under excessive oxidative stress, and partly even in patients with normospermia, and that varicocelectomy reduces oxidative stress in seminal plasma and ameliorates sperm DNA damage.     

Seminal SIRT1-oxidative stress relationship in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men with varicocele after its surgical repair

This work assessed seminal SIRT1-oxidative stress (OS) relationship in infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men after varicocele repair. Overall, thirty OAT men with varicocele were investigated. Inclusion criteria were infertile males (males who were unable to initiate a pregnancy within 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse), confirmed OAT and normal female factor. These cases were subjected to history taking, clinical checkup and semen analysis. In their semen, seminal SIRT1, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were assessed. These men were subjected to varicocele surgical repair and were followed up for 3 months. Post-operatively, the mean seminal SIRT1, GPx levels showed significant increases and the mean MDA level showed significant decrease compared to the pre-operative levels linked to improved sperm parameters. The mean seminal SIRT1, GPx, MDA levels showed more significant improvement in grade III varicocele cases compared to grade II cases after surgical repair. Seminal SIRT1 levels showed significant positive correlations with sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm normal morphology, seminal GPx levels and a significant negative correlation with seminal MDA levels. It could be concluded that seminal SIRT1 is significantly decreased in infertile OAT men with varicocele after its surgical repair linked to improved sperm parameters as well as seminal OS.     

Assessment of seminal YKL-40 in infertile men with varicocele

Several studies attempted to explain the negative impact of varicocele on spermatogenesis and fertilisation processes. YKL-40 is a novel glycoprotein biomarker that had been associated with several diseases. This quasi-interventional study aimed to assess the seminal levels of YKL-40 in infertile men with varicocele before and after varicocelectomy. Overall, 50 men were included in this study divided into 20 healthy fertile men and 30 infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men with varicocele that underwent varicocelectomy. All participants were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and scrotal Doppler. Also, semen analysis and seminal YKL-40 assessment were carried out in the start and 6 months after varicocele surgical repair. The results showed a significant increase in the mean seminal YKL-40 level in infertile OAT men with varicocele compared with the healthy fertile men. Six months post-varicocelectomy, the mean seminal KYL-40 level exhibited significant decreases correlated with improved sperm parameters. Overall, seminal levels of YKL-40 showed significant negative correlations with sperm concentration, total sperm motility and sperm normal morphology. It could be concluded that seminal YKL-40 is elevated in infertile OAT men with varicocele where varicocelectomy induces decreased seminal YKL-40 levels correlated with improved semen parameters.     

Total antioxidant capacity—Relevance,methods and clinical implications

Oxidative stress is pre-empted by an adequate level of antioxidants, which scavenge oxidants when they are produced in excess by different sources, including leukocytes and immature spermatozoa. Enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, and several non-enzymatic antioxidants (proteins, vitamins and minerals), working as oxidant scavengers and cofactors of enzymatic antioxidants have been identified in seminal plasma. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is a diagnostic test that can be utilised in the male infertility workup. TAC measures the amount of total antioxidants in seminal plasma. Therefore, it provides an assessment of the reductive potential in seminal plasma. Several studies have investigated the diagnostic application of TAC in various andrology conditions. There is substantial evidence in the literature to show that infertile patients have lower seminal TAC in comparison with fertile men. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between TAC and seminal parameters, such as sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Evaluation of TAC together with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) may be beneficial in the diagnosis of male infertility.     

Efficacy of varicocelectomy for sperm DNA integrity improvement: A meta-analysis

Varicocele is common among male adolescents and adults. Varicocelectomy is the major means of varicocele repair. There is evidence that varicocelectomy could decrease sperm DNA fragmentation. However, studies evaluating the efficacy of varicocelectomy for sperm DNA integrity usually have a small sample size, and there is no up-to-date meta-analysis in this area. The present meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of varicocelectomy for sperm DNA integrity. A literature search was conducted to identify all relevant studies from Medline database (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and OVID Embase from the inception dates to 08 June 2020. A total of 11 prospective studies including 394 cases were included in this meta-analysis. All analysis was performed using Stata version 16.0. In the random-effect model for 11 studies, DNA fragmentation index (%) of clinical varicocele patients decreased by 5.79 (95% CI, −7.39 to −4.19) after varicocelectomy. While after excluding one study with high heterogeneity, from the results of fixed-effect model, DNA fragmentation index decreased by 6.14 (95% CI, −6.90 to −5.37) on average. Sperm DNA integrity of clinical varicocele patients was significantly improved following varicocelectomy. Therefore, it is necessary to include elevated sperm DNA fragmentation index as a molecular indicator for varicocelectomy among clinical varicocele cases.     

Bilateral is superior to unilateral varicocelectomy in infertile males with left clinical and right subclinical varicocele: a prospective randomized controlled study

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of bilateral versus unilateral varicocelectomy on seminal response and spontaneous pregnancy rates in infertile male patients with left clinical and right subclinical varicocele.

Methods

A total of 358 infertile men with left clinical and right subclinical varicocele were randomized to group that underwent bilateral (n = 179) and group that underwent unilateral microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (n = 179). Baseline data regarding male age, female partner age, grade of varicocele body mass index, bilateral testicular volume and serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone levels and infertility duration and semen parameters were gathered. One year after the surgery, semen parameters including sperm volume, sperm concentration, normal sperm morphology, progressive motility and sperm DNA fragmentation index were recorded and any pregnancy was also documented via telephone calls and hospital visits.

Results

We found the baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The seminal parameters had significant improvements 1 year postoperatively in both groups. However, the bilateral group showed significantly greater improvements than the unilateral group in sperm concentration, normal sperm morphology and progressive motility. Besides, the pregnancy rate was statistically higher in the bilateral group after the surgery (42.5 versus 26.0%, bilateral versus unilateral group).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study indicated that bilateral is superior to unilateral varicocelectomy in infertile males with left clinical and right subclinical varicocele, which is associated with greater improvements in sperm concentration, normal sperm morphology and progressive motility and spontaneous pregnancy rate after the surgery.

     

The correlation between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene expression and sperm DNA damage among infertile patients with and without varicocele

This study aimed to assess the possible correlation between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) gene expression and sperm DNA damage among infertile patients with and without varicocele. The study included sixty infertile males and fifty fertile males as controls. The infertile group was subdivided into the following subgroups: thirty males with varicocele and thirty males without varicocele. All subjects underwent medical history collection, clinical examination, semen analysis, sperm DNA integrity assessment, mTOR gene expression assessment and scrotal colour Doppler ultrasound. The mean mTOR gene expression in infertile patients with varicocele (23.52 ± 14.65) was significantly higher than that in infertile patients without varicocele (12.24 ± 12.44) and fertile control subjects (3.92 ± 3.26; p = 0.003 and p < 0.001 respectively). In the infertile varicocele‐positive group, mTOR gene expression showed a significant negative correlation with sperm count (p = 0.028, r = ?0.400) and progressive sperm motility (p = 0.038, r = ?0.381), as well as a significant positive correlation with the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI; p = 0.001, r = 0.578). In the infertile varicocele‐negative group, mTOR gene expression showed a significant negative correlation with progressive sperm motility (p = 0.018, r = ?0.429) and a significant positive correlation with sperm DFI (p < 0.001, r = 0.673). In conclusion, according to these results, there is a significant positive correlation between mTOR gene expression and sperm DFI among infertile patients with and without varicocele.     

精子DNA完整性与体外受精-胚胎移植临床结局的相关性研究

目的 探讨精子DNA完整性与精液参数及体外受精-胚胎移植（IVF-ET）/卵胞浆内单精子注射（ICSI）临床结局的关系.方法 选择2008年6月～2009年6月在解放军105医院生殖医学中心接受IVF/ICSI治疗的179对不育夫妇作为研究对象,采用吖啶橙试验（AOT）对116例实施IVF和63例实施ICSI治疗的男性患者进行精子DNA完整性分析,根据精子DNA碎片指数（DFI）将患者分为DFI≤30%组和DFI＞30%组,比较两组间精液参数、受精率、卵裂率、优胚率、胚胎冷冻率、着床率和临床妊娠率.结果 DFI ＞30%组精子畸形率显著高于≤30%组（P＜0.01）,但两组间精子密度、活动率、前向运动精子（a＋b）均无显著性差异（P＞0.05）;DFI＞30%组IVF和ICSI的优胚率、ICSI的胚胎着床率和临床妊娠率均显著低于DFI≤30%组（P＜0.01,P＜0.05）.结论 精子DNA完整性与精子形态密切相关,精子DNA损伤在IVF/ICSI过程中对胚胎质量有负面影响,并显著影响ICSI的胚胎着床率和妊娠率,建议行ICSI前应对精子DNA完整性进行评估.     

Effect of spermatic vein ligation on seminal total antioxidant capacity in terms of varicocele grading

We aimed to assess the effect of spermatic vein ligation on seminal total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with varicocele. Twenty infertile male patients with varicocele and 20 normal fertile men (control group) were included in the study. All the male patients were diagnosed with primary infertility and varicocele. The patients with varicocele were divided into two groups as nonpalpable (GI) (eight patients) and palpable (GII-III) (12 patients) varicocele groups. All the patients underwent microsurgical spermatic vein ligation. Seminal TAC levels and sperm parameters were evaluated in all the patients. Preoperative sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology and seminal TAC levels with equivalent figures 3-6 months after spermatic vein ligation and the same values of the control group were compared. There was a statistically significant increase in the total seminal antioxidant capacity level after spermatic vein ligation, and there was a statistically significant increase in the sperm count, sperm motility and spermatozoa with normal morphology. However, evaluation of the patients for varicocele grade showed a statistically significant increase in the TAC level only in the GII-III varicocele group. Spermatic vein ligation can improve the total seminal antioxidant capacity levels especially in patients with middle and high grade varicocele.     

The association of seminal leucocytes,interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 with sperm DNA fragmentation: A prospective study

The effect of seminal leucocytes on sperm DNA integrity has been discussed controversially in literatures. Moreover, the studies investigating the in vivo effect of pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 on sperm DNA fragmentation are scarce and inconsistent. The association of standard sperm parameters with sperm DNA fragmentation is also a matter of ongoing discussion. Hence, the aims of this study were, first, to evaluate the effect of seminal leucocytes, interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 on sperm DNA integrity and, second, to examine whether standard semen parameters are associated with sperm DNA fragmentation. Seminal leucocytes, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8 and standard semen parameters, including total sperm number, sperm concentration, progressive motility, nonprogressive motility, immotility and normal morphology, were determined in 134 consecutive men. The concentrations of seminal leucocytes, interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8, did not correlate with sperm DNA fragmentation. In contrast, total sperm number, sperm concentration, progressive motility, nonprogressive motility and normal morphology exhibited significant inverse correlations with sperm DNA fragmentation. Immotile spermatozoa were directly correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, seminal leucocytes, interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8, are not associated with sperm DNA fragmentation. Poor standard semen parameters are significantly related to the high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation.     

Varicocele sclerotherapy improves serum inhibin B levels and seminal parameters

The usefulness of treating varicocele in order to improve fertility is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate variations in seminal parameters and inhibin B concentrations in a group of males affected by varicocele and treated by percutaneous retrograde sclerotherapy in comparison with a group of patients who did not undergo varicocele treatment. Thirty-eight patients with left varicocele underwent spermatic vein phlebography and percutaneous retrograde sclerotherapy with hydroxy-polyaethoxy-dodecanol. Serum inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone levels and seminal parameters (sperm concentration, motility and morphology) were performed before and 6 months after sclerotherapy. Forty patients with left varicocele who did not undergo sclerotherapy were studied as controls. A significant increase (p < 0.01) in serum inhibin B levels and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in FSH levels were observed 6 months after treatment. Semen analysis showed a significant improvement in sperm concentration (p < 0.05) and progressive motility (p < 0.01) after treatment. In control group no significant variations in hormonal and seminal parameters were observed 6 months after the basal examination. Six months after the basal evaluation, inhibin B levels were significantly higher in treated subjects than in controls (p < 0.05) whereas FSH levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Sperm concentration and progressive motility were significantly increased (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) in treated subjects in comparison with controls. In conclusion, varicocele sclerotherapy improves inhibin B levels and seminal parameters, confirming the positive effect of this treatment on spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell function.     

Prognosis of subfertility in men with corrected or uncorrected varicocele

To evaluate whether correction of varicocele improves fertility, pregnancy rates were compared in 115 varicocele patients consulting for infertility and having oligozoospermia, asthenospermia, or teratozoospermia, in any combination, and FSH levels within the normal range. Ninety of these patients had corrected, and 25 had uncorrected varicoceles, respectively. The value of clinical and seminal parameters for predicting the eventuality of pregnancy for varicocele patients was also studied. Although both groups were comparable in terms of duration of infertility, mean age, sperm density, motility or fertility index, cumulative pregnancy rates over 12 months were similar, whether or not the varicocele was corrected. The value of clinical or seminal parameters, in any combination, for the prediction of outcome for varicocele patients was poor. The prognosis was poor for men with less than 15% of spermatozoa with normal morphology, FSH levels higher than the mean + 3 SD of those values found in young fathers, and a fertility index below 3. In subjects who achieved pregnancy within one year, pretreatment sperm characteristics were similar in both the corrected and uncorrected groups. Correction of varicocele slightly improved sperm characteristics. It seems likely that in most men with subfertility and varicocele, other factors besides venous reflux are responsible for their infertility.