Evaluation of seminal plasma nitric oxide concertration in infertile males with varicocele

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to measure and compare NO concentrations in the seminal plasma of infertile patients with/without varicocele. The study enrolled 35 patients with oligo- and/or asthenoteratozoospermia [OAT], and were divided into two groups Group 1 [OAT with varicocele, n=19] and group 2 [OAT without varicocele, n=16]. Ten healthy subjects without varicocele and with normal semen parameters were taken as normal control. Semen analysis, estimation of NO in seminal plasma [SP] and hormonal assay [FSH, LH and testosterone] for all individuals were done. Nitric oxide concentration was significantly higher in SP of group 1 [varicocele] compared to both group 2 and normal control. Plasma FSH and LH concentrations were evaluated in group 1 versus control. In conclusion, the increased seminal plasma NO concentration is specifically related to the varicocele, not to infertility, since NO production in oligo- and/or asthenoteratozoospermic patients without varicocele did not increase. On the other hand, increased NO concentration may be one of the causes of damage to sperm in patients with varicocele. These data support the need for varicocele repair to interrupt NO overproduction