ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility with multifactorial etiology. Inflammation is a characteristic pathological event that occurs in the testis tissue following the varicocele. The aim of this study was to investigate expression of nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome components and cytokines in semen of varicocele and control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, seminal plasma was collected from 32 varicocele patients (with grades 2 and 3) and 20 fertile men as control group. Semen analysis was performed in all subjects. Concentrations of interleukin-1b (IL-1b), IL-18 and caspase-1 in seminal plasma were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain, in addition to NALP3 were identified in seminal plasma by Western blot. Statistical significance between the mean values was determined by student's t test. RESULTS: According to our data, the level of IL-1b was significantly (P=0.03) increased in the seminal plasma of varicocele patients, compared to the control subjects. We analyzed amount of IL-18 in the both groups. The level of this interleukin was markedly (P=0.002) decreased in varicocele patients. No change was observed in the level of caspase-1 in both groups. Western blot analysis revealed that apoptosis associated speck-like protein (ASC, P=0.0002) and NLRP3 (P=0.005) were significantly elevated in the semen of varicocele patients. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first evidence of activation of NLRP3 components in semen of men with varicocele.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of sertraline on semen parameters and comparison of its effect with behavioral therapy (BT) in men with primary premature ejaculation. METHODS: In this single-blinded clinical trial, a total of 60 married men with primary premature ejaculation were randomly divided into 2 groups: the sertraline group (n = 30, sertraline 25 mg/day for 1 week followed by 50 mg/day for 3 months) and the BT group (n = 30, using BT technique for 3 months). Semen analysis was applied, and the results were compared between groups before and 3 months after intervention. RESULTS: The significant reduction in sperm concentration (10(5)/mL) and percentage of normal morphology was reported in sertraline group (P <.05). The percentage of sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation after intervention in sertraline group was significantly higher than BT group (P = .004). There was no significant change in semen parameters in patients treated using BT. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed detrimental effects of sertraline on some semen parameters. It should particularly be considered in patients who are trying to conceive. It seems BT is a safe method without any side effect on semen analysis parameters.
