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Related Experiment Videos

Decrease in apoptosis of germ cells in the testes of infertile men with varicocele.

M Fujisawa1, C Hiramine, H Tanaka

  • 1Department of Urology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.

World Journal of Urology
|November 7, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is reduced in the testes of infertile men with varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum). This study investigated germ cell apoptosis in varicocele patients compared to normal men.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility.
  • The role of apoptosis in germ cell development and its potential dysregulation in varicocele remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulation of apoptosis in the testes of infertile men with varicocele.
  • To determine if abnormal apoptosis affects germ cell differentiation and sperm production.

Main Methods:

  • Collected 56 testicular biopsy specimens from 28 varicocele patients and 5 normal men.
  • Quantified apoptosis using in situ end-labeling and CAS 200 image analysis to calculate the apoptotic index (AI).
  • Examined apoptosis via electron microscopy.

Main Results:

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  • Mean AI was significantly lower in varicocele patients (3.90% right, 3.78% left) compared to normal men (9.67%).
  • Apoptotic cells per Sertoli cell also decreased in varicocele patients.
  • No significant correlation found between AI and sperm concentration, Johnsen's score, or serum hormone levels.

Conclusions:

  • Apoptosis is decreased in germ cells of infertile men with varicocele.
  • Reduced germ cell apoptosis may contribute to impaired sperm production in varicocele.