Oxidative damage to proteins and decrease of antioxidant capacity in patients with varicocele.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Varicocele is associated with male infertility.
• Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of varicocele.
• Biomarkers for oxidative stress in varicocele are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate oxidative damage to blood proteins in the spermatic vein.
• To assess seminal plasma antioxidant capacity in patients with varicocele and subclinical varicocele.
• To identify potential biomarkers for oxidative stress in varicocele.

Main Methods:

• Spectrophotometric assays were used to measure plasma protein carbonyls, seminal plasma protein thiols, and ascorbic acid levels.
• Blood samples were collected from peripheral and spermatic veins.
• Participants included patients with varicocele, subclinical varicocele, and healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Plasma protein carbonyls were significantly higher in spermatic veins compared to peripheral veins in varicocele and subclinical varicocele groups.
• Spermatic vein protein carbonyls were elevated in varicocele and subclinical varicocele patients compared to controls.
• Seminal plasma protein thiols and ascorbic acid levels were significantly lower in the varicocele group compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Patients with varicocele and subclinical varicocele exhibit increased oxidative stress.
• Plasma protein carbonyls and seminal plasma antioxidants (protein thiols, ascorbic acid) are potential markers for assessing oxidative stress in varicocele.
• These findings contribute to understanding the role of oxidative stress in varicocele pathophysiology.