Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2025
03:19
Author Spotlight: Advancing Varicocele Treatment with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Published on: August 30, 2024
840
Negative effect of varicocele on sperm mitochondrial dysfunction: A cross-sectional study
Mahshid Elahi1, Vida Hojati1, Mahmoud Hashemitabar2
1Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran.
International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine
|June 1, 2023
Summary
Varicocele significantly impairs sperm health, reducing mitochondrial function (MMP, ATP) and semen quality, while increasing DNA damage. This highlights sperm mitochondria dysfunction as a key factor in varicocele-associated infertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Andrology
Background:
- Varicocele, characterized by enlarged scrotal veins, disrupts blood flow and is linked to male infertility.
- Impaired venous drainage in varicocele affects testicular function and sperm quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varicocele on sperm mitochondria status, assessing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels.
- To correlate sperm mitochondria health with semen parameters and overall sperm functionality in men with varicocele.
Main Methods:
- An analytical cross-sectional study involving 100 men (50 normal, 50 varicocele).
- Semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation index, MMP assay, ATP content, and apoptosis assessment were performed.
- Comparison of sperm parameters between normozoospermic and varicocele groups.
Main Results:
- Varicocele group exhibited significantly lower sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, MMP, and ATP levels compared to the normal group.
- Sperm DNA fragmentation index was significantly higher in the varicocele group.
- These findings indicate compromised sperm mitochondria function in men with varicocele.
Conclusions:
- Reduced MMP and ATP content in varicocele are strongly associated with decreased sperm quality and increased DNA fragmentation.
- Sperm mitochondria dysfunction is a significant contributor to infertility in men with varicocele.
- Targeting mitochondrial health may offer therapeutic strategies for varicocele-related infertility.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
299
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
299
01:41Spermatogenesis
102.7K
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
102.7K
01:22Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
3.1K
During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
3.1K
01:45Mitochondrial Membranes
11.7K
A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
11.7K
01:15Sperm Transport
991
The journey of sperm from its origin to the point of ejaculation begins within the seminiferous tubules of the testis. Here, Sertoli cells produce fluid that propels non-motile sperm through a series of conduits, starting with the straight tubules leading to the rete testis. This interconnected network of tubules acts as the initial pathway for sperm, guiding them into the efferent ductules and then into the epididymis for maturation.
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...
991
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
14.6K
The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
14.6K