Evidences for Deleterous Role of Free Radicals in Experimental Varicocele Using Animal Model

Abstract

Aim: It is highly intricate to categorize a solitary or prevailing factor for pathophysiology of varicocele. Herein, the basis of free radicals in the pathogenesis of varicocele was assessed. Study Design: Experimental using animal models. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, between April, 2012 and August, 2012. Methodology: Five (5) groups of rats were used, Group A animals served as the control, while Groups B, C, D and E animals were varicocelized. Groups C, E and E in addition, had intramuscular treatment of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 75mg/kg body weight of α-tocopherol respectively. The models were sacrificed on 65th day and Testicular weights and volumes, sperm parameters, histology, morphometry, enzymatic and non enzymatic antioxidants were vastly estimated. Result: There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in activity level of SOD (5.92±4.1), CAT (380.2±7.1) and GPx (0.79±0.8) and a reduced lipid peroxidation evidenced by significant (p<0.05) reduction in level of MDA (18.2±6.1) of the varicocelized rat treated with Vitamin E (75mg/kg b.wt.) when compared to the activity of SOD (3.31±4.1), CAT (361.2±4.5), GPx (0.36±6.1) and MDA (0.36±6.1) of untreated varicocelized models. The geometric values, sperm characteristics and histological profiles threaded the same pattern as the oxidative status. Conclusion: These results confirmed and validated the important role of reactive oxygen in the pathogenesis of varicocelized.