The protective effects of long term NaHS administration on sperm parameters, testicular morphometry, testicular H2S levels and oxidative stress markers in varicocele male rats

Background: Varicocele, is characterized by abnormal dilation and tortuosity of veins of the pampiniform plexus. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gaseous signaling molecule, has various anti-oxidant and inflammatory functions in different parts of body. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective effects of NaHS (as a donor of H2S) on sperm parameters, testicular morphometry and testicular H2S levels and oxidative stress markers in varicocele male rats.Objective: Varicocele, is characterized by abnormal dilation and tortuosity of veins of the pampiniform plexus. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gaseous signaling molecule, has various anti-oxidant and inflammatory functions in different parts of body. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the protective effects of NaHS (as a donor of H2S) on sperm parameters, testicular morphometry and testicular H2S levels and oxidative stress markers in varicocele male rats.Materials and Methods: Eighteen rats were randomly assigned to 3 experimental groups: 1) sham 2) varicocele 3) varicocele + sodium hydrosulfide. The sham group underwent sham operation and experimental groups were underwent partial ligation of the renal vein to induce experimental varicocele. Animals in varicocele + sodium hydrogen sulfide group received 30 μmol/l NaHS in drinking water for 8 wk. After 8 wk in all rats, caudal epididymis was used for collecting sperms in order to assess sperm parameters (motility and count). The left testis was excised, dissected free of surrounding tissue and was frozen immediately for measuring oxidative stress markers (MDA level and SOD activity) and testicular H2S levels. Testicular morphometry (tubule diameter and thickness) was assessed by Motic Plus Image.Results: Varicocele caused significant decrease in sperm parameters (motility and count), oxidative stress markers (increased testicular MDA levels and decreased testicular SOD activity), decreased testicular H2S levels and testicular morphometry compared to sham group. NaHS administration improved sperm parameters, testicular morphometry, oxidative stress markers (decreased testicular MDA levels and increased testicular SOD activity) and elevated testicular H2S levels compared to varicocele group.Conclusion: This study revealed that reduction in testicular H2S is a contributor factor in varicocele. Protective effects of NaHS administration were observed in current study. This treatment may be a promising strategy for protection against varicocele-induced male infertility in clinical practice.

کلیدواژه ها:

Varicocele ، H2S ، NaHS ، Oxidative stress