OBJECTIVES: To assess nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) immunohistochemically, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) biochemically, which are sensitive biological markers of oxidative damage and stress, in testes with experimental varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult rats were randomly divided into three groups. Control group (n: 10), sham group (n: 10), varicocele group (n: 10). Of 14 rats undergoing partial ligation of the left renal vein, 10 rats had developed dilation of the left spermatic vein when evaluated 3 months after varicocele-inducing surgery. The rats were sacrificed after 3 months of the varicocele-inducing surgery. Ipsilateral and contralateral testes were examined for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) biochemically, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) expression immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Inducible NO synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) expressions and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in both testes of varicocele group were markedly higher compared with control and sham groups (p < 0.01). There was no difference between control and sham groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding to our results, we suggest that varicocele may produce oxidative stress in both of testes, and we believe that this stress may play a role in male fertility.
OBJECTIVES: To assess nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) immunohistochemically, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) biochemically, which are sensitive biological markers of oxidative damage and stress, in testes with experimental varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult rats were randomly divided into three groups. Control group (n: 10), sham group (n: 10), varicocele group (n: 10). Of 14 rats undergoing partial ligation of the left renal vein, 10 rats had developed dilation of the left spermatic vein when evaluated 3 months after varicocele-inducing surgery. The rats were sacrificed after 3 months of the varicocele-inducing surgery. Ipsilateral and contralateral testes were examined for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) biochemically, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) expression immunohistochemically. RESULTS:Inducible NO synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) expressions and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in both testes of varicocele group were markedly higher compared with control and sham groups (p < 0.01). There was no difference between control and sham groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding to our results, we suggest that varicocele may produce oxidative stress in both of testes, and we believe that this stress may play a role in male fertility.