Effect of folic acid and zinc sulphate on endocrine parameters and seminal antioxidant level after varicocelectomy.

Varicocele is among the most common problems which may lead to male infertility. Spermatogenesis is impaired as a consequence of this vascular defect, through mechanisms that are not well described. This study aimed to evaluate serum hormonal level (inhibin B, FSH and testosterone) and seminal plasma antioxidant defence levels after folic acid and zinc sulphate administration in varicocelectomised patients. Participants were randomly allocated to four experimental groups. Our randomisation schedule was as follows: zinc sulphate/folic acid, folic acid, zinc sulphate and placebo. The patients underwent varicocelectomy, before which a blood and semen sample were obtained and also three and six months after varicocelectomy for evaluation of blood hormonal level (FSH, testosterone, inhibin B) and seminal oxidative stress status (nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity). Patients in different groups took orally one capsule per day after dinner following varicocelectomy for 6 months. A significant rise in peripheral blood inhibin B and seminal plasma activity was detected in the zinc sulphate/folic acid group after 6 months. The present clinical trial indicates a change in the hormonal status of varicocelectomised patients following long-term administration of zinc sulphate and folic acid.

Effects of concurrent chronic administration of alcohol and nicotine on rat sperm parameters.

The prevalence of cigarette and alcohol consumption is high among young adult males during the reproductive period. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of concurrent chronic administration of nicotine and ethanol on the quality of sperm in the rat. Fifty healthy Wistar male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10) and were given the following for a period of 50 days: ethanol (E), nicotine (N), ethanol and nicotine (E/N); the control group (C) and an intact (I) group. Body weight as well as the weight, volume and dimensions of the testes and the weight of the cauda epididymidis and vas deference were measured. The concentration, motility, viability and membrane integrity of sperm were also assessed. There were no significant differences between body weight and all testis parameters including weight, volume and dimensions. The concentration and motility of sperm in the E/N group was significantly reduced compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Nevertheless, only a marginally significant decrease in sperm viability was found in the E/N group compared with the control group. The study indicates that concurrent chronic administration of ethanol and nicotine may disturb male reproductive function.

Effects of co-administration of dopamine and vitamin C on ischaemia-reperfusion injury after experimental testicular torsion-detorsion in rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dopamine as vasodilator, vitamin C as an antioxidant and combined administration of them on ischaemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury following testicular torsion (TT). Thirty adult male rats were divided into six groups each containing five rats. Testicular ischaemia was achieved by twisting the left testis for 4 h. Group 1 was for determination of the basal values. Group 2 had 4 h TT. Group 3 had 4 h TT and was then treated with dopamine. Group 4 had 4 h TT and was then treated with vitamin C. Group 5 had 4 h TT and was then treated with dopamine and vitamin C. Group 6 was designed as a sham operated group. Testicular torsion caused a significant decrease in the percentage of spermatogenesis and seminiferous tubules diameters compared with the control and sham groups. Administration of dopamine, vitamin C and their combination increased above mentioned parameters and decreased serum malondialehyde levels significantly. However, vitamin C had better results than the other treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a potent antioxidant like vitamin C was found to be more effective than increasing blood flow by a vasodilator like dopamine on improving I-R injury following TT.