Increased testicular 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) expressions in experimental rat varicocele.

ABSTRACT

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.