Increased expression of interleukin-1α and interleukin-1β is associated with experimental varicocele

Objective

To describe the effect of varicocele, in an experimental rat model, on the levels of IL-1α and IL-1β proteins in testis tissue.

Design

Comparative and controlled study.

Setting

Experimental research.

Animal(s)

Wistar male rats in experimental and control groups.

Intervention(s)

The control group underwent sham operation (n = 6). Experimental groups underwent partial ligation of the renal vein to induce experimental varicocele and were then killed at 9 (n = 6), 11 (n = 6), and 13 (n = 6) weeks after induction of varicocele.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Histologic evaluation of the varicocele model was determined by periodic acid-Schiff staining of paraffin-embeded testicular tissues. Levels of cytokines were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis.

Result(s)

Varicocele caused testicular damage, especially in 11- and 13-week-old varicocele groups. In sham-operated rats, Golgi complexes of round spermatids expressed especially the α form of IL-1. By the progression of varicocele, the IL-1α expression increased temporally in Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, spermatids, and Leydig cells. The expression of IL-1β was seen in Leydig cells in sham-operated rats. The IL-1β expression was also increased upon progression of varicocele in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and spermatogonia.

Conclusion(s)

We suggest that IL-1α and IL-1β are the regulators of testicular function. Certain pathologic conditions, e.g., varicocele, cause an increase in the expressions of such proinflammatory cytokines. The increased expression of IL-1α and IL-1β in varicocele shifts the balance in favor of inflammatory and immune responses and causes detrimental effects in testis tissue, which may cause male infertility.

Key Words:  IL-1α , IL-1β , experimental varicocele , rat , testis