Apoptosis-related phenotype of ejaculated spermatozoa in patients with varicocele
Received 25 September 2007; received in revised form 18 December 2007; accepted 18 December 2007. published online 04 March 2008.
Objective
To determine the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane, mitochondria, and DNA, which are essential for accurate transmission of genetic material to offspring, and to quantify possible apoptosis and investigate any relationship between these parameters in ejaculated sperm from men with or without varicoceles.
Design
Retrospective study.
Setting
University teaching hospital.
Patient(s)
Twenty-five patients with varicocele and 10 normal, fertile controls.
Intervention(s)
Apoptosis-related phenotype activations including the plasma membrane translocation of phosphatidylserine, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear DNA damage, were assessed by using the annexin-V/propidium iodide double staining assay, 3,3'-dihexloxacarbocyanine iodide staining assay, and single-cell gel electrophoresis assay (comet assay).
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Apoptosis-related phenotype.
Result(s)
Patients with varicocele had statistically significantly more annexin V live sperm cells and nuclear DNA fragmentation than did the control men. In contrast, their numbers of 3,3′-dihexloxacarbocyanine iodide live cells were statistically significantly less than those in control men.
Conclusion(s)
The increased externalization of phosphatidylserine, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nuclear DNA damage occurred in the sperm of men with varicoceles, suggesting that certain apoptotic mechanisms may relate to the condition of varicocele, originating in the mitochondria of spermatocytes and then functioning within the nucleus of the cell.
aDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
bDepartment of Urology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
cDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Reproductive Medicine Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
Reprint requests: Gwo-Jang Wu, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, 5F, No. 325, Sec. 2, Cheng-Kung Rd, Niheu, Taipei 114, Taiwan (FAX: 886-2-87927207).
G.-J.W. has nothing to disclose. F.-W.C. has nothing to disclose. S.-S.L. has nothing to disclose. C.-H.C. has nothing to disclose.
Supported by grant TSGH-C93-03-S05 from Tri-Service General Hospital and grant NSC 94-2314-B-016-043 from the National Science Council (both, Taipei, Taiwan).
ABSTRACT