Reactive Oxygen Species in the Internal Spermatic and Brachial Veins of Patients with Varicocele-Induced Infertility

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the clinical characteristics of varicoceles among patients with varicocele-induced infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-eight patients with infertile varicocele and 22 control subjects without varicocele were enrolled. Blood samples were drawn from the brachial vein (BV) and the dilated internal spermatic vein (ISV) on the side of the varicocele during surgery. ROS levels were determined by spectrophotometry, and comparisons between the varicocele and control groups were performed. In addition, the ROS levels were analyzed according to the characteristics of the varicocele, and ROS levels in the ISV and the BV were compared. RESULTS The ROS levels measured in the ISV of men with varicocele were higher than in the control group regardless of the varicocele grade except for subclinical grade; however, in the BV, a difference was noted only for grade III. When the difference in testis volume between sides was greater than 3 ml, and the varicocele had been present for more than 3 years, ROS levels were higher in the ISV than in the BV. Sperm viability was significantly associated with ROS levels. Serum hormone levels were not correlated with ROS levels. CONCLUSIONS Serum ROS levels were higher in infertile men with a varicocele than in controls. They were correlated with varicocele grade, varicocele duration, the degree of testicular hypotrophy, and sperm viability. In addition, ROS levels and their associations with clinical characteristics were higher in the ISV than in the BV.