Comparative Expression Analysis of HSP70, HSP90, IL-4, TNF, KITLG and KIT-receptor Gene between Varicocele-Induced and Non-Varicocele Testes of Dog

Objective This research was designed to induce an experimental varicocele model by a simple surgery in dog with minimum invasion and to investigate the expression of many genes (HSP90, HSP70, IL-4, TNF, KITLG and KIT receptor) involved in the varicocele-induced infertility. MaterialsAndMethods In this completely randomized design study, 6 adult dogs were used for this experiment. In one testis of each dog, the proximal part of pampiniform plexus was partially occluded without abdominal incision (confirmed by venographic examination). Dogs were castrated after 15 days and two testicles of each dog were dissected. Histopathologic evaluation was done and the relative expression of mentioned genes was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results Microscopic changes showed tubule degeneration. The Johnson’s score was significantly decreased in the varicocele testicles when compared with non-varicocele testicles. Gene expression of HSP90, TNF, KITLG and KIT-receptor were significantly decreased in varicocele-induced testicles while HSP70 was increased. IL-4 did not changed in varicocele-induced testicles compared to non-varicocele testicles. Conclusion It is concluded that partial occlusion of proximal part of pampiniform plexus could induce varicocele in the testis of dog. Differential expression of the mentioned genes probably involve in the pathophysiology of varicocele and related subfertility.