P-13: Evaluation of Sperm Acrosin Activity and Chromatin Structure in Varicocele Patients Before and after Varicocelectomy

Background: Evaluation and comparison of total acrosin activity along with DNA integrity in the semen samples obtained from the varicocele individuals before and after the surgery and also in fertile individuals. Materials and Methods: Semen parameters, protamine deficiency, DNA fragmentation and Total acrosin activity were measured in patients with a clinical diagnosed varicocele of grade II or III varicocele men (n= 70) and fertile men as control group(n= 30). Protamine deficiency, DNA fragmentation and semen parameters were assessed by chromomycin A3, TUNEL staining and WHO criteria respectively. Total acrosin activity assessed by spectrophotometery. Results: Total acrosin activity, percentage CMA3 positive, TUNEL positive sperm and abnormal morphology are higher in the varicocele individuals before the surgery compared to the fertile individuals, yet all the mentioned criteria decreased significantly after the surgery. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that varicocelectomy improved sperm concentration, morphology, DNA Fragmentation and protamine deficiency in varicocele patients. However, Total acrosin activity was higher in these individuals and decreased to the value close to fertile control post surgery.