Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy.
Oxidative stress is a mechanism underlying different kinds of infertility in human males. However, different results can be observed in relation to the method used for its evaluation. Varicocele patients show a number of biochemical abnormalities, including an altered distribution of coenzyme Q between seminal plasma and sperm cells and also an apparent defect in the utilization of antioxidants. Moreover, an influence of systemic hormones on seminal antioxidant system was observed too. Finally, the effects of surgical treatment on oxidativestress indexes and the possible usefulness of some medical therapies, like coenzyme Q supplementation, are discussed. In conclusion, published data show a role of oxidative stress in varicocele-related male infertility, but at present we do not know the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena.
Written by:
Mancini A, Festa R, Raimondo S, Silvestrini A, Giacchi E, Littarru GP, Pontecorvi A, Meucci E. Are you the author?
Reference: Adv Urol. 2012;2012:903931.
doi: 10.1155/2012/903931
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 21915179
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