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The effects of N-acetylcysteine on spermatogenesis and degree of testicular germ cell apoptosis in an experimental model of varicocele in rats

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Abstract

Introduction

The mechanism by which varicocele interferes in spermatogenesis has not been clearly defined. Germ cell apoptosis and oxidative stress appear to be involved in this process and the use of antioxidants has been proposed to counteract upon these effects. The present study evaluated the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on spermatogenesis and germ cell apoptosis in an experimental model of varicocele in rats.

Materials and methods

Twenty 30-day-old animals were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation (Group 1), left experimental varicocele (Group 2) and left experimental varicocele group treated with NAC 50 mg/kg/day (Group 3). After 2 months, spermatogenesis was evaluated by absolute and true count of round spermatids, pachytenes, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. The different cell relations were also analyzed. Germ cell apoptosis was quantified using the TUNEL method. The apoptotic index (AI) was calculated as the number of apoptotic cells per tubule. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance considering P < 0.05.

Results

The absolute and true cell counts were similar among the groups (P > 0.05). The round spermatid/pachytene ratio was significantly smaller in Groups 2 and 3 compared to the Group 1 (P = 0.012). The AI values were 0.207 ± 0.09, 0.138 ± 0.11 and 0.298 ± 0.27, respectively (P = 0.256).

Conclusion

Experimental varicocele in rats presented an association with the decreased round spermatid/pachytene ratio, suggesting the loss of germ cells during spermatogenesis. These effects were not influenced by the administration of NAC. Germ cell apoptosis was not influenced by experimental varicocele.

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Aknowledgements

Dr. Rhoden is a researcher of Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) -”National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development”.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Center of the Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA—Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre), Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Fernando Duarte, Rodrigo Blaya, Patrick Ely Telöken, Daniel Becker, Marilda Fernandes & Ernani Luis Rhoden

  2. Rua Florêncio Ygartua 288/504, Porto Alegre, RS, Zip Code 90030-010, Brazil

    Ernani Luis Rhoden

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  1. Fernando Duarte
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  2. Rodrigo Blaya
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  3. Patrick Ely Telöken
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  4. Daniel Becker
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  5. Marilda Fernandes
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  6. Ernani Luis Rhoden
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Correspondence to Ernani Luis Rhoden.

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Duarte, F., Blaya, R., Telöken, P.E. et al. The effects of N-acetylcysteine on spermatogenesis and degree of testicular germ cell apoptosis in an experimental model of varicocele in rats. Int Urol Nephrol 42, 603–608 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-009-9687-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-009-9687-x

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