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World Journal of Urology

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01-06-2010 | Original Article

Elevated scrotal temperature, but not varicocele grade, reflects testicular oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis

Authors: Koji Shiraishi, Hiroshi Takihara, Hideyasu Matsuyama

Published in: World Journal of Urology | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

Purpose

Elevation of scrotal temperature has been known as a cause of male infertility but the exact mechanism leading to impaired spermatogenesis is unknown. This work aimed to investigate the role of elevated scrotal temperature, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in testes of infertile males associated with varicocele.

Methods

Thirty-two testicular biopsies from patients with left varicocele who underwent preoperative measurement of scrotal temperature (ΔT), serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were included. Generation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE)-modified proteins and proteolytic fragments of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 detected by Western blotting were examined as markers for oxidative stress and apoptosis, respectively. These expressions were compared with clinical parameters.

Results

Irrespective of varicocele grades, sperm concentration, motility, serum FSH, and testosterone were deteriorated with the increase of ΔT. There was a distinct correlation between generation of 4-HNE-modified proteins and ΔT, indicating a close association between scrotal temperature and oxidative stress. Cleavages of PARP and caspase-3, which appear at 86 and 17 kDa, respectively, were strongly correlated with ΔT and generation of 4-HNE-modified proteins.

Conclusions

Elevation of scrotal temperature is one of the major factors to impair spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in testis with varicocele. This heat stress is shown to be closely associated with oxidative stress, following the apoptosis of germ cells.

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Title: Elevated scrotal temperature, but not varicocele grade, reflects testicular oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Koji Shiraishi
Hiroshi Takihara
Hideyasu Matsuyama
Publication date: 01-06-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Urology / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 0724-4983
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-009-0462-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Elevated scrotal temperature, but not varicocele grade, reflects testicular oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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