NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Bilateral increased apoptosis and bilateral accumulation of cadmium in infertile men with left varicocele.
Authors
Benoff SH; Millan C; Hurley IR; Napolitano B; Marmar JL
Source
Hum Reprod 2004 Mar; 19(3):616-627
NIOSHTIC No.
20027016
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Varicoceles are associated with venous flux that may cause increased heat and interstitial pressure within the testes, but these effects are variable. Some men with varicocele have infertility, but others do not. We question whether other factors contribute to the infertility, and whether these other factors could be identified by specific molecular/genetic markers. Can such markers predict the outcome of varicocele repair? Can these markers be demonstrated bilaterally in unilateral left varicocele? METHODS: Limited bilateral testes biopsies were obtained by ultrasonically guided percutaneous aspiration at the time of varicocelectomy. In each specimen, cadmium levels were determined by atomic absorption and the percentage apoptosis within the seminiferous tubules was quantified. RESULTS: The percentage of apoptotic nuclei and cadmium levels were high in some men with varicocele. There was a concordance of these values in both testes despite the presence of left-sided varicocele only. These values were inversely related to an increase in sperm concentration after varicocelectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Cadmium, a metal ion inducer of apoptosis, may contribute to this form of male infertility. Apoptosis may deplete the sperm concentration among men with varicocele and infertility. Pre-operative measurements of apoptosis and cadmium content may predict the outcome of varicocele repair.
Keywords
Cadmium-compounds; Chemical-hypersensitivity; Chemical-composition; Chemical-agent-detectors; Chemical-analysis; Chemical-indicators; Chemical-properties; Men; Metal-workers; Metal-industry-workers; Metal-dusts; Metal-industry; Reproductive-effects; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Fertility;
Author Keywords: Apoptosis; cadmium; varicocele; varicocelectomy
Contact
Fertility Research Laboratories, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Research Institute, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
CODEN
HUREEE
Publication Date
20040301
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
sbenoff@nshs.edu
Funding Type
Grant
Fiscal Year
2004
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-R21-OH-007330
Issue of Publication
3
ISSN
0268-1161
Source Name
Human Reproduction
State
NY
Performing Organization
North Shore University Hospital
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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