![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Objective: This study was conducted to assess germ cell kinetics and correlate them with sperm counts before and after varicocelectomy. Material and Methods: Forty-three testicular biopsy specimens were obtained from 47 patients with varicocele during varicocelectomy. Similar specimens were obtained from 8 fertile volunteers. All specimens were immunostained using anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (anti-PCNA) antibody. PCNA expression was evaluated by assessing its staining intensity (SI) and labeling index (LI). Results: The varicocele specimens revealed significantly lower SI and LI than the controls. There was a significant correlation between initial sperm concentration and LI but not SI. Coexistence of LI S 31 and preoperative sperm count >1 million/ml correlated with a significant rise in the postoperative sperm count. Conclusions: PCNA is a useful molecular marker for assessing germ cell kinetics in varicocele patients. The decline in DNA synthesis, as suggested by the lower PCNA SI and LI in varicocele specimens, could be a reason for the disordered spermatogenesis in these patients. PCNA LI may also be considered as a beneficial clinical marker and may help to predict the surgical outcome after varicocele repair.
