Relationship Between Semen Parameters, Serum InhB, and INSL-3 Levels, and the Degree of Varicocele

Overview

Journal Clinics (Sao Paulo)

Publisher Elsevier

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2024 Feb 8

PMID 38330789

Authors

Lei Liu

Wenjie Huang

KeBing Luo

Yizhou Zeng

Yunhao Shao

ZongMin Long

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Varicocele is an abnormal expansion of the pampininias venous plexus in the scrotum, resulting in impaired sperm production and reduced sperm quality. The exact pathophysiological mechanism leading to varicocele-related infertility has not been fully elucidated. Although treatable, varicocele may lead to male infertility.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between semen parameters, serum InhB and INSL-3 levels, and the degree of varicocele in male patients.

Methods: Serum InhB and INSL-3 were detected. To evaluate the relationship between semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels. To evaluate the value of semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in distinguishing disease severity in patients with varicocele.

Results: Serum INSL-3 in patients with varicocele decreased with the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 was positively correlated with total sperm count and frequency of normal sperm morphology. There was a weak correlation between serum InhB and semen volume, concentration, and total sperm. Patients with different disease severity were similar within the groups, with partial overlap or similarity between varicocele Grade I and Grade II, and significant differences between Grade III and Grade I and II. Semen volume, concentration, total sperm, normal sperm morphology, and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels could distinguish the degree of varicocele.

Conclusion: Semen parameters and the combination of serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in patients with varicocele are closely related to the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 is expected to be a potential biomarker for early clinical intervention.

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