Origin and Role of DNA Damage in Varicocele

Varicocele is considered as one of the main etiologies of male infertility. Along with altered semenparameters, increased DNA fragmentation is believed to play an important role in varicocele-inducedinfertility. DNA damage may result from intra- or extra-testicular factors. Among these, apoptosis,abnormal chromatin packaging and oxidative stress are the most researched and are addressedin this review. Significant evidence suggests that varicoceles have a harmful effect on testicularfunction and a varicocelectomy not only prevents progressive decline in testicular function, but alsoreverses the damage. However, the degree to which varicocele repair improves pregnancy rates andthe success of assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains controversial. Therefore, the role ofvaricocele repair on DNA fragmentation is also discussed.