The Effects of Curcumin on Sperm Parameters and Nitric Oxide Production in Varicocelized Rats/Efectos de la Curcuma sobre los Parametros Espermaticos y Produccion de Oxido Nitrico en Ratas Varicocelizadas

One of the proposed mechanism by which varicocele induces its damage is excessive release of nitric oxide (NO) Several studies have shown the role of NO in poor sperm quality in infertile patients with varicocele. Scientific studies have demonstrate the beneficial effects of curcumin on the sperm parameters. Curcumin as an atoxic antioxidant can reduce production of NO. The aim o this study was to determine the effect of curcumin on NO levels and investigate if curcumin can improve sperm parameters in varicocelize male rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (V1 and V2 (varicocele), T (treatment), Sh (sham) and C was control). In groups V1, V2, T and Sh, the left renal vein was partially ligated to induce varicocele. In groups V1 and V2, sperm parameter and NO level were evaluated 8 and 16 weeks respectively after varicocele induction. Groups T and Sh received 100 mg/kg curcumin am placebo respectively, daily for 8 weeks after 2 months of induced varicocele. Sperm parameters (count, motility, viability and morphology) epididymis and testis weight and also NO concentration were measured. Sperm parameters (count, motility and viability) in groups V1 V2 and Sh were significantly low in comparison with control and treatment groups. The level of NO was significantly increased in serum of rats in groups V1 and V2, whereas group T rat serum in which curcumin was administered, showed decreased NO levels. The value of the epididymis and testis weight had no significant changes (P< 0.05) in all groups. Administration of curcumin as a free radica scavenger, can decrease NO level and improve sperm parameters in varicocelized male rats. KEY WORD: Varicocele; Curcumin; Sperm parameters; Rat. Uno de los mecanismos propuestos por el cual los varicoceles inducen dano es la excesiva liberacion de oxido nitrico (ON). Varios estudios han demostrado el efecto del ON en la mala calidad del semen en pacientes infertiles con varicocele. Investigaciones han demostrado los efectos beneficiosos de la curcuma sobre los parametros de esperma. La curcuma como un antioxidanteatoxico puede reducir la produccion de ON. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de la curcuma en el nivel de ON e investigar si la curcuma puede mejorar los parametros del semen en ratas macho. Treinta ratas macho Wistar fueron divididas aleatoriamente en 5 grupos (V1y V2 (varicocele), T (tratamiento), Sh (simulado) y C (control)). En los grupos V1, V2, T y Sh, la vena renal