Effect of varicocelectomy on serum inhibin B levels in infertile patients with varicocele.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

In recent years serum inhibin B level has been proposed as a major indicator for Sertoli cell function and spermatogenesis. This study evaluated the effect of varicocelectomy on serum inhibin B levels and semen parameters in infertile patients with varicocele.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Thirty consecutive patients with varicocele who were complaining of infertility with oligoasthenospermia on sperm analysis were included in the study. All the patients underwent subinguinal varicocelectomy. Spermogram, serum inhibin B levels and hormone analysis were performed at 6-month postoperative follow-up.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the patients was 24.06+/-3.6 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and testosterone levels of the patients before and after the treatment (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant improvement in sperm concentration, forward progressive motility and serum inhibin B levels after the treatment (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Serum inhibin B level as an endocrine marker combined with a spermogram could provide efficient data for evaluating the effect of varicocelectomy on spermatogenesis.

• Authors: Cuneyt Ozden, Ozdem Levent Ozdal, Suleyman Bulut, Ozer Guzel, Hasbey Hakan Koyuncu, Ali Memis
• Journal: Scandinavian journal of urology and nephrology (Scand J Urol Nephrol) Vol. 42 Issue 5 Pg. 441-3 ( 2008) ISSN: 0036-5599 [Print] England
• PMID: 18932107 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• inhibin B
• Inhibins

Topics

• Adult
• Humans
• Infertility, Male (blood, surgery)
• Inhibins (blood)
• Male
• Sperm Count
• Sperm Motility (physiology)
• Varicocele (blood, surgery)