# Comparison of SPAG11A gene expression in infertile men with grade 1 and 2 varicocele before and after treatment

## TL;DR

This study examines how varicocele affects SPAG11A gene expression and sperm quality in infertile men before and after treatment.

## Contribution

The study compares SPAG11A gene expression in men with varicocele before and after treatment, revealing its potential impact on fertility.

## Key findings

- SPAG11A mRNA levels were significantly lower in pre-treatment groups compared to healthy controls.
- Semen parameters like concentration and morphology improved post-treatment but not significantly.
- Varicocele treatment did not significantly restore SPAG11A expression or semen parameters.

## Abstract

Sperm Associated Antigen 11A (SPAG11A) protein is a family
of the epididymis-specific secretory proteins implicated in sperm maturation
and function. Varicocele might cause pathophysiological difficulties in the
testis and epididymis, with a harmful effect on the environment for
spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the expression level of the SPAG11A gene and sperm
parameters in infertile men with grade 1 and 2 varicocele before and after
treatment.

Semen specimens were collected from 20 infertile men with varicocele pre-and
post-treatment and 10 healthy volunteers. Semen analysis was conducted
according to world health organization guidelines. Real time PCR (qRT-PCR)
reaction was applied for determination of SPAG11A mRNA
expression.

The results showed that there was a significant difference between the
concentration and normal morphology between pre- and post-treatment groups
and the controls. There were significant differences between pre-treatment
and control groups in terms of progressive and non-progressive mobility.
SPAG11A mRNA levels were significantly lower in the
pre-treatment group than in healthy control subjects
(p=0.007). There was no statistically significant
difference in the expression of SPAG11A as well as semen
parameters in the post-treatment group compared to the pre-treatment
group.

SPAG11A gene expression and semen parameters may be affected
by varicocele. Whether varicocele treatment is an effective approach to
reduce the adverse effect of this disease on SPAG11A
expression and semen parameters needs further investigation.