The Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Oxidative Stress in Varicocele-Mediated Male Hypofertility |
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| Authors: | Giulia Poli Consuelo Fabi Chiara Sugoni Marina Maria Bellet Claudio Costantini Giovanni Luca Stefano Brancorsini |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy; (C.S.); (M.M.B.); (C.C.); (G.L.); (S.B.);2.Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Urology and Andrology Clinic, University of Perugia, 05100 Terni, Italy;3.Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Via Mazzieri 3, 05100 Terni, Italy; |
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| Abstract: | ![]()
Varicocele (VC) is the most common abnormality identified in men evaluated for hypofertility. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced antioxidants concentrations are key contributors in varicocele-mediated hypofertility. Moreover, inflammation and alterations in testicular immunity negatively impact male fertility. In particular, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was hypothesized to lead to seminal inflammation, in which the levels of specific cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18, are overexpressed. In this review, we described the role played by oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in VC disease. The consequences of ROS overproduction in testis, including inflammation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, chromatin damage, and sperm DNA fragmentation, leading to abnormal testicular function and failed spermatogenesis, were highlighted. Finally, we described some therapeutic antioxidant strategies, with recognized beneficial effects in counteracting OS and inflammation in testes, as possible therapeutic drugs against varicocele-mediated hypofertility. |
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| Keywords: | NLRP3 inflammasome varicocele male hypofertility reactive oxygen species antioxidants |
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