Prolidase enzyme activity in varicose venous walls related to sperm count in patients with varicocele

Objectives. To investigate peripheral, seminal and varicose venous wall prolidase enzyme activities and their relationships between sperm parameters in patients with varicocele. Design and methods. Prolidase enzyme activities were determined in blood, seminal fluid and varicose vein walls in patients with grade 3 varicocele. Sperm parameters were also measured and the relationships between prolidase enzyme and sperm parameters were assessed by statistical correlation analysis. Results. There was a significant and negative correlation between sperm counts and varicose venous wall prolidase enzyme activities (r = -0.618, p < 0.001) and a positive significant correlation between sperm counts and seminal fluid prolidase enzyme activities (r = -0.676, p < 0.001). None of the parameters were correlated with sperm motility indices. Conclusion. Varicose venous wall prolidase enzyme activity could be an important factor in progression of azoospermia and infertility in patients with varicocele.