Effect of Aminoguanidine in Sperm DNA Fragmentation In Varicocelized Rats: Role of Nitric Oxide

Background and purpose: The sperm of infertile men with varicocele exhibit markedly high DNA damage that appears to be related to high oxidative stress (OS). Aminoguanidine (AG) is a specific inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms iNOS and an antioxidant, the effects of which decrease NO and peroxynitrite production. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of AG on sperm chromatin in varicocelized rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: control, sham, varicocele, and AG and placebo-treated groups. At 10 weeks after varicocele induction, sperm chromatin was evaluated in all groups, except in the treated groups. The treated groups received intraperitoneal injections of 50 mg/kg AG or placebo daily for 10 weeks and then were killed for chromatin assessment. Sperm chromatin was evaluated by aniline blue, acridine orange, toluidine blue, and chromomycin A(3) staining. Results: The results of the 4 above tests were significantly increased between varicocele and control (and sham) groups (P<.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that AG improves sperm DNA fragmentation that is associated with infertility in varicocelized rats, and treatment with AG can reduce the damage to sperm DNA.