Insight into inflammation involvement in varicocele: A narrative review

BackgroundVaricocele is one of the main causes of male infertility. Although the pathophysiology mechanism of varicocele is very well described and understood, there are some unanswered questions that remains unknown. Some studies have previously described the state of testicular inflammation and sperm in animal models, especially the mouse model, and the seminal plasma of men with varicocele, with or without changes in semen parameters.Methods of studyThis review intended to verify the role of inflammatory mechanism in varicocele, using clinical studies as well as animal model studies on the effect of inflammation caused by varicocele on the function of testicular somatic and germ cells.ResultsIn-vivo studies confirmed whether anti-inflammatory molecules could treat the semen of men with varicocele and rats with varicocele. The use of different anti-inflammatory agents in mouse model studies provided a new perspective for future clinical studies to investigate the effect of concurrent treatment with surgery to improve surgical outcomes.ConclusionSimilar to animal model studies, previously conducted clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy in varicocele patients. However, clinical trials using anti-inflammatory are needed to be conducted agents to evaluate different aspects of this therapeutical approach in varicocele patients.

Automated summary

Varicocele is a main cause of male infertility, and inflammation plays an important role in its pathophysiology mechanism. Anti-inflammatory therapy has been shown to improve sperm quality in varicocele patients, but more clinical trials are needed to further explore this therapeutic approach.