The Effect of Intratesticular Injection of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell (hADSC) on Testicular Oxidative Stress and Spermatogenesis Process in the Varicocele Rat Model

Introduction Varicocele is the predominant cause of male infertility. Reactive oxygen species was found in varicocele which induce the lipid peroxidation process in the plasma membrane of spermatozoa and may cause damage to spermatozoa in semen and seminiferous tubules, disrupting spermatogenesis. Human adipose derived stem cells (hADSC) can suppress oxidative stress in some oxidative injury model. This study investigate the effect of intratesticular hADSC injection on malondialdehyde (MDA) level and spermatogenesis process by histopathological examination in the varicocele rat model. Methods This is an experimental study. A total sampling of 9 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group I consist of 1 Wistar rats without any treatment or model (sham group), group II consist of 4 Wistar rats with varicocele model without hADSC therapy (control group), and group III consist of 4 Wistar rats with varicocele model and were given injections of 1.0×106 hADSC cells intratesticularly 30 days after model was made (therapy group). Testicular tissue was harvested for evaluation. Results In all varicocele model rats (group II and III), the result of MDA level in therapy group (2.53 mol/liter) was significantly lower than the MDA level in control group (4.43 mol/liter) (p = 0.01). On histopathological examination, the average Johnson's Score in the therapy and control group was 9.77 and 9.18, respectively. The analysis showed Johnson's score in the intervention group was significantly higher (p = 0.018). Conclusion Intratesticular injection of hADSC can help reduce MDA levels and improve spermatogenesis process, which is damaged by varicoceles.