Examination of the effect of varicocele on the expressions of polarity proteins and related adhesion molecules in the adult rat testis

Objective: Changes in adhesion molecules are known to occur as a result of an increase in ROS and NO levels in hyperthermia/hypoxia conditions caused by varicocele. This change is thought to affect the structure of the Sertoli cell and spermatogenesis. In our study; it was aimed to investigate the effect of varicocele on the expressions of polarity proteins (Vangl2, Par6, Scribble) and related adhesion molecules (F-actin, N-cadherin, ZO-1), which are known to have important roles in the blood testicular barrier and spermiation. Method: The study was carried out with 42 male Wistar rats obtained. The rats were randomly divided into three groups as control, sham and varicocele. Thirteen weeks after the experimental model was created, testicular tissues were taken and processed for histological evaluation and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. Vangl2, Par6, Scribble, Factin, N-cadherin and ZO-1 were examined by Western Blot and Immunofluorescence. In addition to these proteins, Western blot analysis of iNOS and cleaved Caspase-3 was used to corroborate the experimental model. Results: According to the data, the degradation of the seminiferous tubule was dramatically higher in the varicocele group. In addition, there was a significant increase in the expression of iNOS and activeCaspase3(p<0.05), while Vangl2, Scribble, ZO-1 and N-cadherin were significantly decreased compared to the control group(p<0.05). Par6 and F-actin showed no significant change(p>0,05). Conclusion: As a result, varicocele caused damage on the structure and disfunction of ectoplasmic specializations in the testes. Our findings showed that physiologically an uncontrollable increase in NO levels dominate the communication between polarity proteins and adhesion molecules associated with these proteins, causing disruptions in both the BTB and the spermiation. In this context, our study provides important evidence to understand the pathological mechanisms of varicocele on male infertility.