N-acetylcysteine Improved Expression of FSHR, LHCGR, Catsper-1, Catsper-2, and SF-1 Genes in Testis of Rats with Varicocele.

Varicocele, a condition of insufficient oxygen supply to testicular tissue leading to hypoxia, is a major factor contributing to male infertility. This study investigated the potential protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant, on sperm characteristics and hormonal receptor expression in a rat model of varicocele-induced testicular injury. Thirty-two adults male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham, varicocele, varicocele with NAC treatment (varicocele + NAC), and NAC treatment only (NAC). Serum testosterone, LH, and FSH levels were measured, and sperm characteristics, testicular histology, and expression of some genes involved in sperm motility (Catsper-1 and Catsper-2), germ cell development (FSHR), and steroidogenesis (SF-1 and LHCGR) were evaluated in each group. Results revealed that varicocele significantly decreased serum testosterone levels, while simultaneously decreasing sperm quality, germ cell count, and expression of all the mentioned genes (P < 0.05). Also, the level of LH and FSH was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Notably, NAC treatment significantly improved sperm quality and protected testicular tissue against varicocele, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for male infertility. This study demonstrates that NAC may offer a promising strategy for mitigating testicular damage induced by Varicocele.