Generation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal modified proteins in testes predicts improvement in spermatogenesis after varicocelectomy.

Increasing evidence suggests that testes with varicocele are exposed to oxidative stress (OS) with deterioration in spermatogenesis; however, the relationship between testicular OS and outcome after varicocelectomy is poorly understood. Levels of testicular 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal modified proteins, an OS marker, were significantly higher in responders than in nonresponders, suggesting that varicocelectomy reduces OS in testis.