Bcl-2 overexpression in the internal spermatic vein of patients with varicocele

Abstract

Background/purpose: Varicocele is characterized by dilatation and tortuosity of the internal spermatic vein (ISV). Cross sections of ISV showed marked thickening of smooth muscle layer under microscopy. This study examined Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein) expression in the ISV of patients with varicocele.

Methods: The study group consisted of eight patients with left varicocele, grade 3. The control group consisted of six volunteers with left indirect inguinal hernia. Using a left inguinal surgical incision, a 1-cm section of ISV was resected from each patient in both groups as specimens for immunoblotting and immunohistochemical staining of Bcl-2. Results were analyzed using Student's t test.

Results: Bcl-2 immunoblots from both groups revealed one single band. alpha-tubulin was used as loading control. The average relative intensity of the Bcl-2 was 25.82 +/- 10.53 in the control group and 113.49 +/- 27.49 in the varicocele group. Hematoxylin staining revealed a thickening ISV in the patients with varicocele, predominantly in the muscle layer, which was not found in the control group. Moreover, the intensity of Bcl-2 immunostaining was markedly higher in the study group than in the control group.

Conclusion: This study showed Bcl-2 overexpression in the ISV of patients with varicocele. Additional studies are necessary to clarify the molecular mechanisms of varicocele formation and recurrence.