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 and was found in 19% - 41% of men with primary infertility and 45% - 81% of men with secondary infertility. Human adipose Derived Stem Cells (hADSC) can suppress oxidative stress in some oxidative injury model. Therefore, this study would like to investigate the effect of intratesticular hADSC injection on MDA level and spermatogenesis process by histopathological examination in the varicocele rat model. Method: 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 1.0x10 6 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.