Abstract

In this study, we aim to examine effects of an experimentally induced unilateral varicose ovarian vein on the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes in an adult rat ovary. In this experimental study, a total of 30 adult female Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. 10 rats in group 1 as the varicocele group, 10 rats in group 2 as the control group and 10 rats in group 3 as the sham group, that underwent a sham operation and. Anti-oxidant assays were assessed via specific assay kits. Statistical analysis was performed using the one way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests were used for post hoc multiple comparisons, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The effects of the unilateral varicosity was more evident on the left side when compared to the right side as all activities of the anti-oxidant assayed were significantly reduced, P≤ 0.05 when compared to the right side. Also, in this present study, the effect of the unilateral varicose vein was bilateral as there were no significant differences recorded between the two sides. Finally the result of this study shows that varicocele may lead to female infertility through various factors that includes reduction in the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes. © 2016, Universidad de la Frontera. All rights reserved.