Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Varicocele (VCL) not only has functional and structural effects on the male reproductive system, but also affects other body tissues such as liver. Therefore, dexamethasone (DEX) and vitamin E (VE) co-administration is recommended invaricocele patients. The present study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the effect of experimentally-induced varicocele on liver and the protective effects of VE and DEX.   Methods: In this study, 30 male rats were divided into five groups. The experimental group were assigned to 4 groups: Varicocele; varicocele+VE (150‌mg/kg); varicocele+DEX (0.25mg/kg); and varicocele+VE+DEX. The control group underwent a simple laparotomy. After 60 days, the rats were anesthetized and blood was taken for serum isolation. Simultaneously with taking blood samples, the serum levels of glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were evaluated. The hepatocytes’ cytoplasmic carbohydrate level was assessed by periodic acid shiff staining. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s test. The significance level was considered as p<0.05.   Results: The levels of blood glucose, ALT, and AST were significantlyreduced in VE and DEX groups compared to varicocele group. Also, tissue necrosis, central venous dilatation, and lymphatic cells infiltration decreased.   Conclusion: According to the findings of this study,varicocelecauses liver damage at the biochemical and histological levels, and co-administration of VE and DEX could significantly reduce the VCL-induced complicatios and also DEX-induced side effects as well.