Free Radicals in Adolescent Varicocele Testis

We examine the relationship between the structure and function of the testis and the oxidative and nitrosative stress, determined
by an excessive production of free radicals and/or decreased availability of antioxidant defenses, which occur in the testis of
adolescents affected by varicocele. Moreover, the effects of surgical treatment on oxidative stress were provided. We conducted
a PubMed and Medline search between 1980 and 2014 using “adolescent,” “varicocele,” “free radicals,” “oxidative and nitrosative
stress,” “testis,” and “seminiferous tubules” as keywords. Cross-references were checked in each of the studies, and relevant articles
were retrieved. We conclude that increased concentration of free radicals, generated by conditions of hypoxia, hyperthermia, and
hormonal dysfunction observed in adolescent affected by varicocele, can harm germ cells directly or indirectly by influencing
nonspermatogenic cells and basal lamina. With regard to few available data in current literature, further clinical trials on the preand
postoperative ROS and RNS levels together withmorphological studies of the cellular component of the testis are fundamental
for complete comprehension of the role played by free radicals in the pathogenesis of adolescent varicocele and could justify its
pharmacological treatment with antioxidants.