The Effect of Curcumin on Testosterone and Liver Enzyme Levels in Varicocele-induced Rats

Varicocele is one of the most important causes of infertility in men, which in addition to negatively affecting spermatogenesis, can also affect the endocrine system. The link between varicocele and testosterone production is unclear. The liver is one of the most effective organs in the metabolism of substances and hormones. This study aimed to evaluate serum testosterone levels and their association with liver enzymatic changes. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups, including sham control, varicocele induction, varicocele induction (50 mg/kg curcumin), and varicocele induction (100 mg / kg curcumin). After the treatment period, iron (Fe2 +), testosterone, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin and serum concentrations of ALT, and AST were assessed and liver tissue was isolated and examined. Varicocele caused a significant increase in iron levels (p ≤ 0.05) and a non-significant decrease in testosterone levels (p = 0.242) and total bilirubin (T) (p = 0.639). The treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of iron (p = 0.056) and total bilirubin (p = 0.639), as well as a significant increase in testosterone levels (p < 0.05) compared to the varicocele. While the level of direct bilirubin (p ≥ 0.05) in the varicocele showed a significant increase compared to the sham and control. Using curcumin significantly reduced it compared to the varicocele (p = 0.03). Evaluation of ALT (p = 0.762) and AST (p = 0.367) levels did not show a significant difference among the groups. The levels of iron, testosterone, bilirubin, and liver enzymes are negatively affected by varicocele. Curcumin may lessen the harmful effects of varicocele on biochemical components linked with liver tissue in addition to preventing varicocele damage to testicular tissue. In varicocele rats, greater dosages of curcumin may lower the liver enzyme AST.