Metformin improves semen profile and hormonal levels in experimental varicocele in the rat

This study aimed to determine the effect of metformin (MET) on semen profile and hormonal levels in a model of varicocele in rats.

Sixty male Wistar rats were allocated into 5 treatment groups as control and varicocele groups. In groups 3-5, varicocele animals received MET (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) for 42 days. At the end of the study, semen evaluations and serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels were measured.

Experimental varicocele significantly decreased total sperm count and sperm motility and increased non-motile sperms compared to the control group (p<0.05). Metformin administration (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly increased total sperm count and sperm motility and decreased non-motile sperm as compared to the varicocele group (p<0.05). In addition, experimental varicocele significantly decreased testosterone and luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels as compared to the control group (p<0.05). Metformin administration (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly increased testosterone and luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels as compared to the varicocele group (p<0.05).

These results suggested that metformin has positive role against varicocele in the rat.