Role of the Toxic Metal Cadmium in the Mechanism Producing Infertility With a Varicocele

Varicose veins in the scrotum (varicocele) are responsible for >20% of male infertility in the US. Varicocele are associated with decreased sperm number and markedly reduced sperm fertilizing ability. Surgical repair or removal of varicocele restores fertility in only 1/3 of cases. The goal of this study is to identify markers that predict the outcome of variocele correction. This would offer considerable health cost savings.

Based on preliminary findings, we will obtain testis biopsies and semen specimens from infertile men with varicocele and prospectively examining the levels of cadmium, a toxic metal, and expression of genes required for normal sperm function. The semen and biopsies will be obtained during clinically dictated procedures. Cadmium and gene expression will be compared with response to varicocele repair (i.e., increased sperm production; pregnancy).

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Key information

Conditions

Varicocele Cardiovascular Diseases Genital Diseases Genital Diseases, Male Hypospermatogenesis Infertility Infertility, Male Male Infertility Male Urogenital Diseases Non-obstructive Azoospermia Oligospermia Urogenital Diseases Vascular Diseases

Age range

21 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Observational

Primary location

University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, Camden, New Jersey, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Healthy male with varicocele (grades 2 [palpable] or 3 [visible, palpable]) and no other diagnosed cause for infertility
Non-smoker
Actively desiring children but never having initiated a pregnancy
Female partner having no unresolved fertility issues

Treatment and study plan

Varicocele repair

Procedure

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)

Nih

Registry information

Official study title

Increased Testicular Cd2+ & Infertility With Varicocele ( a Varicose Vein in the Scrotum)

Important dates

Study start: 2000
Study completion: 2005
First posted: Aug 28, 2002
Registry last updated: Sep 4, 2006

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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