Protective Effects of Ellagic Acid on Oxidative Stress and in vitro Fertilization in a Murine Model of Varicocele

Varicocele is defined by abnormal tortuosity and pampiniform plexus veins dilation within the spermatic cord and is the most common surgically correctible cause of male infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of ellagic acid (EL) on sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a murine model of varicocele. In this experimental study, 50 mature male mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10), including control, varicocele, varicocele with a low dose of EL (25 mg/kg), varicocele with a medium dose of EL (50 mg/kg), and varicocele with a high dose of EL (100 mg/kg). After a 28-day treatment period, malondialdehyde, total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), sperm parameters, and IVF were evaluated. In the varicocele group, TAC, and sperm count, motility, and viability, as well as zygotes, two-cell embryos, blastocysts, and hatched embryos were significantly reduced compared to the control group. Ellagic acid administration improved sperm parameters, fertilization rate, and embryo development. These findings suggest that EL owing to its anti-oxidant and free radicals scavenging abilities can inhibit the damaging effects of varicocele on fertility in mice.