Abstract
Varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility. Several theories have been
proposed to explain how varicocele induces infertility. The role of epididymis in male
infertility is not fully well established. Fibrinogen-like protein 2 is one of serine proteases and is a potent coagulant in membranous form and immune-modulator in soluble form (sFGL-2) and expressed in the epididymis. There are no previous reports
about its possible role in varicocele. This case-controlled study aimed to evaluate the
seminal level of sFGL-2 in infertile men with varicocele and in men with idiopathic
infertility. This study included 85 participants divided into three groups; 25 normal
fertile men, 30 infertile men with varicocele and 30 infertile men of idiopathic cause.
Clinical examination, Doppler ultrasound, semen analysis and measurement of seminal level of sFGL-2 were done to all participants. Seminal level of sFGL-2 was significantly elevated in infertile than normal fertile men. Seminal level of sFGL-2 showed
negative correlations with sperm concentration, motility and normal morphology.
Seminal level of sFGL-2 had a positive correlation with seminal liquefaction time. This
study concluded that seminal level of sFGL-2 is increased in infertile men with idiopathic cause and with varicocele induced infertility and affects seminal liquefaction.