Since Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant molecule involved in the defence of the cell from free radical damage, higher intracellular concentrations may represent a mechanism of protection of the spermatozoa.
In varicocele patients, this mechanism could be deficient, leading to higher sensitivity to oxidative damage.
Journal:Andrologia
Authors: Mancini A, Conte G, Milardi D, De Marinis L, Littarru GP
Department: Institute of Endocrinology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Rome, Italy
Abstract link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9567163