Expression of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, IL-10, HSP-60, anti-HSP-60 antibodies, and anti-sperm antibodies, in semen of men with leukocytes and/or bacteria

PROBLEM

Different cellular and biochemical markers have been proposed as indicators of infection-inflammation of male genital tract.

METHOD OF STUDY

Semen samples from 80 men attending an andrologic clinic were evaluated to determine the presence of leukocyte, bacteria, antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-alpha, HSP-60, anti-HSP-60 antibodies, and anti-sperm antibodies.

RESULTS

Leukocytes in semen significantly correlated with an increase in IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha. The simultaneous presence of pathogens and leukocytes was associated with high levels of IL-8 and TNF-alpha, whereas IL-6 was more associated with the presence of leukocytes. Anti-HSP-60 antibodies positively correlated with IL-6 and IL-8. The presence of anti-sperm antibodies highly associated with an increase in anti-HSP-60 antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of cytokines present in the semen will depend on the single or simultaneous presence of leukocytes and/or pathogens. Chronic male genital tract infections could be associated with the development of anti-HSP-60 antibodies and anti-sperm antibodies.

Effects of tumour necrosis factor-alpha on human sperm motility and apoptosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi), phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, sperm chromatin packaging quality, and DNA fragmentation. Motile spermatozoa, obtained from 10 normozoospermic men, were incubated with increasing concentrations of TNF-alpha and analyzed 1, 3, 6, and 24 h after incubation by flow cytometry. TNF-alpha decreased total motility 24 h after incubation at 10 ng/mL and progressive motility 3 h after incubation. Accordingly, TNF-alpha reduced sperm DeltaPsi in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. TNF-alpha increased the percentage of spermatozoa with PS externalization from the concentration of 1 ng/mL 1 h after incubation. TNF-alpha produced sperm chromatin and DNA damage in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In conclusion, these findings may explain the reduction of fertility, secondary to upregulated production of TNF-alpha, in men with urogenital infections.

Correlation of leukocytospermia with clinical infection and the positive effect of antiinflammatory treatment on semen quality

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between leukocytospermia, bacteriospermia, and clinical signs of infection and to evaluate antiinflammatory therapy.

DESIGN

Prospective nonrandomized study.

SETTING

Andrologic clinic at university hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 56 patients were evaluated, and 12 of them received further treatment with a Cox-2 inhibitor.

INTERVENTION(S)

Semen analysis and clinical investigation were done according to World Health Organization guidelines. Serum levels of leukocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were measured from blood samples.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Sperm concentration, leukocyte concentration, serum leukocyte count, CRP, PSA, bacterial growth.

RESULT(S)

Leukocytospermia (>1 x 10(6)/mL) was present in 60.7% of the semen samples, significant pathogenic bacterial growth was detectable in 35.7%, and 14.3% of the samples fulfilled the criteria for ejaculate signs of infection. All serum parameters were within the normal range. In abacterial leukocytospermia, treatment with a Cox-2 inhibitor decreased leukocytospermia from 5.5 x 10(6)/mL to 1.0 x 10(6)/mL (P=.001) and increased sperm concentration from 22.5 x 10(6)/mL to 48.0 x 10(6)/mL (P=.02).

CONCLUSION(S)

There was no evidence of an immune response in the peripheral blood system. In abacterial leukocytospermia, treatment with a Cox-2 inhibitor seems to be able to reduce leukocytospermia and increase sperm count.