Relation between immunosuppressive PGE(2) and IL-10 to pro-inflammatory IL-6 in seminal plasma of infertile and fertile men

Possible Impact of Human β-defensin 1 on sperm motility in infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters

Human β-defensins and interleukins may be auxiliary in sperm maturation. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the expression of Human β-defensins 1 and 2, interleukins (ILs)- 10 and -18 genes in sperm, as well as seminal plasma levels of these two cytokines in subfertile men with different types of sperm abnormalities compared to those with normozoospermic men. Participants were separated into two experimental groups: the control group (n = 25) and the group with sperm abnormalities (SA) (n = 45). SA participants were further subdivided into the following groups with n = 15 individuals each: Teratozoospermia (T), Asthenoteratozoospermia (AT), and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) groups. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the mRNA levels of hBDs 1 and 2, IL-10, and IL-18 in sperm. The seminal plasma concentrations of IL-10 and IL-18 were measured by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The mRNA expression of hBD-1 and IL-10 showed a significant decrease in the OAT compared to the controls (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.02, respectively). The lowest seminal plasma concentration of IL-10 belonged to the OAT (P = 0.04). ROC curve analysis showed a sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff value of 82.35%, 86.67%, and 0.63 for hBD-1 levels, respectively. A positive and significant correlation was found between hBD-1 expression and sperm motility and IL-10 expression rate and normal sperm morphology.Therefore, hBD-1 could be considered as the alternative biomaterial to pre-treatments of infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters, specifically OAT men, which led to improving the assisted reproduction success rate.

Age-Related COVID-19 Influence on Male Fertility

The impact of coronavirus on the reproductive health of men attracts the special attention of many researchers. While studies suggest changes in sperm parameters and the possibility of testicular inflammation, further studies are needed to elucidate any potential age-related changes in these findings, which is the purpose of the present study. The semen quality parameters, cytokine concentration, and markers of the pro- and antioxidant system were assessed in 60 men five to seven months after the coronavirus infection and in 77 controls (without a history of coronavirus infection). Additionally, participants were divided into two age groups: less than 35 years and 35 years or older. Notably increased round cell count in ejaculate and reduced sperm hyaluronan binding ability were observed among post-infection patients younger than 35 years. In the same group, a decline in seminal plasma zinc levels and nitrotyrosine in the cell fraction was found. In men over 35 years of age, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to increased sperm DNA fragmentation, a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity, and an elevation in the levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-10. The concentration of interleukin-1β decreased over time following recovery in all affected patients. The data obtained suggest the potential adverse impact of the coronavirus infection on male reproductive health; however, these effects appear to be age-dependent.

Immune regulatory cytokines in seminal plasma of healthy men: A scoping review and analysis of variance

OBJECTIVE

Seminal plasma cytokines are associated with fertility and reproductive health, but progressing their clinical utility is hampered by absence of reference data on concentration ranges of relevant cytokines in healthy men. We employed a systematic approach to assemble current evidence on the concentrations of immune regulatory cytokines present in seminal plasma (SP) of normozoospermic and/or fertile men and evaluated the impact of different platform methodologies for cytokine quantification.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

A systematic literature search was performed utilising PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. Databases were searched from inception until 30th June 2022 inclusive, using combinations of keywords pertaining to seminal fluid and cytokines, and was restricted to human participants. Original data with values reported as concentration of specific cytokines in SP of men clearly defined as fertile or normozoospermic were extracted from studies written in English.

RESULTS

A total of 3769 publications were initially identified, of which 118 fulfilled the eligibility criteria for inclusion. A total of 51 individual cytokines are detectable in SP of healthy men. The number of studies reporting on each cytokine range from 1 to >20. The reported concentrations for many cytokines linked with fertility status, including IL6, CXCL8/IL8, and TNFA, are highly variable between published studies. This is associated with the different immunoassay methodologies utilised and may be exacerbated by a lack of validation of assays to ensure suitability for SP assessment. Due to the large variation between studies, accurate reference ranges for healthy men cannot be determined from the published data.

CONCLUSIONS

The concentrations of cytokines and chemokines detected in SP is inconsistent and highly variable between studies and cohorts, limiting current capacity to define reference ranges for cytokine concentrations in fertile men. The lack of standardisation in methods used to process and store SP, and variation in platforms used to evaluate cytokine abundance, are factors contributing to the observed heterogeneity. To progress the clinical utility of SP cytokine analysis will require standardisation and validation of methodologies so that reference ranges for healthy fertile men can be defined.

The effects of nutritional level and body condition score on cytokines in seminal plasma of beef bulls

Introduction

High quality semen is essential for reproductive efficiency. Nutrition and environmental factors impact the ejaculate components, like cytokines, that are essential for pregnancy establishment. We hypothesized that differing nutritional periods and body condition scores would affect seminal plasma cytokine concentrations of bulls.

Methods

Mature Angus bulls (n=11) were individually housed and randomly assigned to either over-fed (n=5) or restricted (n=6) treatment pathways. Bulls were fed different volumes of a single ration creating 8 individual treatment periods. Body weight and body condition scores were taken every 14 d to manage intake volumes. Ejaculates were collected every 84 d to determine seminal plasma cytokine profiles. A complete randomized design was used to evaluate seminal plasma cytokines after each nutritional treatment. Initial cytokine concentrations and volume of the ejaculate were included as covariates.

Results

All cytokines returned to initial concentrations following maintenance treatments at an ideal body condition score of 6. Nutritional treatments affected (P ≤ 0.05) IFN-γ, IL-8, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and VEGF-A. However, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MIP-1α had the greatest impact on cytokine profile.

Discussion

Nutritional levels and adiposity altered seminal plasma cytokine concentrations which could potentially impact the inflammatory balance of the uterus and the immune responses necessary for pregnancy establishment.

Effect of endogenous hormones, antisperm antibody and oxidative stress on semen quality of crossbred bulls

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of factors like hormones, antisperm antibody (ASA), and oxidative stress and its relation with semen quality in crossbred bulls. Ejaculates from two bulls were categorized into good (n = 12) and poor (n = 12) based on initial progressive motility, that is, ≥70% and ≤50%, respectively. The level of hormones like Testosterone (p < 0.05) and PGE₂ (p < 0.01) was significantly higher in good-quality ejaculates compared to poor-quality ejaculates; however, estradiol (p < 0.05), progesterone, oxidative stress, and ASAs were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in poor-quality ejaculates compared to good-quality ejaculates. Therefore, it could be concluded that oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance might have resulted in high number of dead and defective spermatozoa which was ultimately responsible for poor quality semen ejaculates.

Characterization of the structural, oxidative, and immunological features of testis tissue from Zucker diabetic fatty rats

The purpose of this study was to characterize the testicular profile of Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats presenting with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) in the absence or presence of obesity. To achieve this, testes were collected from 270-day-old male Wistar (n = 15), ZDF nonobese (n = 15), and ZDF obese rats (n = 16). Changes to the testicular structure were quantified morphometrically, while immunocytochemistry was employed to assess caspase-3 activity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, fluctuations of major antioxidant molecules, and the extent of damage to the proteins and lipids were assessed in tissue lysates. Levels of selected interleukins (ILs) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results reveal significant alterations to the testicular structure accompanied by caspase-3 overexpression, particularly in ZDF obese rats. The most notable disruption of the oxidative balance, characterized by ROS overproduction, antioxidant deficiency, protein, and lipid deterioration was recorded in ZDF rats suffering from both DM2 and obesity. Accordingly, the highest concentrations of pro-inflammatory IL-1, IL-6, and IL-18 accompanied by reduced levels of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 were found in testicular tissue collected from ZDF obese rats. This study highlights the vulnerability of male gonads to pathophysiological changes caused by hyperglycemia, which are further exacerbated by excessive adipose tissue.

Investigation of the effect of hesperidin on some reproductive parameters in testicular toxicity induced by Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the chemicals that cause dysfunction and infertility in testicles. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective treatments against this damage. In this study, the effects of Hesperidin (HESP), a flavonoid in testicular toxicity induced by BPA in rats, on oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, histological damage, spermatogenesis, steroidogenic enzymes and reproductive hormones were investigated. Our study used 52 Sprague Dawley male rats weighing 250-300 g, and four experimental groups were formed. From the experimental groups, 1 ml of olive oil was administered to the control group, HESP at a dose of 50 mg/kg to the HESP group, BPA at a dose of 100 mg/kg to the BPA group, HESP at a dose of 50 mg/kg to the BPA + HESP group and 100 mg/kg BPA was administered intragastrically (ig) for 14 days. We determined that BPA administration causes apoptosis, histological damage, inflammation, oxidative stress and toxic effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenic enzymes in testicles. We observed that the administration of HESP with BPA attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis resulting in therapeutic effects on both steroidogenic enzymes and spermatogenesis and reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and testosterone). Our findings from this study clearly showed that while HESP treatment alleviates oxidative damage, inflammation and apoptosis in testicles of rats treated with BPA, it has regulatory effects on steroidogenic enzymes, spermatogenesis and serum reproductive hormones.

The Vehicle Determines the Destination: The Significance of Seminal Plasma Factors for Male Fertility

Of all human infertility cases, up to 50% show contributing factors leading to defects in the male reproductive physiology. Seminal plasma (SP) is the biological fluid derived from the male accessory sex gland which carries spermatozoa passing throughout the male and female reproductive tract during ejaculation. It contains a complicated set of heterogeneous molecular structures, including proteins, cell-free nucleic acid (DNA, microRNA and LncRNA), and small-molecule metabolites as well as inorganic chemicals (ions). For a long time, the substantial significance of seminal plasma factors’ functions has been underestimated, which is restricted to spermatozoa transport and protection. Notably, significant advancements have been made in dissecting seminal plasma components, revealing new insights into multiple aspects of sperm function, as well as fertilization and pregnancy outcomes in recent years. In this review, we summarize the state-of-art discoveries regarding SP compositions and their implications in male fertility, particularly describing the novel understanding of seminal plasma components and related modifications using “omics” approaches and mainly focusing on proteome and RNA-seq data in the latest decade. Meanwhile, we highlighted the proposed mechanism of the regulation of SP molecules on immunomodulation in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, we also discussed the proteins investigated as non-invasive diagnosis biomarkers for male infertility in the clinic.

The Potential Role of Seminal Plasma in the Fertilization Outcomes

For human infertility both male and female factors may be equally important. Searching for molecular biomarkers of male infertility, neglected for decades, and the attempts to explain regulatory mechanisms of fertilization become thus extremely important. Apart from examination of the structure and function of male gametes, also the possible importance of seminal plasma components should be considered. In this article we discuss data that indicate for the substantial significance of active seminal plasma components for conception and achievement of healthy pregnancy. Seminal plasma impact on the storage and cryopreservation of human and animal sperm and regulatory role of glycodelin on human sperm capacitation as well as hypothesized course of female immune response to allogenic sperm and conceptus has been discussed. The possible involvement of carbohydrates in molecular mechanism of fetoembryonic defense has been also mentioned.

An immunogenic phenotype in paternal antigen-specific CD8+ T cells at embryo implantation elicits later fetal loss in mice

Central to pregnancy success is a state of T cell tolerance to paternal antigens, which is initiated at conception. The role and regulation of specific phenotypes of CD8⁺ T cells in mediating pregnancy tolerance is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the impact on pregnancy outcome of altering the cytokine environment during maternal CD8⁺ T cell priming in early pregnancy. Transgenic Act-mOVA male mice were mated to C57BL/6 (B6) females to generate fetuses expressing ovalbumin (OVA) as a model paternal antigen. OVA-reactive CD8⁺ OT-I T cells were activated in vitro with OVA in the presence of either transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1) plus interleukin-10 (IL10), or IL2, to mimic normal or dysregulated uterine conditions, respectively, and transferred into pregnant mice on gestational day 3.5. OT-I T cells activated with TGFB1 and IL10, like naive OT-I T cells, did not alter embryo implantation or fetal viability. In contrast, OT-I T cells activated with IL2 caused extensive fetal loss manifesting in mid-gestation. IL2-activated OT-I T cells expressed less FOXP3 and higher interferon-γ (IFNG) than cells activated with TGFB1 and IL10. Fetal loss did not occur in females mated with B6 males, demonstrating the antigen specificity of fetal loss, and was not abrogated by maternal genetic C1q deficiency indicating a mechanism independent of antibody-mediated cytotoxicity. These data indicate that alternative phenotypes generated in maternal CD8⁺ T cells at the time of priming with paternal antigens can impact pregnancy outcome, such that inappropriate activation of CD8⁺ T cells before implantation is capable of causing antigen-specific fetal loss later in pregnancy.

Role of semen in altering the balance between inflammation and tolerance in the female genital tract: does it contribute to HIV risk?

While the main reproduction aim of semen is the transport of spermatozoa to the female genital tract, seminal plasma is a complex fluid that also carries a broad array of immunologically active molecules. Seminal plasma has been shown to contain a diverse array of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory soluble mediators that regulate immune responses within the female reproductive tract than can facilitate fertilization. Since the natural inflammatory response to semen deposition in the female genital tract may result in recruitment of activated HIV target cells into the female genital mucosa, we discuss the constituents of semen that may increase the risk for HIV infection in women.

CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules differentially regulate OT-II CD4⁺ T lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine response in cocultures with antigen-presenting cells derived from pregnant and pseudopregnant mice

Immune phenomena during the preimplantation period of pregnancy are poorly understood. The aim of our study was to assess the capacity for antigen presentation of splenic antigen-presenting cells (APCs) derived from pregnant and pseudopregnant mice in in vitro conditions. Therefore, sorted CD11c⁺ dendritic cells and macrophages F4/80⁺ and CD11b⁺ presenting ovalbumin (OVA) were cocultured with CD4⁺ T cells derived from OT-II mice's (C57BL6/J-Tg(TcraTcrb)1100Mjb/J) spleen. After 132 hours of cell culture, proliferation of lymphocytes (ELISA-BrdU), activation of these cells (flow cytometry), cytokine profile (ELISA), and influence of costimulatory molecules blocking on these parameters were measured. We did not detect any differences in regulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. CD86 seems to be the main costimulatory molecule involved in the proliferation response but CD80 is the main costimulatory molecule influencing cytokine secretion in pregnant mice. In conclusion, this study showed that CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules regulate OT-II CD4⁺ T lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine response in cocultures with antigen-presenting cells derived from pregnant and pseudopregnant mice. The implications of these changes still remain unclear.

Sperm lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammatory cytokines

AIM

To investigate if interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are able to stimulate the level of lipid peroxidation of sperm membranes, either alone or in the presence of leukocytes.

METHODS

Semen samples from normozoospermic donors were prepared by density gradient. The sperms were exposed to the indicated cytokines, at physiological and infection-inflammation concentrations, in the absence or presence of leukocytes. Lipid peroxidation of the sperm membranes was determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxialkenals (HAE) formation.

RESULTS

TNF-alpha, IL-8 and IFN-gamma increased the level of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation when tested at physiological concentrations. At infection-inflammation concentrations, only IL-8 was able to produce a higher effect. When assayed in the presence of leucocytes, IL-8 and TNF-alpha showed a higher effect at infection-inflammation concentrations than at physiological concentrations. Finally, IL-8 showed a higher effect in the presence of leukocytes than in their absence at both physiological and infection-inflammation concentrations. TNF-alpha also showed a higher effect when assayed in the presence of leukocytes than in their absence, but only at infection-inflammation concentrations. There was no effect of IL-6 or IL-10 in any of the tested conditions.

CONCLUSION

Several pro-inflammatory cytokines at physiological concentrations increase the level of lipid peroxidation of sperm membranes, which could be important for the sperm fecundation process. However, infection-inflammation concentrations of some cytokines, such as IL-8 and TNF-alpha, either alone or in the presence of leukocytes, could drive the lipid peroxidation of the spermatozoa plasma membrane to levels that can affect the sperm fertility capacity.

Interleukin-10 promoter polymorphisms in male and female fertility and fecundity

Interleukin-10 (IL10) is assumed beneficial for a successful pregnancy; it may increase fertility and fecundity. Allele frequencies of IL10 polymorphisms at position -2849, -1082 and -592 were analyzed in association with a past history of fertility and fecundity in men and women of at least 85 years old. Fertility was decreased in association with the -2849 A allele in females; 27% of the AA genotype carriers produced no offspring in marriage compared to 14% of the G allele carriers (odds ratio (OR): 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-4.2, P=0.01). Effective fecundability was decreased in association with the -2849 A allele in females; 7% of female -2849 AA genotype carriers had a child within 371 days of marriage (therefore, conceived within 3 months of marriage) compared to 28% of female G allele carriers (OR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.04-0.7, P=0.01). This suggests an association between the -2849 AA genotype and a decreased fertility and fecundity in females.

Beta-defensin 126 on the cell surface protects sperm from immunorecognition and binding of anti-sperm antibodies

Beta-defensin 126 (DEFB126), formerly known as epididymal secretory protein 13.2 (ESP13.2), coats the entire primate sperm surface until completion of capacitation, and it is a candidate for providing immune protection in the female reproductive tract. To further examine the potential role of DEFB126 as a means of protection from immune recognition, cynomolgus macaque sperm were exposed to a number of treatments that are known to alter sperm surface coats, including capacitation. We used a novel in vivo assay to determine immune recognition: aldehyde-fixed whole sperm injections into rabbits. Following booster injections, immunoblot analyses of whole sperm prepared in various manners was conducted. On Days 60 and 80 post-initial immunization, the antisera showed a remarkably strong reaction to a single 34-36 kDa protein, which was shown to be DEFB126. Sera from rabbits that were immunized with sperm washed more rigorously using Percoll gradients showed an increase in the number and intensity of proteins recognized on whole sperm Western blots, although DEFB126 was still the major immune response. When capacitated sperm, from which most DEFB126 had been released, were used as the immunogen, there was a dramatic increase in the immune recognition to a variety of protein bands. Sperm treated with neuraminidase to remove sialic acid on DEFB126 before fixation were shown to still possess DEFB126, but lacked the sialic acid component of the glycoprotein. These sperm were as immunogenic as capacitated sperm even though the desialylated DEFB126 still covered the entire cell surface. These sperm lost their highly negative charge (the isoelectric point of DEFB126 shifted from pI 3.0 to pI 6.4). Experiments using different sperm plasma membrane protein-specific Igs showed that recognition did not occur when DEFB126 was present, but following capacitation these Igs readily recognized the exposed sperm membrane. Our data suggest that DEFB126 protects the entire primate sperm surface from immune recognition and that the sialic acid moieties are responsible for the cloaking characteristic of this unique glycoprotein.