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Sperm tendency to agglutinate in motile bundles in relation to sperm competition and fertility duration in chickens. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18860. [PMID: 36344554 PMCID: PMC9640612 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A unique sperm behavior was observed in Egyptian chickens. Sperm showed a tendency to agglutinate forming motile thread-like bundles. Sperm agglutination behavior, kinematics, and some morphometric measures were studied in relation to sperm competition and fertility duration in Sharkasi and Dandarawi chickens. Sperm tendency to agglutinate was assessed by examining sperm morphology using scanning electron microscopy, Acridine orange-stained semen smears using fluorescence microscopy, and recording videos of sperm under phase contrast microscope. Sperm velocity and morphometric measures were evaluated using image-J software. To assess sperm competition, Sharkasi and Dandarawi hens were artificially inseminated by semen pools possessing equal number of Sharaksi and Dandarawi sperm. Artificial insemination was repeated ten times. The eggs obtained were incubated, and the hatchlings were discriminated as descending from Sharkasi or Dandarawi fathers according to their phenotype. To assess the fertility duration, Sharkasi and Dandarawi hens were inseminated by semen collected from roosters of the same strain. Eggs were collected for a period of 28 days post-insemination and incubated. Sharkasi spermatozoa showed higher tendency to agglutinate forming longer and thicker motile bundles. No significant differences were observed in sperm curvilinear and straight line velocity and in sperm morphometric measures between Sharkasi and Dandarawi chickens. Sharkasi roosters fathered 81.6% and 67.7% of the hatchlings produced by Sharkasi and Dandarawi mothers, respectively. The fertility period in Sharkasi and Dandarawi was 22 and 14 days, respectively. We suggest that the differences seen in sperm competitiveness and fertility duration can be attributed to sperm agglutination behavior.
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A. S. V, Dhama K, Chakraborty S, Abdul Samad H, K. Latheef S, Sharun K, Khurana SK, K. A, Tiwari R, Bhatt P, K. V, Chaicumpa W. Role of Antisperm Antibodies in Infertility, Pregnancy, and Potential forContraceptive and Antifertility Vaccine Designs: Research Progress and Pioneering Vision. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:E116. [PMID: 31527552 PMCID: PMC6789593 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm of humans, non-human primates, and other mammalian subjects is considered to be antigenic. The effect of changes in autoimmunity on reproductive cells such as spermatozoa and oocytes play a critical but indistinct role in fertility. Antisperm antibodies (ASAs) are invariably present in both females and males. However, the degree of ASA occurrence may vary according to individual and gender. Although the extent of infertility due to ASAs alone is yet to be determined, it has been found in almost 9-12% of patients who are infertile due to different causes. Postcoital presence of spermatozoa in the reproductive tract of women is not a contributory factor in ASA generation. However, ASA generation may be induced by trauma to the vaginal mucosa, or by anal or oral sex resulting in the deposition of sperm inside the digestive tract. It is strongly believed that, in humans and other species, at least some antibodies may bind to sperm antigens, causing infertility. This form of infertility is termed as immunological infertility, which may be accompanied by impairment of fertility, even in individuals with normozoospermia. Researchers target ASAs for two major reasons: (i) to elucidate the association between ASAs and infertility, the reason ASAs causes infertility, and the mechanism underlying ASA-mediated infertility; and (ii) to assess the potential of ASAs as a contraceptive in humans in case ASAs influences infertility. Therefore, this review explores the potential application of ASAs in the development of anti-spermatozoa vaccines for contraceptive purposes. The usefulness of ASAs for diagnosing obstructive azoospermia, salpingitis, and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia has been reviewed extensively. Important patents pertaining to potential candidates for spermatozoa-derived vaccines that may be utilized as contraceptives are discussed in depth. Antifertility vaccines, as well as treatments for ASA-related infertility, are also highlighted. This review will address many unresolved issues regarding mechanisms involving ASAs in the diagnosis, as well as prognoses, of male infertility. More documented scientific reports are cited to support the mechanisms underlying the potential role of ASA in infertility. The usefulness of sperm antigens or ASAs (recombinant) in human and wild or captive animal contraceptive vaccines has been revealed through research but is yet to be validated via clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickram A. S.
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Young Scientist DST-SERB, Govt. of India, Saveetha Institute of Technical and Medical Sciences, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.K. Nagar, West Tripura 799008, India;
| | - Hari Abdul Samad
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Shyma K. Latheef
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Sandip Kumar Khurana
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India;
| | - Archana K.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; (A.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura 281001, India;
| | - Prakash Bhatt
- Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145 (Udham Singh Nagar), Uttarakhand, India;
| | - Vyshali K.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; (A.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteinsand Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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Castellini C, D'Andrea S, Martorella A, Minaldi E, Necozione S, Francavilla F, Francavilla S, Barbonetti A. Relationship between leukocytospermia, reproductive potential after assisted reproductive technology, and sperm parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies. Andrology 2019; 8:125-135. [PMID: 31250986 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of leukocytospermia with male fertility is still under debate. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of leukocytospermia (≥1 × 106 white blood cells/mL of semen, according to the World Health Organization) in men attending a fertility clinic for couple subfertility, on fertility outcomes after assisted reproductive technology (ART) and on semen quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-control studies reporting mean ± standard deviation for values of different seminal parameters (sperm concentration, progressive motility, sperm morphology, sperm DNA fragmentation, semen volume, and Ph) and fertilization rate (FR), or the odds ratio (OR) for clinical pregnancy rate (PR) per cycle after ART in leukocytospermic and non-leukocytospermic patients was performed. A literature search was carried out in MEDLINE and SCOPUS for English-language studies published till June 2018. RESULTS Twenty-eight case-controlled retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria, comparing fertility outcomes after ART or semen parameters in men with or without leukocytospermia. FR and PR after ART were not significantly different in the two groups. Leukocytospermic samples showed a lower sperm concentration (pooled SMD = -0.14; 95% CI: -0.28, -0.01, I2 = 71%, pfor heterogeneity < 0.00001) and a lower progressive motility (pooled SMD = -0.18; 95% CI: -0.29, -0.06; I2 = 59%, pfor heterogeneity < 0.0001). However, the significant differences disappeared, along with the large inter-study heterogeneity, when analyses were restricted to studies clearly reporting the inclusion of men without clinical evidence of seminal tract infection. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Leukocytospermia in men seeking consultation for couple subfertility is not associated with a reduced fertility after ART and with altered semen quality in populations asymptomatic for genital tract infection. Therefore, the current clinical criteria for definition of leukocytospermia should be re-assessed in subfertile couples attending a fertility clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Castellini
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - S D'Andrea
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Martorella
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - E Minaldi
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - S Necozione
- Epidemiology Division, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - F Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - S Francavilla
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Life, Health and Environment Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Anti-GAPDHS antibodies: a biomarker of immune infertility. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 364:199-207. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2361-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Anti-sperm antibody levels are not related to fertilization or pregnancy rates after IVF or IVF/ICSI. J Reprod Immunol 2011; 88:80-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Kisa U, Başar MM, Ferhat M, Yilmaz E, Başar H, Cağlayan O, Batislam E. Testicular tissue nitric oxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels: evaluation with respect to the pathogenesis of varicocele. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 32:196-9. [PMID: 15205852 DOI: 10.1007/s00240-004-0401-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2003] [Accepted: 01/14/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to evaluate tissue nitric oxide (NO) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels in testicular tissue, and to determine their relationship with seminal parameters in order to explain possible effects on varicocele pathophysiology. Ten adult male Wistar rats at 8 weeks old underwent partial left renal vein ligation. A sham operation was performed on control rats in a second group of another ten rats. All animals were killed 4 weeks after surgery. The testes were removed and histological changes were observed by light microscopy with haematoxylin and eosin stain on half of each testis. The rest of testis was used for the evaluation of testicular tissue NO and TBARS levels. Epididymal aspirated seminal plasma was used for semen analysis and morphological analysis was carried out according to Kruger's criteria. Statistical analysis was performed by using Mann-Whitney U-tests and Spearman rank correlations between the two groups for NO and TBARS levels and for seminal parameters. Testicular tissue NO and TBARS levels (mean+/-SEM) were 62.8+/-10.1 micromol/g protein and 4.7+/-0.3 nmol/g protein in group 1. These parameters were 16.9+/-2.2 micromol/g protein and 3.1+/-0.2 nmol/g protein in the group 2 controls. There were significant differences between these parameters ( P(NO)=0.000, P(TBARS)=0.001). Although a positive and significant correlation between testicular tissue NO and TBARS levels was found ( r(s)=0.739, P=0.014), there was only a strong negative correlation between NO levels and sperm motility in group 1 ( r(s)=-0.815, P=0.004). We found that this effect of NO on sperm motility was independent from TBARS levels after regression analysis ( r(2)=-0.687, beta=0.825, P=0.034). Although there were statistically significant differences in seminal parameters between the two groups, there was no difference between them in the histopathological examination. We found that sperm motility was significantly related to testicular tissue NO levels only. Thus, we suggest that NO is an important mediator in the pathogenesis of varicocele. TBARS and other substances have been effective via NO pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uçler Kisa
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Kirikkale, Kirikkale, Turkey
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Gonzales GF, Muñoz G, Sánchez R, Henkel R, Gallegos-Avila G, Díaz-Gutierrez O, Vigil P, Vásquez F, Kortebani G, Mazzolli A, Bustos-Obregón E. Update on the impact of Chlamydia trachomatis infection on male fertility. Andrologia 2004; 36:1-23. [PMID: 14871260 DOI: 10.1046/j.0303-4569.2003.00594.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With approximately 90 million cases annually, infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial disease in the world. Considering that these infections are often asymptomatic and cause major complications like acute pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, infertility or infant pneumonia, the estimated costs for diagnosis and treatment in the USA amounts to 2.2 million US dollars for each 500 cases. Therefore, there is a high need for correct, quick and cost-effective diagnosis and treatment of this urogenital tract infection. New innovative therapies provide good results with regard to efficacy and patients' compliance. The success rates of treatments are at least 95%. However, the occurrence of antibiotic resistance should not be ignored and new treatment schemes must be developed. The state-of-the-art of diagnosis and treatment of chlamydial infections as well as the pathophysiology is discussed in this review. In conclusion, infections with C. trachomatis is an important public health problem, especially in third world and developing countries, and more socio-economic studies linking secondary prevention of chlamydial infections, infertility and adverse pregnancy outcome are needed to understand more of its aetiology. In addition, diagnosis and treatment should be improved. Data in men revealed that past infections but not present infections are more related to male infertility. There is still controversial results. In future studies, function of the seminal vesicles and evaluation of the antioxidant capacity should be taken into account when role of C. trachomatis infection on male fertility is assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G F Gonzales
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences and Laboratories of Investigation and Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
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Cincik M, Sezen SC. The mast cells in semen: their effects on sperm motility. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 2003; 49:307-11. [PMID: 12851033 DOI: 10.1080/01485013090204995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate any possible association between mast cells and sperm concentration, morphology, and motility. The study comprised 400 patients who had applied for semen analysis. To evaluate mast cells, 6 smear slides were prepared for each subject and stained with 1% toluidin blue-pyronine (pH 4). The slides revealing any mast cells were labeled as mast+. Concentration and motility was evaluated through a Makler chamber. Kruger's strict criteria were used in morphometric analysis. The mean age of 86 mast+ cases (21% of total patients) was 31+/-6.7; progressive sperm motility rate was 33+/-21.2. The mean concentration was 32+/-30.2 x 10(6)/mL, and normal sperm percentage was 11.8+/-6.5. Progressive sperm motility rate in the mast- cases were 53+/-25. The mean age of mast cell+ patients was higher than that of mast cell- patients (t=3.57, p<.001), while they had lower sperm concentration (p>.05) and lower normal morphologic sperm rate (t=2.26, p<.024), compared to mast cell- patients. The relation between mast cell+ and mast cell- cases and sperm progressive motility was statistically significant (t=6.44, p<.001). It was concluded that sperm parameters were negatively affected by mast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cincik
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Gülhane Medical School (GATA), Ankara, Turkey
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11
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Diemer T, Huwe P, Ludwig M, Schroeder-Printzen I, Michelmann HW, Schiefer HG, Weidner W. Influence of autogenous leucocytes and Escherichia coli on sperm motility parameters in vitro. Andrologia 2003; 35:100-5. [PMID: 12653783 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0272.2003.00523.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Urogenital infections are considered important factors in male infertility. In this in vitro study we have evaluated the impact of leucocytes in association with an artificial infection with Escherichia coli on the motility of human spermatozoa. Ejaculates and blood samples were obtained from healthy donors with normal semen parameters. Ejaculates were prepared by swim-up technique and five fractions were isolated for incubation. Leucocyte subtypes were separated from blood samples by gradient centrifugation. Purified sperm suspensions were adjusted to a concentration of 20 x 106 ml-1 and incubated with lymphocytes/ monocytes, polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN), and E. coli. Samples were incubated for up to 6 h at 37 degrees C. Motility analysis was performed using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). Spermatozoa incubated with 3 x 106 PMN ml-1 revealed a significant (P=0.003) decrease in progressive motility after 2 h. This decrease remained weakly significant (P=0.024) after 4 and 6 h. Lymphocytes and monocytes had no effect on sperm motility. Spermatozoa incubated with granulocytes and E. coli demonstrated highly significant alterations in motility after 4 and 6 h of incubation (P < 0.001). The PMN indicate an effect on motility of spermatozoa under experimental conditions. However, the results suggest that bacteria are the primary agents that interfere with sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Diemer
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Klinikstrasse 29, 35385 Giessen, Germany.
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Trabulsi EJ, Shupp-Byrne D, Sedor J, Hirsch IH. Leukocyte subtypes in electroejaculates of spinal cord injured men. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002; 83:31-4. [PMID: 11782829 DOI: 10.1053/apmr.2002.26250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the level of leukocytospermia and seminal leukocyte subtypes in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to compare the findings with those of fertile, able-bodied controls. DESIGN Prospective, controlled clinical trial. SETTING University infertility practice. PARTICIPANTS Thirteen able-bodied fertile men age matched to 17 men with SCI seeking reproductive rehabilitation. INTERVENTIONS Vibratory stimulation and antegrade electroejaculation for SCI group; manual ejaculation for controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Immunoperoxidase technique on a panel of antileukocyte monoclonal antibodies to obtain the leukocyte subpopulations: B cells, T cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. Immunohistochemical staining and scoring to obtain the mean number of leukocytes and spermatozoa per high power field. The ratios of leukocyte to sperm and leukocyte subtype to sperm were tabulated. RESULTS Total white blood cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in the SCI population were significantly higher than those in the ejaculates of controls. Although not significantly elevated, all the other evaluated subsets were higher in the SCI group then in the controls. CONCLUSIONS Leukocytospermia appears to be a pervasive abnormality in the semen recovered from men with SCI. The SCI group had significant elevations of total seminal leukocytes after electroejaculation. Compared with controls, men with SCI had significantly more seminal neutrophils and macrophages. Asthenospermia, universally observed in men with SCI, may be attributable, among other causes, to leukocytospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard J Trabulsi
- Department of Urology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Paolicchi F, Casaro P, Gimeno E, Kortebani L, Mazzolli A. Antisperm response in rams experimentally infected with Brucella ovis. Small Rumin Res 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0921-4488(99)00108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To critically review the English-language literature and describe the current diagnosis, prevalence, etiology, and treatment of antisperm antibodies (ASA). DESIGN A comprehensive literature search of the English-language literature published between 1966 and December 1997 was performed on MEDLINE. Articles were also located via bibliographies of published works. RESULT(S) Data were excerpted from articles identified by MEDLINE search. The diagnosis, prevalence, etiology, and treatment of ASA are described. CONCLUSION(S) There is sufficient evidence that ASA impair fertility in couples with unexplained infertility. A number of different methodologies are available, which may be used in their detection. However, in many cases, test interpretation is subjective. Although there is not enough evidence to support systemic treatment for ASA, application of a variety of assisted reproductive technologies improves outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mazumdar
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Luckas MJ, Buckett WM, Aird IA, Johnson PM, Lewis-Jones DI. Seminal plasma immunoglobulin concentrations in autoimmune male subfertility. J Reprod Immunol 1998; 37:171-80. [PMID: 9571571 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0378(97)00080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The presence of anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs) in seminal plasma is associated with infertility. They have been shown to reduce sperm motility, interfere with cervical mucus penetration and gamete interaction, and have been shown to reduce spontaneous fertilization and pregnancy rates. Although some causes can be determined, in the majority of cases the initial event causing the immune sensitisation and the reasons for the continuing antibody secretion remains unknown. Quantitative determination of total IgG, IgA and IgM within seminal plasma had not been previously reported in patients with and without specific ASAs. Semen samples from 512 men presenting with infertility were analyzed. One hundred and forty-six men (28.5%) had seminal fluid ASAs as determined by the MAR or TAT tests. The total seminal plasma IgG and IgA concentrations were significantly elevated in the ASA-positive groups compared with ASA-negative groups (IgG: 8.83 mg/100 ml vs. 7.15, P = 0.0008; and IgA: 2.88 mg/100 ml vs. 1.64, P = 0.0001). Only 19 samples showed seminal fluid IgM, and there was no difference between the ASA positive or ASA negative samples. The significance of these findings is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Luckas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Liverpool, UK
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Conte RA, Luke S, Verma RS. Enumeration of semen leucocytes by fluorescence in situ hybridisation technique. Mol Pathol 1995; 48:M319-21. [PMID: 16696031 PMCID: PMC407998 DOI: 10.1136/mp.48.6.m319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Aim-To determine whether the fluorescent in situ hybridisation technique (FISH) using a total human DNA genomic probe can be used to enumerate semen leucocytes.Methods-Semen samples from five donors were subjected to a mild KC1 solution. These samples were then biotin labelled under FISH conditions using a total human DNA genomic probe and the leucocyte counts were determined. To check the accuracy of the technique a monoclonal antibody against the common leucocyte antigen CD45 [KC56(T-200)] served as a control. An isotypic control for [KC56(T-200)], the immunoglobulin [MsIgG1], served as a secondary control.Results-Semen leucocytes stained by the FISH technique were easily detected because of their distinct bright yellow colour, while the sperm cells were red. The leucocyte count ranged from 0.5 to 4.9 x 10(6) per ml of semen. KC56(T-200) and its isotypic control MsIgG1, which served as control for the FISH technique, accurately identified 94% and 97% of the semen leucocytes of a control donor, respectively.Conclusions-The FISH technique using a total human DNA probe can accurately and effectively enumerate the overall leucocyte population in semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Conte
- Division of Genetics, Long Island College Hospital-SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the data available on the biologic significance of white blood cells (WBC) in semen of infertility patients. DATA RESOURCES The relevant literature was reviewed. RESULTS It is not possible to identify reliably WBC by conventional sperm staining techniques. The peroxidase method is sufficient for quantification of granulocytes, but immunocytology is the gold standard for the detection of all WBC populations in semen. Granulocytes are the most prevalent WBC type in semen (50% to 60%), followed by macrophages (20% to 30%) and T-lymphocytes (2% to 5%). The prevalence of leukocytospermia (> 10(6) WBC/mL semen) among male infertility patients is approximately 10% to 20%. There is controversy on the significance of WBC in semen. Whereas some authors did not observe sperm damage in the presence of leukocytospermia, others have found evidence that WBC are significant cofactors of male infertility: [1] seminal WBC numbers were higher in infertility patients than among fertile men; [2] leukocytospermia was associated with decreased sperm numbers and impaired sperm motility; [3] WBC damaged sperm function and hamster ovum penetration in vitro and were important prognostic factors for IVF-ET failure. Because of absence of clinical symptoms, the origin of WBC is difficult to determine. Normally, most WBC appear to originate from the epididymis because vasectomized men show very few WBC in semen. On the other hand, leukocytospermic samples show low citric acid levels, pointing to asymptomatic prostatitis as a source of WBC in semen. Surprisingly, approximately 80% of leukocytospermic samples are microbiologically negative. In some cases Chlamydia trachomatis might have triggered a persistent inflammatory reaction leading to leukocytospermia. Sperm damage by WBC can be mediated by reactive oxygen species, proteases and cytokines. Furthermore, genital tract inflammation facilitates the formation of sperm antibodies. As seminal plasma has strong anti-inflammatory properties and because there is only short contact between sperm and WBC in prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis, inflammations of the epididymis and testis are likely to have the largest impact on sperm. CONCLUSIONS There is ample evidence that WBC can affect sperm function. Further studies are needed to define cofactors that increase or decrease the risk of sperm damage by WBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wolff
- Department of Dermatology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Diemer T, Weidner W, Michelmann HW, Nierste B, Ringert RH. Percoll density gradient centrifugation and consecutive flow cytometry do not identify leukocytes and leukocyte subtypes in ejaculate specimens. Andrologia 1994; 26:93-6. [PMID: 8042775 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1994.tb00764.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper describes an attempt to establish a new combined method of leukocyte analysis in human ejaculate by Percoll density gradient centrifugation and consecutive flow cytometry. As a first step, leukocyte separation was performed by Percoll density gradient centrifugation with consecutive enrichment of leukocytes, especially granulocytes, in the 40%/60% and 60%/80% Percoll interfaces. Then these fractions were stained with specific monoclonal antibodies and analysed in a Facscan flow cytometer. Flow cytometric analysis did not demonstrate identifiable leukocyte populations, indicating a questionable cross-reaction with spermatozoal elements. Therefore, the combined technique of Percoll density gradient centrifugation and flow cytometric analysis were considered unsuitable for clinical leukocyte determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Diemer
- Department of Urology, Georgia-Augusta University, Göttingen, Germany
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