Markers of accessory sex glands function in men with varicocele, relationship with seminal parameters

INTRODUCTION

Varicocele has been associated with decreased semen quality, not much is known about the effect of varicocele on the accessory sex glands function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship among varicocele, seminal parameters and biochemical markers of accessory sex glands: neutral alpha glucosidase (NAG, epididymis), fructose (seminal vesicles), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and zinc (prostate).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A clinical study was performed in 190 men with varicocele and 100 men normozoospermic as control group. Semen analysis, hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), polymorphonuclear (PMN), fructose, zinc, PAP and NAG were determinate. Differences were evaluated by, t test, ANOVA and a Pearson's coefficient correlation.

RESULTS

Varicocele group showed a decrease in sperm motility, normal morphology, HOST and vitality. No differences were observed in fructose, PAP and zinc levels between control and varicocele group. The NAG was significantly decreased in varicocele group. A positive correlation was observed between both fructose and PAP with semen volume, sperm concentration, PMN, and zinc levels. Additionally, a decrease of NAG was correlated with a decrease of normal sperm morphology, motility, vitality and HOST.

CONCLUSIONS

Varicocele does not alter fructose secretion by seminal vesicles and PAP and zinc by prostate. Varicocele is associated with a decrease of NAG activity in seminal fluid, suggesting epididymal dysfunction possibly associated with a detrimental in sperm quality.

EVIDENCE FAVORING SPERM SELECTION OVER SPERM COMPETITION IN THE INTERACTION BETWEEN HUMAN SEMINAL PLASMA AND SPERM MOTILITY IN VITRO

The effect on sperm motility of sperm-sperm and sperm-seminal plasma interactions was studied among homologous and heterologous sperm. There were no significant interactions between sperm in vitro, but it was found that seminal plasmas of different donors have different effects on sperm motility, and different sperm react differently to the same seminal plasma. Sperm showed higher motility in a pure physiological solution than when mixed with seminal plasma, even if the plasma and sperm came from the same donor. Various plasma components are responsible for this modulation of sperm motility. It would appear that large numbers of sperm are adaptive, among other things, because they are involved in sperm selection.

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

In vitro studies have reported that seminal plasma of fertile men has more inhibitory mitogenic effect and higher suppressive activity on antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity than seminal plasma from infertile males. Is it possible that variations in the seminal plasma composition could explain these results? The present study was conducted to investigate the relation between immunosuppressive PGE(2) and IL-10 to pro-inflammatory IL-6 in seminal plasma of infertile and fertile men. Utilizing specific ELISA commercial kit, semen samples from 45 infertile undiagnosed and 25 fertile men were examined for the presence of PGE(2), IL-10, and IL-6. The IL-6 concentration in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than that of fertile men (p<.0 4). However, levels of IL-10 were lower for the semen of infertile men than that of fertile men (p<.04). No differences were observed in PGE(2) concentrations between both groups. Increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, and decrease in immunosuppressive ones, such as IL-10, could alter the tolerance to sperm cell in male and female tracts and reduce the favorable conditions to reach the fecundation and implantation. It is necessary to conduct further studies that include other pro- and anti-inflammatory substances to evaluate the importance of the immune balance of semen in human fertility.

Chlamydia trachomatis and sperm lipid peroxidation in infertile men

AIM

To relate the presence of anti-Chlamydial trachomatis IgA in semen with sperm lipid membrane peroxidation and changes in seminal parameters.

METHODS

Semen samples of the male partners of 52 couples assessed for undiagnosed infertility were examined for the presence of IgA antibody against C. trachomatis. The level of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation was estimated by determining the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation.

RESULTS

Sperm membrane of infertile males with positive IgA antibodies against C. trachomatis showed a higher level of lipid peroxidation than that of infertile males with negative IgA antibody (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation (P<0.01) between the level of C. trachomatis antibody and the magnitude of sperm membrane lipid peroxidation. All the other tested semen parameters were found to be similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The activation of immune system by C. trachomatis may promote lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane. This could be the way by which C. trachomatis affects fertility.

Bioactivity of serum hCG in preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE

To compare hCG levels, obtained by biologic and immunologic means, in women with normal pregnancies and women with preeclampsia.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples from women in the third trimester with preeclampsia (n = 30) or normal pregnancies (n = 30) were assayed for immunoactive and bioactive hCG (mouse Leydig cell testosterone production assay).

RESULTS

Serum bioactive hCG levels tended to be lower than normal, and immunoactive hCG levels tended to be higher in women with preeclampsia, but the differences were not statistically significant. However, the ratio of bioactive to immunoactive hCG was significantly lower than normal for preeclamptic women (0.70 +/- 0.28 vs. 1.15 +/- 0.35 for normotensive pregnant women [mean +/- standard deviation], P <.001).

CONCLUSION

The ratio of bioactive to immunoreactive serum hCG is lower among preeclamptic than among normotensive pregnant women.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in seminal plasma of infertile men, and lipid peroxidation of their sperm

Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in seminal fluid, as well as levels of sperm lipid membrane peroxidation, were investigated in fertile and infertile men. Semen samples, obtained by masturbation from 37 infertile and 14 fertile men, were examined for the presence of TNF-alpha and IL-6. The level of lipid peroxidation of the sperm membrane was measured by determining malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. The correlation between the IL-6 and the TNF-alpha concentrations in seminal plasma with the levels of lipid peroxidation of the sperm membranes was statistically evaluated. The IL-6 concentration in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than that of fertile men (p < .05). Similarly, the level of membrane lipid peroxidation was higher for the semen of infertile men than that of fertile men (p < .001). A significant positive correlation was found between IL-6 levels in seminal plasma and membrane sperm lipid peroxidation (p < .002), but not between this parameter and TNF-alpha levels in seminal plasma. These findings suggest a possible association between IL-6 seminal plasma levels and lipid peroxidation of sperm membrane. Stimulation of reactive species production by human sperm and leucocytes, induced by the high levels of IL-6, could explain these results.