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[Macrophages in human semen]
Beatriz Reina Bouvet1, Adriana Silvia Brufman, Cecilia Vicenta Paparella
1Area Inmunología, Area Química Analítica Clínica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. beatrizbouvet@infovia.com.ar
Objectives:
To investigate the presence of macrophages in human semen samples and the function they carry out in the seminal fluid. Their presence was studied in relation to spermatic morphology, percentage of spermatozoids with native DNA, and presence of antispermatic antibodies.
Methods And Results:
The work was performed with semen samples from 31 unfertile males from 63 couples in which the "female factor" was ruled out as the cause of infertility. Sperm study according to WHO (1992) was carried out in all samples, in addition to: DNA study with acridine orange as fluorocrom, macrophage concentration by neutral red in a Neubauer camera, and detection of antispermatic antibodies with a mixed agglutination test (TAC II) (validated with Mar Screen-Fertility technologies). Sperm morphology was evaluated by Papanicolaou test. 19/31 selected sperm samples (61.3%) showed increased concentration of macrophages, 13 of them (41.9%) with denaturalized DNA, and 8 (25.8%) abnormal morphology. Six samples showed increased macrophage concentration and predominance of native DNA, whereas 11 samples showed increased macrophages and abnormal morphology. Among 18 (58.1%) samples showing antispermatic antibodies 14 (77.7%) had an increased concentration of macrophages. Statistical analysis resulted in a high correlation between macrophage concentration and increased percentage of spermatozoids with denaturalized DNA (p < 0.05). An increased concentration of macrophages is associated with the presence of antispermatic antibodies (p < 0.05). There was not evidence of significant association between concentration of macrophages and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoids (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
We can conclude that macrophages are present in human semen and participate in immunovigilance contributing to improve the seminal quality.
Insights
Macrophages are present in human semen and play a role in immune surveillance. Their presence correlates with damaged sperm DNA and antisperm antibodies, potentially impacting male fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Sperm Biology
- Cellular Biology
Context:
- Male infertility is a significant concern, with various contributing factors.
- Understanding the role of immune cells in seminal fluid is crucial for reproductive health.
- Macrophages are immune cells known to perform various functions in different tissues.
Purpose:
- To investigate the presence and function of macrophages in human semen.
- To examine the relationship between macrophage concentration and sperm parameters such as DNA integrity, morphology, and antisperm antibodies.
Summary:
- This study analyzed semen samples from 31 infertile males, assessing macrophage concentration, sperm DNA integrity, morphology, and antisperm antibodies.
- A significant correlation was found between increased macrophage concentration and a higher percentage of sperm with denatured DNA (p < 0.05).
- Elevated macrophage levels were also associated with the presence of antisperm antibodies (p < 0.05), but not significantly with abnormal sperm morphology.
Impact:
- Macrophages are confirmed to be present in human semen and contribute to immune surveillance.
- Findings suggest macrophages may play a role in regulating seminal quality, potentially influencing male fertility.
- Further research into macrophage function in semen could lead to new diagnostic or therapeutic strategies for male infertility.