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The Examination of Peroxidase-Positive Leukocytes in Semen
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Raised inflammatory markers in semen from men with asymptomatic chlamydial infection

Abas Kokab1, Mohammad M Akhondi, Mohammad R Sadeghi

  • 1Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Medical Research, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom.

Journal of Andrology
|September 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels are elevated in infertile men with Chlamydia trachomatis infection, suggesting IL-8 may serve as a biomarker for male genital tract infections. Chlamydia also impacts sperm motility and increases seminal leukocytes.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive immunology
  • Urology
  • Infectious diseases

Background:

  • Male infertility is a significant concern, with infectious agents like Chlamydia trachomatis playing a potential role.
  • Seminal cytokines and leukocytes are increasingly recognized as indicators of male reproductive tract health and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations, seminal leukocytes, and Chlamydia trachomatis infection in infertile men.
  • To assess the potential of IL-8 as a biomarker for male genital tract infections.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of seminal fluid from 255 infertile men undergoing diagnostic semen analysis.
  • Measurement of IL-6 and IL-8 levels and seminal leukocyte counts.
  • Chlamydia trachomatis testing in semen and first void urine samples.

Main Results:

  • Significantly higher IL-8 levels were observed in Chlamydia trachomatis-infected men compared to uninfected men.
  • Elevated IL-8 levels correlated with increased semen volume.
  • Chlamydia trachomatis infection was associated with reduced progressive motile sperm and increased seminal leukocytes.
  • The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was 6.2%, with higher detection rates in semen than in urine.

Conclusions:

  • Interleukin-8 may serve as a valuable marker for diagnosing male genital tract infections, particularly those caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
  • Chlamydia trachomatis infection negatively impacts key semen parameters, including sperm motility and leukocyte counts.
  • Further research is needed to reconcile discrepancies in Chlamydia trachomatis detection between urine and semen samples.

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