The association between leukocytes and sperm quality is concentration dependent

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Andrology
• Semen analysis

Background:

• Leukocytes, specifically polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNL), are present in semen.
• Elevated seminal leukocytes are often associated with impaired male fertility.
• The precise relationship between leukocyte concentration and semen parameters requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between varying concentrations of leukocytes (PMNL) and key semen parameters.
• To determine if the impact of leukocytes on sperm quality is concentration-dependent.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of semen samples from infertile men at a university hospital andrology clinic.
• Semen samples were categorized based on seminal leukocyte (PMNL) concentration (0 to >1 x 10(6)/mL).
• Sperm morphology and motility were assessed for each category.

Main Results:

• Sperm morphology and progressive motility (grades a+b) showed a significant increase from leukocyte category A (0-0.25 x 10(6)/mL) to category D (0.75-1.0 x 10(6)/mL).
• Beyond 1 x 10(6)/mL (category E), both normal morphology and progressive motility decreased to levels similar to category A.
• Sperm deformities and non-progressive motility (grades c and d) increased progressively across all studied leukocyte concentrations.

Conclusions:

• A positive association exists between leukocytes (PMNL) and normal sperm morphology and progressive motility within the concentration range of 0-1 x 10(6)/mL.
• The findings indicate that the relationship between seminal leukocytes and semen quality is concentration-dependent.
• Optimal semen quality parameters are observed at specific, non-elevated leukocyte concentrations.