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Influence of pathogens and moderate leukocytes on seminal interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and sperm parameters
Artin Aghazarian1, Igor Stancik, Heinz Pflüger
1Department of Urology, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Wolkersbergenstr.1, 1130 Vienna, Austria. artin_aghazarian@yahoo.com
Purpose:
To evaluate the role of pathogens and moderate leukocytes on seminal interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and sperm parameters in men undergoing infertility investigation.
Methods:
Semen samples from men (n = 171) were divided into three groups on the basis of leukocyte count: no leukocytes (L-; ≤ 0.1 × 10(6)/ml Mio/ml), moderate leukocytes (L ±; >0.1 × 10(6)/ml and <1 × 10(6)/ml), and high leukocytes (=leukocytospermia) (L+; ≥ 1 × 10(6)/ml). Each group was further classified into two subgroups, according to the presence (B+) or absence (B-) of pathogens. IL-6, IL-8, and sperm characteristics were analyzed in each subgroup. A correlation test was performed to show the association between inflammatory parameters and sperm characteristics.
Results:
No significant differences in leukocyte count, cytokine levels, and sperm characteristics were apparent in subgroups with and without pathogens. Grade b motility was significantly lower in subgroup IIa (L ±,B-) than in subgroup Ia (L-,B-)(p < 0.05). More significant limitations in sperm motility (lower rapid progressive motility and increased percentage of immotile sperm) were observed in subgroup IIIa (L+,B-) compared with subgroup Ia (p < 0.05). Moderate and high leukocytes increased significantly cytokine levels (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Moderate leukocyte counts could be an indicator of male genital tract inflammation. Seminal pathogens have no influence on cytokine levels and sperm parameters.
Insights
Moderate leukocytes in semen may indicate male genital tract inflammation, impacting sperm motility. Seminal pathogens did not affect cytokine levels or sperm quality in this study.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Male infertility affects a significant portion of couples seeking reproductive assistance.
- Seminal inflammation, indicated by leukocyte presence, is a potential factor in male infertility.
- Interleukins (IL-6, IL-8) are key inflammatory markers that may influence sperm parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of seminal pathogens and moderate leukocyte counts on interleukin levels and sperm parameters.
- To determine the relationship between leukocyte concentration, cytokine levels, and sperm quality in infertile men.
- To differentiate the effects of leukocytes versus pathogens on the seminal environment.
Main Methods:
- Semen samples from 171 men were analyzed.
- Samples were categorized by leukocyte count (low, moderate, high) and presence/absence of pathogens.
- Seminal interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and sperm characteristics (including motility) were measured.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in sperm parameters or cytokine levels were observed between subgroups with or without pathogens.
- Moderate and high leukocyte counts significantly elevated seminal IL-6 and IL-8 levels.
- Sperm motility was significantly reduced in men with moderate and high leukocyte counts compared to those with low counts.
Conclusions:
- Moderate leukocyte counts in semen are indicative of male genital tract inflammation.
- The presence of seminal pathogens does not appear to influence cytokine levels or sperm parameters.
- Elevated leukocytes, rather than pathogens, are associated with impaired sperm motility and increased inflammation markers.
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