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Antisperm antibodies and fertility association
1Grupo de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Actas Urologicas Espanolas
|February 23, 2013
Summary
Antisperm antibodies (ASA) can cause immunological infertility by interfering with sperm function and the fertilization process. This review examines the link between ASA and human fertility over the past 45 years.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Human Fertility Studies
Background:
- Immunological infertility is a significant factor affecting couples trying to conceive.
- Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are implicated in infertility through various immunological mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between antisperm antibodies and human fertility.
- To review scientific literature published within the last 45 years on this topic.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Databases searched included Pubmed, Medline, Scielo, and gray literature.
- Studies published in Spanish or English within the last 45 years were included.
Main Results:
- Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are present in infertile couples in blood, semen, or cervicovaginal secretions.
- The formation of ASA may stem from disturbed immunomodulatory mechanisms.
- This can lead to impaired sperm function and reduced fertilization capability.
Conclusions:
- Immunological infertility is often caused by ASA.
- These antibodies interfere with critical stages of the fertilization process.
- ASA inhibit the interaction between sperm and the oocyte, hindering fertility.
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