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Pro-inflammatory cytokines and microRNAs in male infertility

Hana Attia1,2,3, Federica Finocchi4, Monia Orciani5

  • 1Department of Histology Embryology and Cytogenetic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.

Molecular Biology Reports
|July 28, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1α and TNF-α show altered levels in male infertility, but individually, they lack diagnostic value. Further research into selective markers may enhance diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular biology

Background:

  • Male infertility affects 10-15% of men of reproductive age.
  • Inflammation, via cytokines and microRNAs, may impact gametogenesis.
  • Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1α) and specific microRNAs were investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the role of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines and microRNAs in seminal plasma of infertile men.
  • To compare marker levels between infertile men and controls.
  • To evaluate correlations between inflammatory markers and seminal/biochemical parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cytokine and microRNA expression in seminal plasma.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for protein levels.
  • Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) for gene expression.
  • Correlation analysis with sperm parameters.

Main Results:

  • Interleukin-1α (IL-1α) was significantly increased in azoospermic men compared to controls.
  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) mRNA expression was higher in oligozoospermic men.
  • No significant differences in microRNA expression were observed among groups.
  • No significant correlations were found between individual inflammatory markers and sperm parameters.

Conclusions:

  • Individual pro-inflammatory cytokines and microRNAs in seminal plasma have limited diagnostic value for male infertility.
  • While some markers show differences, they are insufficient for diagnosis alone.
  • Assaying selective pro-inflammatory cytokines and microRNAs may potentially improve male infertility diagnosis.
Keywords:
IL-1αIL-6Male infertilityMicroRNAsTNF-α

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