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Antisperm antibodies in cryptorchidism before and after surgery
A A Sinisi1, D Pasquali, A Papparella
1Institute of Endocrinology, Department of Medical and Surgical Pediatrics, Second University of Naples, Santobono Hospital, Italy.
The Journal of Urology
|October 23, 1998
Summary
Cryptorchidism can trigger an autoimmune response against sperm in children, independent of surgery. Pubertal boys show a higher risk of developing these antisperm antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Urology
Background:
- Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) are common in pediatric patients.
- The potential link between cryptorchidism and autoimmune responses, specifically antisperm antibodies, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of serum antisperm antibodies in boys diagnosed with cryptorchidism.
- To assess whether orchiopexy (surgical correction) influences the development of these antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of serum antisperm antibodies in 209 boys with cryptorchidism (unilateral and bilateral) before and up to 24 months post-surgery.
- Use of tray agglutination and indirect immunobead tests to detect antisperm antibodies.
- Comparison with 165 healthy prepubertal and pubertal boys as controls.
Main Results:
- At diagnosis, 13.8% of cryptorchid boys had antisperm antibodies, with a significantly higher prevalence (38%) in pubertal boys compared to prepubertal boys (11.1%).
- Antibody prevalence was not influenced by cryptorchidism laterality or testis location.
- During follow-up, new cases and increased titers were observed, particularly in pubertal boys.
Conclusions:
- Cryptorchidism itself may induce an autoimmune response against sperm antigens in childhood, irrespective of surgical intervention.
- Boys undergoing puberty are at an increased risk for developing antisperm antibodies, suggesting a hormonal or developmental influence.