Artin Aghazarian1, Igor Stancik, Heinz Pflüger, Jakob Lackner. 1. Department of Urology, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Wolkersbergenstr.1, 1130 Vienna, Austria. artin_aghazarian@yahoo.com
Abstract
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.
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.
Authors: Yvonne Pannekoek; Johannes W Trum; Otto P Bleker; Fulco VAN DER Veen; Lodewijk Spanjaard; Jacob Dankert Journal: J Med Microbiol Date: 2000-08 Impact factor: 2.472
Authors: Salwa M Abo El-Khair; Mohammad A Gaballah; Mamdouh M Abdel-Gawad; Sherif Refaat M Ismail; Ayman Z Elsamanoudy Journal: Adv Urol Date: 2017-12-21