This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Sanocka, D. Articles by Kurpisz, M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Sanocka, D. Articles by Kurpisz, M.

Male Genital Tract Inflammation: The Role of Selected Interleukins in Regulation of Pro-Oxidant and Antioxidant Enzymatic Substances in Seminal Plasma

PIOTR JDRZEJCZAK

ANNA SZUMAA-KAKOL

MONIKA FRCZEK^*

From the ^* Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pozna, Poland; and Clinic of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Pozna, Poland.

Correspondence to: Prof Maciej Kurpisz, Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyska 32, Pozna, Poland (e-mail: kurpimac{at}man.poznan.pl)

Human semen contains spermatozoa as well as populations of round nonspermatozoal cells primarily consisting of leukocytes. Activation of white blood cells present in the seminal plasma during genital tract inflammation and cellular reactions against microbial agents may provoke a release of a variety of products such as cytokines and reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a panel of selected cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor- [TNF]) detectable in seminal plasma during male genital tract inflammation could be considered as mediators between altered semen parameters and changed levels of pro-oxidant and antioxidant substances. Studies using chemiluminometric, spectrophotometric, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods indicate that proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF may modulate pro-oxidant and antioxidant activities in the male genital tract. The data also suggest that the function of pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems in semen may directly influence basic semen parameters. The elevated numbers of leukocytes present in semen during male genital tract inflammation without an associated contribution of cytokines and semen antioxidant capacity appear to be of little prognostic value in evaluating male fertilization potential.

     Key words: Semen, leukocytes, reactive oxygen species, infertility, cytokines

This article has been cited by other articles:

				K. Tremellen Oxidative stress and male infertility--a clinical perspective Hum. Reprod. Update, May 1, 2008; 14(3): 243 - 258. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Fraczek, D. Sanocka, M. Kamieniczna, and M. Kurpisz Proinflammatory Cytokines as an Intermediate Factor Enhancing Lipid Sperm Membrane Peroxidation in In Vitro Conditions J Androl, January 1, 2008; 29(1): 85 - 92. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. A. Politch, L. Tucker, F. P. Bowman, and D. J. Anderson Concentrations and significance of cytokines and other immunologic factors in semen of healthy fertile men Hum. Reprod., November 1, 2007; 22(11): 2928 - 2935. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. L. Brackett, D. R. Cohen, E. Ibrahim, T. C. Aballa, and C. M. Lynne Neutralization of Cytokine Activity at the Receptor Level Improves Sperm Motility in Men With Spinal Cord Injuries J Androl, September 1, 2007; 28(5): 717 - 721. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. Forges, P. Monnier-Barbarino, J.M. Alberto, R.M. Gueant-Rodriguez, J.L. Daval, and J.L. Gueant Impact of folate and homocysteine metabolism on human reproductive health Hum. Reprod. Update, May 1, 2007; 13(3): 225 - 238. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. Fraczek and M. Kurpisz Inflammatory mediators exert toxic effects of oxidative stress on human spermatozoa J Androl, March 1, 2007; 28(2): 325 - 333. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. S. Leslie, H. J. Lachmann, E. Bruning, J. A. McGrath, A. Bybee, J. R. Gallimore, P. F. Roberts, P. Woo, C. E. Grattan, and P. N. Hawkins Phenotype, Genotype, and Sustained Response to Anakinra in 22 Patients With Autoinflammatory Disease Associated With CIAS-1/NALP3 Mutations Arch Dermatol, December 1, 2006; 142(12): 1591 - 1597. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. R. Cohen, S. Basu, J. M. Randall, T. C. Aballa, C. M. Lynne, and N. L. Brackett Sperm Motility in Men With Spinal Cord Injuries Is Enhanced by Inactivating Cytokines in the Seminal Plasma J Androl, November 1, 2004; 25(6): 922 - 925. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]