Increased levels of interferon-gamma in seminal plasma of infertile men.
The role of the cell-mediated immunity in male infertility is still far from clear. Interferon-gamma (INF-gamma), a secretory product of activated T cells and natural killer cells, has been hypothesized to have a toxic effect on sperm function. The presence of INF-gamma was investigated in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile subjects, using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in order to study its role in male infertility. Forty-one subjects were studied; 20 had proven fertility and normal semen quality (fertile group) and 21 showed male infertility for at least 2 years and poor semen quality (infertile group). INF-gamma was present in significantly higher levels in the seminal plasma of infertile subjects (6.36 +/- 0.72 fmol ml-1) compared to fertile subjects (3.68 +/- 0.30 fmol ml-1). Moreover, a significant negative correlation between INF-gamma levels and sperm count, motility and morphology was detected, whereas no correlation between INF-gamma levels and leukocyte count was found. These findings (i) confirm INF-gamma to be present in seminal plasma; (ii) show increased INF-gamma secretion in the infertile group; (iii) demonstrate negative correlations of INF-gamma with the main spermiogram parameters and (iv) no correlation with leukocyte count. INF-gamma may therefore play an important role in male infertility.
Paradisi
R
R
Department of Obstertrics and Gynaecology, S. Orsola Hospital, University Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, Italy.
Capelli
M
M
Mandini
M
M
Bellavia
E
E
Flamigni
C
C
D000328:Adult; D004542:Ejaculation; D005298:Fertility / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000032:analysis*; D007962:Leukocytes; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012661:Semen / Q000276:immunology*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D016898:Interferon-alpha