T-helper 2 type cytokine and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in seminal plasma of infertile men.
OBJECTIVE
The role of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in unexplained male infertility and impaired sperm function has been explored.


METHODS
The presence of cytokines, namely, interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2R), was investigated in seminal plasma of 18 fertile and 20 infertile subjects, using specific enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays.


RESULTS
IL-4 was not detected. SIL-2R was detected, but the concentration difference between the fertile and infertile group was not significant. IL-6 was detected with significantly higher levels in the infertile group compared to the fertile group. IL-6 levels in seminal plasma correlated positively with leukocyte count and negatively with sperm count, motility, and morphology.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings show: a) a lack of IL-4 in seminal plasma; b) similar SIL-2R levels in fertile and infertile seminal plasma; c) increased IL-6 secretion in seminal plasma of infertile subjects; and d) specific correlations of IL-6 with the main semen parameters.
Paradisi
R
R
Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, S. Orsola Hospital, University Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, Italy.
Mancini
R
R
Bellavia
E
E
Beltrandi
E
E
Pession
A
A
Venturoli
S
S
Flamigni
C
C
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000276:immunology*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000032:analysis*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis*; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D013076:Sperm Count; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D015850:Interleukin-6; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D015847:Interleukin-4