title: Soluble IL-6 receptor levels in the seminal plasma of infertile patients with accessory gland infection.
abstract: The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of soluble interleukin-6 receptor (SIL-6R) in seminal plasma, to show eventual differences between SIL-6R concentrations in fertile and infertile men, and to evaluate the possible value of measuring these substances for the diagnosis of male accessory gland infection. SIL-6R levels were determined by "sandwich" enzyme immunoassay in the seminal plasma of 82 men divided into 7 groups according to the etiological diagnosis of fertility. The levels of SIL-6R in the seminal plasma of men with infection of the accessory genital glands were statistically significantly different in comparison with other groups (p < .001). The results suggest that urogenital infections may lead to elevated levels of SIL-6R in the seminal plasma. This measurement of SIL-6R in semen may provide clinically useful information for the diagnosis of male accessory gland infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Matalliotakis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goumenou
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fragouli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Matalliotakis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kyriakou
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Koumantakis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004823:Epididymitis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000276:immunology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D012661:Semen / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6; D013739:Testosterone; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone