title: Influence of pathogens and moderate leukocytes on seminal interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and sperm parameters.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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: Department of Urology, Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Wolkersbergenstr.1, 1130 Vienna, Austria. artin_aghazarian@yahoo.com
authors: Artin
authors: A
authors: Aghazarian
authors: Igor
authors: I
authors: Stancik
authors: Heinz
authors: H
authors: Pflüger
authors: Jakob
authors: J
authors: Lackner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis*; D016209:Interleukin-8 / Q000032:analysis*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000382:microbiology*; D055101:Semen Analysis
chemical_list: D015850:Interleukin-6; D016209:Interleukin-8