The presence of cytokines such as the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin 2 (IL2) in human spermatozoa is still to be defined. The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of both soluble factors in seminal fluid. Data from normal semen samples (n = 24) confirmed the presence of IL2 (258 +/- 84 fmol/ml corresponding to 953 +/- 369 fmol/total volume of ejaculate) and TNF alpha (62.2 +/- 16.4 fmol/ml corresponding to 231.3 +/- 86 fmol/total volume of ejaculate). A significant positive correlation (r = 0.59; P < 0.01) was observed between the TNF alpha and the IL2 concentrations. The concentrations of these cytokines were not related to sperm parameters. In contrast, IL2 concentrations (196.9 +/- 60.4 fmol/ml; 686.2 +/- 236.7 fmol/total volume of ejaculate) evaluated in 16 seminal fluids with identified bacterial agents were lower than in the control group, whereas TNF alpha concentrations (68.6 +/- 12.3 fmol/ml; 241.3 +/- 78.9 fmol/total volume of ejaculate) were not significantly different from the controls. Further studies are needed to determine the potential role of these cytokines in the physiology of semen and their usefulness as indicators of reproductive pathology.
Several lines of evidence indicate that cyokines are involved in male fertility. They are secreted by different parts of the male genital tract and may exert effects on steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis and sperm functions. We measured the concentrations of interleukins (IL-beta, IL-2, IL-6) and those of interleukin soluble receptors (sR IL-2, SR IL-6) in semen of fertile subjects (n = 21) and of patients with a range of andrological diseases (n = 119). The seminal concentrations of cytokines were analysed according to semen parameters as well as to the blood hormonal profiles of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone. An increase of IL-1beta was observed in the group of patients with infertility. No difference was found between the different subgroups defined on the basis of progressive motility, percentage of abnormal forms and diagnosis of infection. The seminal cytokine concentrations were independent of the blood hormonal status. Our data suggest that the determination of interleukins (-1beta, -2 and -6) or interleukin soluble receptors (sR IL-2, sR IL-6) in human spermatozoa does not provide convenient information in male routine infertility work-up.
Despite clear results and good sensitivity, the MATRIX-HCV2 assay was poorly predictive of viremia in patients with indeterminate results in initial screening assays.
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