Interleukin-2 in Seminal Plasma of Fertile and Infertile Men

Abstract

The role of cell-mediated immunity in the etiopathogenesis of male infertility is far from being defined. The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) has a key role in T-cell mediated immune responses. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of IL-2 in human seminal plasma, to show eventual differences between IL-2 concentrations in fertile and infertile subjects, and to show potential relationship between IL-2 amounts in semen and spermiogram parameters. Forty-three subjects entered the study, 20 with proven fertility and normal semen quality (fertile group) and 23 with male infertility of at least 2 years and poor semen quality (infertile group). IL-2 levels of seminal plasma in infertile subjects (444.3 +/- 40.5 fmol/mL) were significantly higher than those in fertile subjects (251.3 +/- 42.7 fmol/mL). There was a significant negative correlation between IL-2 levels and sperm count, motility, and morphology. No correlation was found between IL-2 levels and leukocyte count. These findings confirm IL-2 to be in seminal plasma, show increased IL-2 secretion in the infertile group, demonstrate negative correlations of IL-2 levels with main spermiogram parameters, and indicate no correlation with leukocyte count. IL-2 concentration in seminal plasma may therefore be considered as a potential marker in male infertility.

Increased levels of interferon-gamma in seminal plasma of infertile men

“…This lack of correlation, which was similarly found regarding IL-2 (Paradisi et al 1995), is not surprising because a standard leukocyte count comprises round cells present in semen including a large proportion of immature germ cells (Wolff & Anderson, 1988). This lack of correlation, which was similarly found regarding IL-2 (Paradisi et al 1995), is not surprising because a standard leukocyte count comprises round cells present in semen including a large proportion of immature germ cells (Wolff & Anderson, 1988).…”

Human leucocyte antigen I expression in spermatozoa from infertile men

“…Semen samples were collected by masturbation into sterile plastic containers, after informed consent, after at least 3 days of sexual abstinence. Semen samples were treated as previously reported ( Paradisi et al ., 1995 ). Briefly, they were allowed to liquefy at room temperature for 1 h and a small aliquot was used for routine determination of sperm count (sperm concentration, motility, morphology and viability) according to WHO standard guidelines ( WHO, 1992), spermioculture and the evaluation of antisperm antibodies (immunobead binding test).…”

Different locations of RANTES and its receptors on mouse epididymal spermatozoa

“…A broad array of immunological factors, including immunoglobulins (Igs), cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, has been found in semen of healthy fertile men (Politch et al 2007). Moreover, increased concentrations of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) in seminal plasma have been proven to be associated with poor semen quality (Paradisi et al 1995;Koumantakis et al 1998;Koçak et al 2002). Spermatozoa are exposed to RANTES in both the male and female genital tracts before they reach the site of fertilisation, since RANTES is present in seminal plasma (Naz and Leslie 2000;Politch et al 2007), uterine fluid (Hornung et al 1997) and peritoneal fluid (Hornung et al 2001).…”