Resistin interleukin 6 tumor necrosis factor alpha and human semen parameters in the presence of leukocytospermia smoking habit and varicocele

Capsule:
Semen resistin is correlated with inflammatory cytokines and sperm quality; in cases of leukocytospermia and smoking habits, conditions with an inflammatory basis, the concentrations of resistin are increased.

Authors:
Elena Moretti, Ph.D., Giulia Collodel, Ph.D., Lucia Mazzi, Ph.D., MariaStella Campagna, Ph.D., Francesca Iacoponi, Ph.D., Natale Figura, Ph.D., M.D.

Volume 102, Issue 2, Pages 354–360

Abstract:

Objective:
To explore the relationships between resistin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and semen parameters, sperm apoptosis, and necrosis in infertile patients and in control subjects with unknown reproductive potential with/without smoking habits, leukocytospermia, and varicocele.

Design:
Prospective study.

Setting:
Sperm laboratory.

Patient(s):
A total of 110 selected men.

Intervention(s):
Family history, clinical/physical examination, ELISA determination (resistin, IL-6, TNF-α), semen analysis, annexin V/propidium iodide assay.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Relationships among resistin, IL-6, and TNF-α and semen parameters in the presence of smoking habits, varicocele, leukocytospermia, and in infertile subjects.

Result(s):
Resistin level was higher in semen than in serum. Resistin semen levels showed negative correlations with sperm motility and positive correlations with apoptotic, necrotic sperm and TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Resistin, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were higher in smokers compared with nonsmokers and in cases with leukocytospermia, in which an increase in necrotic sperm and a decrease in the number of sperm with normal morphology and motility were observed. Cytokine levels were significantly higher in infertile patients compared with control subjects with unknown reproductive potential. A total of 74.5% of infertile patients showed leukocytospermia.

Conclusion(s):
Semen resistin correlated with IL-6, TNF-α, and sperm quality; in cases of leukocytospermia and smoking habits, resistin concentrations were increased, suggesting that resistin may play a regulatory role in inflammation of the male reproductive system.