ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐10, HSP‐60, Anti‐HSP‐60 Antibodies,and Anti‐sperm Antibodies,in Semen of Men with Leukocytes and/or Bacteria

Citation Martínez‐Prado E, Bermúdez MIC. Expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐10, HSP‐60, anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies, and anti‐sperm antibodies, in semen of men with leukocytes and/or bacteria. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63: 233–243 Problem Different cellular and biochemical markers have been proposed as indicators of infection‐inflammation of male genital tract. Method of study Semen samples from 80 men attending an andrologic clinic were evaluated to determine the presence of leukocyte, bacteria, antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α, HSP‐60, anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies, and anti‐sperm antibodies. Results Leukocytes in semen significantly correlated with an increase in IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α. The simultaneous presence of pathogens and leukocytes was associated with high levels of IL‐8 and TNF‐α, whereas IL‐6 was more associated with the presence of leukocytes. Anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies positively correlated with IL‐6 and IL‐8. The presence of anti‐sperm antibodies highly associated with an increase in anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies. Conclusions The type of cytokines present in the semen will depend on the single or simultaneous presence of leukocytes and/or pathogens. Chronic male genital tract infections could be associated with the development of anti‐HSP‐60 antibodies and anti‐sperm antibodies.