Le sperme « inflammatoire »: ses relations avec la fertilité

Abstract

Objectives: Sperm inflammation is caused by bacterial or viral infection of the male genitourinary tract; it is often clinically asymptomatic. There is a dilemma about the causal relationship between leukocytes as markers of inflammation and poor semen quality. We were interested in sperm changes at molecular level caused by inflammation. Material and methods: This study was based on a literature review and personal data. In 200 male partners of infertile couples with normal semen analysis, the percentage of sperm with DNA denaturation and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by flow cytometric analysis, after acridine orange and dihydroethidium stainings, and correlated with seminal plasma elastase levels. Results: In the literature, a positive relationship between inflammation and increased sperm apoptosis was found with increased necrosis and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. We found a positive correlation between the percentage of sperm with denatured DNA and elastase levels. The percentage increased from 8.6% at elastase level 0-100 μg/l to 15.7% at elastase level 100-250 μg/l; this increase was not dependent on ROS production. The percentage of sperm with denatured DNA normalized at elastase levels above 600 μg/l. Discussion and conclusion: Changes in sperm DNA or membranes do not necessarily affect classical semen characteristics or reduce fertility in males. They can, however, have a negative effect on capacitation and acrosomal reaction, resulting in failed fertilization or poor embryo development. Before treatment, we must take into account the location and the duration of the inflammation as well as the damage done to sperm. © 2009 Springer.