Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class II transcripts in mature spermatozoa of healthy volunteers have recently been demonstrated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). HLA II expression was investigated on ejaculated sperm cells in fertile and infertile men by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Among 22 fertile and 20 infertile men, 18 were selected for the study because they showed no contamination with non-sperm cells. HLA II mRNA transcripts were expressed in all but 1 of 8 infertile subjects and in only 2 of 10 fertile ones. The cytofluorometric analysis on three RT-PCR positive samples confirmed the presence of class II antigens on cell surfaces. These data clearly confirm the presence of both HLA II mRNA and surface molecules on human sperm cells. In addition, an interesting nonrandom distribution of positivity among fertile and infertile samples regarding HLA II expression (p < .025) suggests a possible correlation with infertility.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Reproductive failure due to spontaneous abortion and recurrent miscarriage.

The epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis and clinical management of spontaneous and recurrent abortion and of the failure of embryo implantation are discussed in a retrospective overview of the major studies conducted since 1975 identified through a Medline search. Infertile women who experienced spontaneous single (32%) and recurrent (0.5%) abortion as well as those who became pregnant after induction of ovulation with gonadotrophins (abortion rate 17-31%) and those who underwent assisted fertilization programmes (abortion rate 18-34%) are considered. Causes and treatments are here reported. Medical treatments for immunologically mediated abortion (IMA) are based on prednisolone, heparin, aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin. Efficacy of the medical treatment of patients with a history of IMA has yet to be completely demonstrated. Genetic disorders are possible causes of both failure in implantation and early abortion; this cause is more prominent with advanced age and currently cannot be treated. Endocrine factors may also be responsible for miscarriage, and correction of hormone abnormalities is discussed. Infections, endometriosis and psychological factors are other possible important causes of embryo loss without specific widely accepted treatments. Prominent areas of research are the identification of genetic preimplantation abnormalities, and pharmacological intervention for abnormal spontaneous uterine contractility. The data here reported are encouraging, but the efficacy of different treatments is still not convincing. The information available is sufficient to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools to evaluate their efficacy in reducing spontaneous abortion at an early stage.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMedDate not supplied

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

The role of the cell-mediated immunity in male infertility is still far from clear. Interferon-gamma (INF-gamma), a secretory product of activated T cells and natural killer cells, has been hypothesized to have a toxic effect on sperm function. The presence of INF-gamma was investigated in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile subjects, using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in order to study its role in male infertility. Forty-one subjects were studied; 20 had proven fertility and normal semen quality (fertile group) and 21 showed male infertility for at least 2 years and poor semen quality (infertile group). INF-gamma was present in significantly higher levels in the seminal plasma of infertile subjects (6.36 +/- 0.72 fmol ml-1) compared to fertile subjects (3.68 +/- 0.30 fmol ml-1). Moreover, a significant negative correlation between INF-gamma levels and sperm count, motility and morphology was detected, whereas no correlation between INF-gamma levels and leukocyte count was found. These findings (i) confirm INF-gamma to be present in seminal plasma; (ii) show increased INF-gamma secretion in the infertile group; (iii) demonstrate negative correlations of INF-gamma with the main spermiogram parameters and (iv) no correlation with leukocyte count. INF-gamma may therefore play an important role in male infertility.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Interleukin-2 in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men.

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.

Biomarkers↗