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Effects of Ureaplasma urealyticum Infection on Sperm Quality and Concentrations of Nitric Oxide and Cytokine in the Semen of Infertile Males
Author(s) -
Qian Li,
Bian GuangRong,
Li HaiBo,
Zhou Yan,
Dong ShuDe,
Wang WenJun,
Song Jie
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/aji.12500
Subject(s) - ureaplasma urealyticum , semen , sperm , andrology , infertility , sex organ , biology , male infertility , nitric oxide , semen quality , physiology , medicine , endocrinology , mycoplasma , pregnancy , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
Problem The relationship between genital infection and two sperm parameters, namely, concentrations of nitric oxide ( NO ) and cytokines [e.g., interleukin ( IL )‐17 and IL ‐18], in the semen of infertile males remains undetermined. Method of study Semen samples from 81 infertile (with or without Ureaplasma urealyticum infection) and normal males were subjected to semen analysis. Results Nitric oxide concentration in the semen of infertile males with genital infection was higher than those of infertile males without genital infection and of normal males ( P < 0.05). Sperm density, pH , percentage of forward, movement of sperm, sperm activation rate, sperm survival rate, and normal rate of the sperm morphology of infertile males with U. urealyticum infection were significantly lower than those of infertile males without genital infection and of normal males ( P < 0.05). NO concentrations were also positively correlated with IL ‐17 and IL ‐18 concentrations in the semen of infertile males. Conclusion Increased NO concentration and abnormal IL ‐17 and IL ‐18 expression were induced by genital infection and induced damage to male reproductive capacity, thereby causing male infertility.