Activation of the immune system and sperm DNA fragmentation are associated with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia in men with couple subfertility

Fertil Steril. 2011 Jun 30;95(8):2676-9.e1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.05.026.

Abstract

Ejaculates from men without known causes for male subfertility and asymptomatic for genital tract inflammation showed infiltration of macrophages, and their activation state (HLA-DR(+)) was negatively correlated with semen parameters and positively correlated with sperm DNA damage. An activation of the immune system is thus detectable in idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia of unknown origin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • DNA Fragmentation*
  • Female
  • HLA-DR Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Infertility, Male / etiology*
  • Infertility, Male / immunology
  • Infertility, Male / pathology
  • Italy
  • Macrophage Activation*
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Semen / cytology
  • Semen / immunology
  • Spermatozoa / pathology*

Substances

  • HLA-DR Antigens