Markers of semen inflammation: supplementary semen analysis?

Abstract

Understanding semen markers of inflammation is important for the diagnostic-therapeutic management of male infertility, particularly in patients with male accessory gland infection (MAGI). The aim of this article was to describe the major pathophysiological elements through which inflammation negatively affects sperm parameters. Inflammation may affect reproduction through one or more of the following mechanisms: anatomical alteration of the male accessory gland (e.g., obstruction or sub-obstruction); functional alteration of the male accessory gland, i.e., by inhibiting the production of adequate amounts of nutrients and/or by releasing compounds such as radical oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines that alter the microenvironment in which spermatozoa develop and mature; and/or direct negative effects on the spermatozoa (germ-spermatozoa interaction).

Keywords: Inflammation; Male accessory gland infections; Male infertility.