Mechanisms of sperm deficiency in male accessory gland infection*

Abstract

The presence of 2 million or more peroxidase-positive white blood cells per ml of semen, or the diagnosis of male accessory gland infection, is associated with important biochemical and biological changes in semen plasma and in the spermatozoa, reducing their fertilizing potential in vitro and in vivo (e.g., during intra-uterine insemination). In addition to the effects of reactive oxygen species, and its influence on the essential fatty acid composition of the sperm membrane, potentially unfavourable effects can occur through the intermediate of increased concentrations of certain cytokines, and decreased activity of enzymes such as alpha-glucosidase. In contrast, lower numbers of white blood cells may exert beneficial effects on spermatozoa thanks to the increased production of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (a tissue repairing substance), and the stimulation of immuno-competent cells by particular cytokines (e.g., Interleukin-6).