SEMINAL CYTOKINE CONCENTRATIONS (IL-1-BETA, IL-2, IL-6, SR IL-2, SR IL-6), SEMEN PARAMETERS AND BLOOD HORMONAL STATUS IN MALE-INFERTILITY

Several lines of evidence indicate that cyokines are involved in male fertility. They are secreted by different parts of the male genital tr act and may exert effects on steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis and sper m functions. We measured the concentrations of interleukins (IL-beta, IL-2, IL-6) and those of interleukin soluble receptors (sR IL-2, SR IL -6) in semen of fertile subjects (n = 21) and of patients with a range of andrological diseases (n = 119). The seminal concentrations of cyt okines were analysed according to semen parameters as well as to the b lood hormonal profiles of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing ho rmone and testosterone. An increase of IL-1 beta was observed in the g roup of patients with infertility. No difference was found between the different subgroups defined on the basis of progressive motility, per centage of abnormal forms and diagnosis of infection. The seminal cyto kine concentrations were independent of the blood hormonal status. Our data suggest that the determination of interleukins (1 beta, -2 and - 6) or interleukin soluble receptors (sR IL-2, sR IL-6) in human sperma tozoa does not provide convenient information in male routine infertil ity work-up.