• PMID: 11868623
• Gene Name: IL1B
• Condition: Male infertility
• Association: Not associated
• Population size: 71
• Population details: 71 (66 subfertile subjects (22 patients with varicocele, 14 with infection of accessory genital glands, 4 varicocele plus infection, 8 chronic epididymitis, 5 post-renal transplantation status, 9 idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia, 1 cryptorchidism, 3 h
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Associated genes: IL-1beta,TNF-alpha
• Other associated phenotypes: Male infertility

Interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in normal/infertile men

Papadimas J, Goulis DG, Sotiriades A, Daniilidis M, Fleva A, Bontis JN, Tourkantonis A.

Cytokines play an important role in intercellular communications. Human sperm contains a wide spectrum of cytokines. such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Their effects on semen quality are subject to debate. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in normal fertile men and in different groups of male infertility in an attempt to clarify the physiology and suggest possible clinical uses. Sixty-six subfertile male patients with varicocele (n = 22). infection of accessory genital glands (n = 14), varicocele plus infection (n = 4), chronic epididymitis (n = 8). post-renal transplantation status (n = 5), idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (n = 9), cryptorchidism (n = 1), and homozygous beta-thalassemia (n = 3) as well as 5 male controls were studied through history, physical examination, spermiograms, plasma basal hormonal levels, and IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels in seminal fluid. There was no significant statistical difference regarding IL-1beta and TNF-alpha among fertile men and subfertile patients of any cause. 1L-1beta and TNF-alpha were in tight positive correlation (p<.001). Determination of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha does not provide useful information in male routine infertility workup. Nevertheless, a better understanding of these mediators in semen of normal men and infertile patients may contribute to a new approach to the management of male infertility. FAU - Papadimas, J AU - Papadimas J AD - 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. FAU - Goulis, D G AU - Goulis DG FAU - Sotiriades, A AU - Sotiriades A FAU - Daniilidis, M AU - Daniilidis M FAU - Fleva, A AU - Fleva A FAU - Bontis, J N AU - Bontis JN