• PMID: 15166129
• Gene Name: IL6R
• Condition: Reduced sperm motility, endometriosis-associated infertility
• Association: A combination of IL-6 and sIL-6R may be associated with gp130 expressed in the sperm and reduce sperm motility. IL-6 and sIL-6R may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated infertility.
• Population size: 20
• Population details: 20
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Other associated phenotypes: Reduced sperm motility, endometriosis-associated infertility

A combination of interleukin-6 and its soluble receptor impairs sperm motility: implications in infertility associated with endometriosis

Yoshida S, Harada T, Iwabe T, Taniguchi F, Mitsunari M, Yamauchi N, Deura I, Horie S, Terakawa N.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that the level of interleukin (IL)-6 is increased in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of IL-6 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) on in vitro sperm motility. METHODS: Sperm (n = 20) were cultured with IL-6 or sIL-6R, or with a combination of both. After 24 h cultures, sperm motility was evaluated using a computer-assisted semen analysis system. Gene and protein expressions of IL-6, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), and glycoprotein 130 (gp130) were examined in sperm by RT-PCR analysis and western blot analysis. RESULTS: Addition of IL-6 or sIL-6R individually to the culture media had no affect on sperm motion. However, adding a combination of IL-6 and sIL-6R dose-dependently reduced the percentage of motile and rapidly moving sperm. Adding anti-IL-6R antibody abolished these adverse effects. Sperm expressed the gp130 gene and protein, but not IL-6 or IL-6R. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of IL-6 and sIL-6R may be associated with gp130 expressed in the sperm and reduce sperm motility. IL-6 and sIL-6R may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated infertility. CI - Copyright 2004 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology FAU - Yoshida, Souichi AU - Yoshida S AD - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tottori University School of Medicine, Yonago 683-8504, Japan. souichi@grape.med.tottri-u.ac.jp FAU - Harada, Tasuku AU - Harada T FAU - Iwabe, Tomio AU - Iwabe T FAU - Taniguchi, Fuminori AU - Taniguchi F FAU - Mitsunari, Masahiro AU - Mitsunari M FAU - Yamauchi, Nobuhiro AU - Yamauchi N FAU - Deura, Imari AU - Deura I FAU - Horie, Sayako AU - Horie S