• PMID: 9272207
• Gene Name: IL-6
• Condition: Male infertility
• Association: Associated
• Population size: 38
• Population details: 38 (18 fertile, 20 infertile subjects)
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Associated genes: IL-4, IL-6
• Other associated phenotypes: Male infertility

T-helper 2 type cytokine and soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels in seminal plasma of infertile men

Paradisi R, Mancini R, Bellavia E, Beltrandi E, Pession A, Venturoli S, Flamigni C.

PROBLEM: The role of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in unexplained male infertility and impaired sperm function has been explored. METHOD OF STUDY: The presence of cytokines, namely, interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2R), was investigated in seminal plasma of 18 fertile and 20 infertile subjects, using specific enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assays. RESULTS: IL-4 was not detected. SIL-2R was detected, but the concentration difference between the fertile and infertile group was not significant. IL-6 was detected with significantly higher levels in the infertile group compared to the fertile group. IL-6 levels in seminal plasma correlated positively with leukocyte count and negatively with sperm count, motility, and morphology. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show: a) a lack of IL-4 in seminal plasma; b) similar SIL-2R levels in fertile and infertile seminal plasma; c) increased IL-6 secretion in seminal plasma of infertile subjects; and d) specific correlations of IL-6 with the main semen parameters. FAU - Paradisi, R AU - Paradisi R AD - Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, S. Orsola Hospital, University Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, Italy. FAU - Mancini, R AU - Mancini R FAU - Bellavia, E AU - Bellavia E FAU - Beltrandi, E AU - Beltrandi E FAU - Pession, A AU - Pession A FAU - Venturoli, S AU - Venturoli S