INTERLEUKIN-1 BETA AND TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA IN NORMAL/INFERTILE MEN

Cytokines play an important role in intercellular communications. Human sperm contains a wide spectrum of cytokines, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 &#103 ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- &#102 ). Their effects on semen quality are subject to debate. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of IL-1 &#103 and TNF- &#102 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-1 &#103 and TNF- &#102 levels in seminal fluid. There was no significant statistical difference regarding IL-1 &#103 and TNF- &#102 among fertile men and subfertile patients of any cause. IL-1 &#103 and TNF- &#102 were in tight positive correlation ( p