Sperm Parameters and Semen Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines in Helicobacter pylori–infected Men

ObjectiveTo explore the relationships between seminal interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) with semen parameters, sperm apoptosis, and necrosis in subjects infected by Helicobacter pylori (HP) expressing and not expressing CagA.MethodsIn 109 selected patients, HP infection and seminal levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Western blotting was used to detect antibodies to CagA. Semen parameters were determined following World Health Organization guidelines and sperm apoptosis and necrosis by annexin V and propidium iodide assay.ResultsTwenty-eight subjects were infected by HP (HP+); among them, 12 were CagA seropositive (CagA+) and 16 were negative (CagA−). Eighty-one men were HP seronegative (HP−). Semen TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were increased in HP+ vs HP− groups (TNF-α: 41 pg/mL vs 27 pg/mL; IL-6: 11 pg/mL vs 5 pg/mL; P <.01). In comparison to the HP− group, CagA+ group showed reduced sperm motility (24% vs 32% motile sperm; P <.05), enhanced necrosis (33.5% vs 21% necrotic sperm; P <.05), and increased cytokines levels (TNF-α: 46 pg/mL vs 27 pg/mL; P <.01; IL-6: 17.5 pg/mL vs 5 pg/mL; P <.01). Sperm motility of CagA+ group was lower vs CagA− group (24% vs 36.5% motile sperm; P <.05). Both IL-6 and TNF-α levels positively correlated with the percentage of necrotic sperm (P <.001).ConclusionCagA+ HP infection increases semen levels of inflammatory cytokines, which may reduce sperm motility and determine sperm damage and contribute to reduce the reproductive potential in men.