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

OBJECTIVE To explore the relationships between seminal interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) with semen parameters, sperm apoptosis, and necrosis in subjects infected by Helicobacter pylori (HP) expressing and not expressing CagA. METHODS In 109 selected patients, HP infection and seminal levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha 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. RESULTS Twenty-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-alpha and IL-6 concentrations were increased in HP+ vs HP- groups (TNF-alpha: 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-alpha: 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-alpha levels positively correlated with the percentage of necrotic sperm (P < .001). CONCLUSION CagA+ 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.