Mechanisms of the harmful effects of bacterial semen infection on ejaculated human spermatozoa: potential inflammatory markers in semen

The invasion of the male reproductive tract by microorganisms, and its subsequent consequences for sperm fertilizing potential, has been intensely discussed. The role of the bacteria that are responsible for the colonization and contamination of the male urogenital tract, rather than its infection,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Folia histochemica et cytobiologica 2015-01, Vol.53 (3), p.201-217
Main Authors: Fraczek, Monika, Kurpisz, Maciej
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Apoptosis
Bacteria
Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
Biomarkers - metabolism
Colonization
Contamination
Fertility
Fertilization
Humans
Immobilization
Infections
Infertility
Inflammation
Leukocytes
Male
Males
Microorganisms
Oxidative stress
Parameters
Reproductive system
Semen
Semen - microbiology
Sperm
Spermatozoa
Spermatozoa - microbiology
Spermatozoa - pathology
Urogenital System - microbiology
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Summary:The invasion of the male reproductive tract by microorganisms, and its subsequent consequences for sperm fertilizing potential, has been intensely discussed. The role of the bacteria that are responsible for the colonization and contamination of the male urogenital tract, rather than its infection, in diminished sperm parameters raises the most controversy. There are numerous premises suggesting that bacterial semen infection is associated with male infertility. However, the molecular mechanism by which the fertility is affected is complex and multifactorial, and still presents a puzzle. Some authors have suggested that direct interactions between bacteria and human spermatozoa facilitate sperm immobilization, affect sperm morphology, and thus weaken the ability of sperm to fertilize. On the other hand, the massive infiltration of activated leukocytes into the inflammatory site may be associated with impairment of sperm fertilizing potential, due to oxidative, apoptotic, and immune processes. This review presents current research trends and aims to summarize the present knowledge of semen inflammation and causative bacterial agents in the male urogenital tract, with its consequence on seminological parameters, and male fertility status.
ISSN:0239-8508
1897-5631
DOI:10.5603/fhc.a2015.0019