Antisperm Antibodies in Semen, Sera and Follicular Fluids of Infertile Patients: Relation to Reproductive Outcome after In Vitro Fertilization

• Published in: American journal of reproductive immunology (1989) 2005-07, Vol.54 (1), p.13-20
• Main Authors: Vujisić, Sanja, Lepej, Snježana Židovec, Jerković, Lidija, Emedi, Ivana, Sokolić, Božica
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Antibodies - blood; Antibodies - immunology; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Follicular fluid; Follicular Fluid - immunology; Humans; immunoglobulins; in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer; Infertility - immunology; Infertility - therapy; Infertility, Female - immunology; Infertility, Female - therapy; Infertility, Male - immunology; Infertility, Male - therapy; Male; mixed antiglobulin reaction; Pregnancy; semen; Semen - immunology; serum; Spermatozoa - immunology; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1046-7408; 1600-0897
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2005.00274.x

Problem:  Data given in the literature, regarding the influence of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in the semen and/or sera on in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure outcome are controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of ASA in semen, peripheral blood and follicular fluid as well as to determine total immunoglobulin concentration in the serum and follicular fluid. Selected parameters were analyzed with regard to IVF outcome. Method of study:  The study enrolled 52 married couples. ASA in the semen was determined by direct immunobead mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR Screen test), while in the peripheral blood and follicular fluid was determined by indirect immunobead MAR Screen test. Immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) concentration in the follicular fluid and serum was determined by a liquid‐phase immunoprecipitation assay with nephelometric end‐point detection and analyzed with regard to IVF outcome. Results:  Semen MAR test IgG was 20% in 14 couples. Fertilization (73.2% versus 71.5%) and pregnancy rates (28.9% versus 28.57%) in both groups of patients were not significantly different. The results of direct and indirect MAR test were not associated with fertilization and pregnancy rates. Total serum IgG, IgM and IgA in infertile women were within normal ranges. Follicular fluid IgG was within normal values for serum samples, while IgA and IgM were decreased. Conclusion:  The presence of ASA on sperm or in the serum and follicular fluid was not associated with IVF outcome in the couples with good quality semen characteristic.