open access

Vol 53, No 3 (2015)
Review paper
Submitted: 2015-04-16
Accepted: 2015-07-22
Published online: 2015-08-06
Get Citation

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

Monika Fraczek, Maciej Kurpisz
DOI: 10.5603/fhc.a2015.0019
·
Pubmed: 26306512
·
Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2015;53(3):201-217.

open access

Vol 53, No 3 (2015)
REVIEW
Submitted: 2015-04-16
Accepted: 2015-07-22
Published online: 2015-08-06

Abstract

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.

Abstract

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.

Get Citation

Keywords

bacterial semen infection; sperm quality; oxidative stress; sperm apoptosis

About this article
Title

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

Journal

Folia Histochemica et Cytobiologica

Issue

Vol 53, No 3 (2015)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

201-217

Published online

2015-08-06

Page views

3478

Article views/downloads

5299

DOI

10.5603/fhc.a2015.0019

Pubmed

26306512

Bibliographic record

Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2015;53(3):201-217.

Keywords

bacterial semen infection
sperm quality
oxidative stress
sperm apoptosis

Authors

Monika Fraczek
Maciej Kurpisz

Regulations

Important: This website uses cookies. More >>

The cookies allow us to identify your computer and find out details about your last visit. They remembering whether you've visited the site before, so that you remain logged in - or to help us work out how many new website visitors we get each month. Most internet browsers accept cookies automatically, but you can change the settings of your browser to erase cookies or prevent automatic acceptance if you prefer.

By VM Media Group sp z o.o., ul. Świętokrzyska 73, 80–180 Gdańsk

tel.:+48 58 320 94 94, faks:+48 58 320 94 60, e-mail:  viamedica@viamedica.pl