Decoding the Puzzle of Male Infertility: The Role of Infection, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity.

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_783587AA922D
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Decoding the Puzzle of Male Infertility: The Role of Infection, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity.
Journal
Diagnostics
Author(s)
Sciorio R., De Paola L., Notari T., Ganduscio S., Amato P., Crifasi L., Marotto D., Billone V., Cucinella G., Perino A., Tramontano L., Marinelli S., Gullo G.
ISSN
2075-4418 (Print)
ISSN-L
2075-4418
Publication state
Published
Issued date
24/02/2025
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
15
Number
5
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article ; Review
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Male infertility is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune components. Immunological factors, though implicated in reproduction, remain poorly understood. This study aims to deepen the understanding of infections, inflammation, and autoimmune factors in male infertility, with a focus on immune-related disorders affecting the testes and epididymis-immunologically privileged but vulnerable sites. These factors can impair sperm quality through oxidative stress (ROS) and antisperm antibodies (ASA), further compromising fertility. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by analyzing scientific literature from the past 10 years conducted on PubMed using keywords such as "male infertility", "autoimmunity", and "inflammatory disease". Studies focusing on testicular and epididymal disorders, immunological impacts, and therapeutic approaches were included. Results: Our research highlights that conditions like epididymitis, vasectomy, testicular trauma, and previous surgeries can trigger inflammatory responses, leading to ASA formation and oxidative stress. ASA, particularly sperm-immobilizing antibodies, inhibits sperm motility and migration in the female reproductive tract. Infections caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or urinary pathogens frequently induce epididymo-orchitis, a primary contributor to male infertility. While standardized methodologies for ASA testing remain elusive, assisted reproductive treatments such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) show promise in overcoming immune-mediated infertility. Conclusions: This review underscores the critical role of infection, inflammation, and autoimmune responses in male infertility. It highlights the necessity of improving diagnostic methods, understanding immune-pathological mechanisms, and addressing medicolegal issues associated with male infertility. This knowledge could pave the way for innovative therapies, ultimately enhancing fertility outcomes, and mitigating the societal and legal repercussions of infertility.
Keywords
antisperm antibodies, epididymitis, infection, inflammation, male infertility, oxidative stress, sperm quality
Pubmed
Open Access
Yes
Create date
21/03/2025 12:44
Last modification date
22/03/2025 8:06
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