Measurement of Interleukin 8 in seminal plasma is an objective, sensitive and specific, non-invasive way to investigate acute and chronic inflammation in the male genital system, to investigate male infertility, and to monitor the treatment of these conditions.
Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a potent chemotactic and activating agent for neutrophils. It is involved in angiogenesis and the attachment of neutrophils to endothelial cells and sub-endothelial proteins. IL-8 is involved in a network of cytokines regulating testicular function and may affect the properties of sperm membranes.
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Cytokines play an important role in intercellular communication. They participate in numerous physiological and pathological processes, especially in conditions such as inflammatory reactions, and have essential roles in the physiology of reproduction in both men and women. In addition to their role in regulating immune responses, there is evidence that some cytokines directly regulate testicular function and the secretion of steroid hormones.
Seminal plasma in humans contains many cytokines which may have different effects on sperm function. Inflammatory cytokines are produced by white blood cells, mainly macrophages, in response to the presence of antigens and pathogenic microorganisms, as well as during chronic inflammation. Acute and chronic inflammations play an essential role in male infertility. Interleukins are part of the local defense of the genital system against various infectious agents. Still, they also participate as mediators in the manifestation of pathological conditions due to these factors.
Very often, the investigation of the infertile man with the classical microbiological cultures is negative or insufficient in the diagnosis of the genital infection in the man. Measurement of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα in seminal plasma is an objective, sensitive and specific, non-invasive way to investigate acute and chronic inflammation in the male reproductive system, to investigate male infertility, and to monitor the treatment of these conditions.
