Elevated levels of S100A12 in the seminal plasma of infertile men with varicocele.

Abstract

Varicocele is among the leading causes of male infertility. Despite decades of research, its pathogenesis is still unclear. S100A12 is a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins with principal extracellular activities. It is secreted by activated neutrophils and interacts with the multiligand receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Many studies have delineated the patterns of S100A12 expression in a variety of pathologic conditions. These data show that S100A12 could be a potentially useful inflammatory marker. To explore the relationship between S100A12 and infertility, we examined the amount of S100A12 in semen of infertile men who suffered from varicocele. S100A12 levels in seminal plasma of 68 infertile men with varicocele (age range 30-45 years) and 68 healthy fertile controls were measured using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using both parametric and nonparametric tests. Results of this study showed that the seminal levels of S100A12 were significantly increased in infertile men with varicocele when compared to fertile controls (P < 0.001). Because of the important role(s) of these molecules in inflammatory response of cell systems, it could be possible that the spermatozoa motility is reduced following increasing neutrophils, S100A12, and reactive oxygen species in semen of infertile patients with varicocele. S100 proteins seem to be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for male infertility.