Abstract
Background and Objectives: To investigate the effect of infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) or Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and HPV + CT coinfection on sperm quality, inflammation, and the state of oxidative stress (OS) in asymptomatic infertile men. Materials and Methods: Semen samples from 84 asymptomatic military infertile men were studied. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the molecular detection of HPV and CT. Semen parameters were analyzed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Inflammation was evaluated by an IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and OS by the quantification of lipid peroxidation (LPO), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results: A total of 81 of the 84 (96.4%) samples were positives for the pathogens, with 55/81 (68%) being positive for HPV, 11/81 (13.5%) for CT, and 15/81 (18.5%) for HPV + CT coinfection. Seminal parameters were affected in the infected groups, including pH increases above the normal range in all groups. An abnormal sperm morphology was observed in the HPV and HPV + CT groups. Higher cytokine levels were detected in the HPV group and the highest IL-1β level was found in the HPV + CT group. No cytokines were detected in the CT group. High LPO and 8-OHdG levels were found in all groups with a lower TAC. Comparisons between groups showed the highest OS state was observed in the HPV group. Conclusions: High HPV infection or coinfection (HVP + CT) in these infertile men suggest compromising male fertility by inducing a proinflammatory state and OS. Infection with CT suggests an alteration of the state of OS by promoting an alkaline pH.
Highlights
This article is an open access articleInfections with human papillomavirus (HPV) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide [1,2,3], which cause considerable morbidity and socioeconomic problems [4] and may lead to death [1]
The results suggest that semen quality was altered by the pathogens, as demonstrated by a pH increase
The results suggest that infection with CT contributed to oxidative stress (OS) characterized by augmented lipid peroxidation (LPO) and diminished total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, as reported previously [8,28]
Summary
Infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide [1,2,3], which cause considerable morbidity and socioeconomic problems [4] and may lead to death [1] Both pathogens can present asymptomatic phases, a fact that makes the early diagnosis of male infertility challenging [1,3]. The study aims to investigate the effect of HPV, CT, and HPV + CT coinfection on sperm quality, proinflammatory cytokines, and the OS state in the semen of asymptomatic military infertile men. To investigate the effect of infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) or Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and HPV + CT coinfection on sperm quality, inflammation, and the state of oxidative stress (OS) in asymptomatic infertile men. Seminal parameters were affected in the infected groups, including pH increases above the normal range in all groups
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
