Serum Antisperm Antibodies Research Articles

Anti-sperm Antibody Positivity in Men with Varicocele: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite the significant role of varicocele in the pathogenesis of male infertility, its association with anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aims to investigate the frequency of ASA positivity in men with varicocele. This SRMA is conducted in accordance with the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. We investigated the frequency of ASA positivity in ejaculates or serum of men with varicocele as compared to men without varicocele (controls). A literature search was performed using the Scopus and PubMed databases following the Population Exposure Comparison Outcome, Study Design model. Data extracted from eligible studies were meta-analyzed and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). Out of 151 abstracts identified during the initial screening, 6 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Using mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) assay, 61 out of the 153 (39.8%) patients with varicocele tested positive for ASA in their ejaculates as compared to 22 out of the 129 control subjects (17%, OR=4.34 [95% CI: 1.09-17.28]; p=0.04). Using direct or indirect immunobead test, 30 out of 60 cases diagnosed with varicocele (50%) had shown ASA positivity in their ejaculates as compared to 16 out of 104 controls (15.4%, OR=3.57 [95% CI: 0.81-15.68]; p=0.09). Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), out of 89 varicocele patients, 33 (37.1%) tested positive for serum ASA as compared to 9 out of 57 participants in the control group (15.8%, OR=7.87 [95% CI: 2.39-25.89]; p<0.01). This SRMA indicates that ASA positivity is significantly higher among men with varicocele when tested by direct method (MAR) or indirect method (ELISA). This data suggests an immunological pathology in infertile men with varicocele and may have implications for the management of these patients.

Sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptosis in the sperm of men with oligozoospermia are closely related to anti-ODF2 autoantibodies.

Around 15% of couples of childbearing age suffer from infertility; in 50% of these cases, the male factor is present. In this study, we investigated the association between anti-ODF2 autoantibody existence and the DNA fragmentation and apoptosis of sperm in oligozoospermia men. 35 fertile men and 57 oligozoospermia men are enrolled in this study as control and case groups, respectively. After the identification of ODF2 as a possible target of anti-sperm antibodies in sera of oligozoospermia men using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by western blotting and mass spectrometry, the case group serums were screened for anti-ODF2 autoantibodies and divided into anti-ODF2 negative (N=24) and positive (N=33) subgroups to follow assays. The mRNA expression levels of ODF2, Caspases 3, 8, 9, BAX, and BCL-2 were evaluated via qRT-PCR in spermatozoa samples of mentioned groups. DNA fragmentation and apoptosis rate of spermatozoa in studied groups were assessed using an SDF kit and flow cytometry, respectively. Mass spectrometry showed that ODF2 is one of the anti-sperm antibodies targeted in oligozoospermia patients. 33 of 57 oligozoospermia men had anti-ODF2 autoantibody in their sera. An elevated expression of ODF2 mRNA was observed in spermatozoa of anti-ODF2+ patients compared to anti-ODF2- patients and controls. There was an increased expression level of Caspase 3, 8, 9, and BAX and decreased expression of BCL-2 in spermatozoa of anti-ODF2+ patients compared to anti-ODF2- patients and controls. Noticeable increases in DNA fragmentation and apoptosis rate of anti-ODF2+ patients' spermatozoa were observed compared to anti-ODF2- patients and healthy controls spermatozoa. A positive correlation was observed between ODF-2 expression and DNF fragmentation and apoptosis rate of anti-ODF2+ patients' spermatozoa. Our results revealed that ODF2 is one of the main spermatozoa structural proteins, which is one of the anti-sperm antibodies targets, and its dysregulated expression may result in an increased rate of sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptosis.

Oct4 reduction contributes to testicular injury of unilateral testicular torsion in mice model and apoptotic death of Sertoli cells through mediating CIP2A expression

This study explored the mechanism of ipsilateral testis injury after ipsilateral testicular torsion detorsion (T/D) and the potential testis-protective part of the octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4)-cancerous inhibitors of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) axis in a T/D animal model and in ischemia–reperfusion (IR)-treated testicular Sertoli TM4 cells. Quantitative Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot (WB) confirmed the downregulation of both CIP2A and Oct4 expression in the testicular tissue from T/D mice compared with sham-operated mice. T/D model was then established in mice with upregulated Oct4 expression in the testis. Oct4 elevation restored CIP2A expression in testes after T/D treatment. Furthermore, we observed that an increase in Oct4 ameliorated the testicular damage caused by torsion in the testis. Biochemical analysis indicated that T/D treatment increased serum anti-sperm antibody levels, but reduced testosterone levels. Meanwhile, in testicular tissue, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and activity of testicular myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzymes were promoted, while glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx) was decreased by T/D injury. Notably, testicular Oct4 restoration partially counteracted the effect of T/D treatment on these biochemical indices. Hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) treatment was applied to TM4 cells to mimic TT injury in vitro. A gain-of-function study showed that Oct4 overexpression partly counteracted the promoting role of HR in cell damage, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in TM4 cells. These observations provide novel insights into the possible biochemical mechanism underlying the mediation of the Oct4-CIP2A axis in T/D injury.

Relationship between antisperm antibodies and seminogram characteristics

Background: Autoimmunity to spermatozoa could compromise male fertility in at least three fundamental areas: Interfering with the creation of normal amounts of spermatozoa, decreasing their ability to migrate, and impairing their ability to engage with ovum. Objective: This study&#39;s objective was to assess the association between infertile male individuals&#39; seminogram features and the existence of antisperm antibodies. Material and Methods: In the present study semen analysis was done by sperm quality analyzer II CP and antisperm antibody by varelisa sperm antibodies enzyme immunoassay kit. Statistical Analysis: The data obtained was analyzed by using mean + standard deviation and chi-square test. Results: The presence of antisperm antibodies in the serum of infertile male was statistically not significant with their seminogram characteristics. Conclusion: Presence of antisperm antibodies in serum of subjects with different seminogram characteristics without any significant difference proved that ASA may not be involved directly in affecting seminogram parameters.

Assessing Antisperm Antibody Changes after Testicular Sperm Extraction in Patients Referring to Ali ibn Abi Talib Hospital

Background and Objective: Testicular sperm can be successfully recovered by testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Disturbance in the testicular blood barrier can lead to the production of anti-sperm antibodies (ASA). This prospective study aimed to determine changes in the level of anti-sperm antibodies in TSTE surgery. Materials and Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, 20 patients undergoing TESE surgery were included via purpose-based and accessible sampling. Patients were operated on according to the same surgical procedure. Firstly, demographic data, such as age, were recorded. The amount of anti-sperm antibodies was checked before surgery, and the patients were followed up for one month, and this amount was measured again after the end of one month. The changes in antibodies were investigated before and after one month. In addition, the relationship of the level of antibodies with demographic data and the type of disease was investigated. Anti-sperm antibodies in this study was investigated using Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction (MAR) and Immunobead Test (IBT) methods, and the type of antibody measured was IgG type. The abnormal level of IgG anti-sperm antibody was considered greater than or equal to 10%, signifying that more than or equal to 10% of the sperms are covered by IgG. Finally, the obtained results were analyzed in SPSS software. Results: The findings of this research pointed out that the levels of abnormal antisperm antibody 5% and 20% before and after TESE surgery, respectively. Based on the results of the chi-square test, these changes were significant. In addition, age and body mass index had no significant relationship with the level of anti-sperm antibody. Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, the TESE surgery can increase serum ASA levels; nonetheless, it is suggested to assess this issue in future studies in a higher statistical population. One of the limitations of the present study was the lack of examination of the sexual partners of the study subjects. It is suggested to measure the ASA level in couples before and after the intervention due to the importance of the study in the fertility chances of the subjects and examine the correlation of ASA changes with semen analysis parameters.

The correlation between azoospermia factor microdeletion in the Y chromosome and anti-sperm antibody generation in infertile Iraqi patients

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of Y chromosome azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions and assess immune infertility incidence and whether there is a correlation between them. Materials and Methods: The sample included 75 infertile men who were referred to private clinics in Ramadi city as a test group and 25 healthy fertile men as a control group. The tests included analysis of seminal fluid and detection of the antibodies against the sperms at both seminal fluid and serum and diagnosed chromosomal deletions via real-time polymerase chain reactions using specific sequence-tagged sites. Results: The results reveal that 46 (61.33%) patients in the group of infertile men have AZF microdeletions, while no deletions are present in the control group. Out of the 75 infertile men, 5 patients (6.66%) from all the study groups have positive results for anti-sperm antibodies (ASA), while the others have negative results for ASA in both serum and seminal plasma. Conclusions: The prevalence of AZF microdeletions in our study population is high in Anbar Governorate of Iraq, while we find a low incidence of ASA in this study. All the patients with positive ASA results are without deletions in the Y chromosome’s AZF region. So there is no correlation between AZF microdeletion and ASA generation in infertile men in the current study.

Association of Lactation Numbers of Crossbred Cows with Their Serum Antisperm Antibody Titre

Background: The objective of this study was to find out the association of lactation numbers of crossbred cow with their serum antisperm antibody titre, if any. Methods: Total 163 numbers of normal breeding crossbred jersey crossbred cows belong to various lactational groups maintained in the Instructional Livestock Farm, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara and various private cattle farms in Kamrup district of Assam, India were selected for the work. ELISA was carried out for detection of antisperm antibody (asp-abs) in the test sera. Data were analysed using Chi-square test. Result: In the present study, out of 163 females 94 (57.67%) animal were found to be positive reactors. The percentage of positive reactors could be detected in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and above (5th, 6th, 7th and 9th) lactational group of cows were 16 (72.73%),15 (50.00%), 23 (63.89%), 14 (43.75%), 26 (60.47%) respectively. The highest titre up to the extent of 1:320 was recorded in the sera of cows with 1st, 3rd and 4th lactations. A negative correlation (r = -0.42NS) between the numbers of lactation and positive reactors for antisperm antibody (asp-abs) is found in crossbred cows.

Sero-prevalence of IgG and IgA AntispermAntibodies in Men with Infertility AttendingTwo Major Hospitals in Zaria, Nigeria

Background: Antisperm antibodies (ASA) have been implicated in some male with infertility especially those in which a definite cause could not be found. Also, some studies have attributed a causal relationship to the presence of antisperm antibodies and male infertility. Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of serum antisperm antibodies in men with infertility seen in two Hospitals in Zaria, Nigeria Materials and Methods: A total of 91 infertile men and 45 fertile men (as controls) were enrolled and follow up for 5 months. Blood samples and semen were collected, processed and analysed for serum IgA and IgG ASA using ELISA kits. Results: The study revealed the sero-prevalence of antisperm antibodies among infertile men in Zaria to be 57.1%, which varied significantly with that of the fertile male (11.1%). The prevalence of IgA and IgG antisperm antibodies were significantly higher in infertile male compared to fertile male (27.5% vs 4.4% for IgA ASA; 53.8% vs 8.9% for IgG ASA). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that IgA and IgG ASA are associated with male infertility in Zaria and as such screening for serum antisperm antibodies in the evaluation of men infertility is recommended in our environment.

Role of antisperm antibodies in the formation of infertility in varicocele and infertility

An effect of ASA on reproductive function may be accomplished via several ways. At the present stage, despite the large number of available studies, there is no unequivocal understanding regarding prevalence of the immunological infertility in infertile males and adolescents with varicocele, who have a high risk of future infertility. Hence, it is necessary not only determining the serum and ejaculate level of antisperm antibodies (ASA) as one of prognostic infertility criteria, but also assessing their dynamic concentration depending on the degree of varicocele, after surgical correction. Objective of the study – to evaluate a role of ASA in developing infertility in infertile males of active reproductive age as well as adolescents with varicocele, to assess dynamics in serum ASA level in various age groups of adolescents, depending on the degree of varicocele, after surgical correction. For adolescents with left-sided varicocele and without varicocele, serum ASA level was measured annually at within age of subjects from 14 to 17 years, whereas ASA titer in seminal fluid was estimated at the age of 17 years. Dynamic levels of serum ACA were measured in the main vs. comparison group, between the groups based on degree of varicocele, between the groups before and after surgical correction of varicocele. 100 infertile and 30 fertile males were examined underwent a single measurement of serum and ejaculate ASA level. Anti-sperm autoimmune reactions are not the lead cause of male infertility, as none of the examined groups with reproductive pathology were highlighted by increased level of serum ASA found to be higher than the permissible normal limit. Detection of ASA in blood serum within the reference interval indicates that the hematotesticular barrier is not completely impenetrable, thereby contributing to developing immunological gamete tolerance. The degree of varicocele and surgical correction do not provoke development of autoimmune reactions against spermatozoa. Similar serum ASA levels in infertile patients and patients with varicocele without a tendency to decrease in the latter; the presence of ASA in seminal fluid requires further monitoring of such patients for timely diagnostics of developing immunological form of infertility.

Determination of antispermal IgE antibodies in women with infertility and chronic inflammatory pelvic diseases.

Personalized therapy for female infertility means determining of immune mechanisms, including allergic sensitization towards sperm antigens. In order to determine antisperm serum IgE antibodies in women with infertility suffering from pelvic inflammatory diseases, the modified Anti-Spermatozoa Antibody protocol was used (ASA Serum ELISA, Demeditec Diagnostisc, Germany). The modification of the protocol is designed to detect only serum antisperm IgE antibodies carrying Fab fragments to sperm antigens. Allergen-specific IgEs to a common panel of 176 respiratory and food allergenic molecules were determined using the MeDALL scientific chip developed as a part of the European project. Forty patients suffering from infertility of inflammatory etiology and 16 practically healthy women of reproductive age were examined. Specific IgE antibodies towards sperm antigens were detected in blood serum in 7/40 (17.5%) patients with infertility. The maximum level of sIgE was 4 times higher than the maximal value of fertile women. No correlation with total IgE was detected. Women with sIgE-ASA complained of burning and itching immediately after coition. Systemic and long-term allergic reactions were not noted. Women with positive sIgE-ASA values were 2 times more likely to suffer from chronic recurrent vaginal dysbiosis. The presence of specific anti-sperm IgE antibodies is likely to have pathogenetic significance in female infertility, and they should be taken into consideration for creating personalized therapy approaches.

VITAMIN D3 ADMINISTRATION BEFORE AND AFTER DETORSION COULD SALVAGE THE TESTICULAR ENDOCRINE FUNCTION IN AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF TESTICULAR TORSION/DETORTION

Background: Testicular torsion is one of the emergencies affecting mostly adolescent males, resulting in sub-fertility if notrapidly and efficiently managed. Oxidative stress, inflammatory response as well as immunological reactions were implicated in its pathogenesis. Recently interest in studying the non-skeletal effects of vitamin D is growing, many researches indicates its antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immuno-modulatory effects. Aim of the Work: Investigating the possible conservative effect of vitamin D3 treatment on testicular endocrinal function in testicular torsion/detorsion rat model, and elucidating its possible underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: 24 young adult male albino rats,weighing 120-160 g., were randomly allocated into 3 groups, 8 in each group, Sham operated (SHAM), Testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) and Testicular torsion/detorsion; vitamin D3 treated (T/D; D3) groups. All rats were subjected to measurement of absolute and relative testicular weight (ATW and RTW, respectively), assessment of testicular endocrinal function by serum total testosterone and inhibin B levels. In addition to determination of serum antisperm antibody(AsAb). Testicular tissue was examined for oxidative stress markers; malondialdeyde (T. MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (T, GPx), as well as inflammatory marker; myeloperoxidase (T. MPO). Results: Testicular T/D resulted in significant reduction in ATW, RTW, serum testosterone and inhibin B levels with significant elevation in serum AsAb, T. MDA and T. MPO when compared with SHAM group. On treatment with vitamin D3, RTW was significantly increased as compared with T/D group but still significantly less than SHAM group. Serum testosterone level was significantly increased when compared with both SHAM and T/D groups. Inhibin B was significantly increased as compared with T/D group but still notnormalized as being significantly less than SHAM group. Serum AsAb, T. MDA and T. MPO were significantly decreased when compared with T/D group, being normalized for T. MDA but still significantly higher for serum AsAb and T. MPO when compared with SHAM group, however, T. GPx was significantly increased as compared with both SHAM and T/D groups.Conclusion: Vitamin D3 could retrieve the testicular endocrinal dysfunction induced by Torsion/Detorsion by its antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immuno-modulatory effects.

Chronic testicular Chlamydia muridarum infection impairs mouse fertility and offspring development†.

With approximately 131 million new genital tract infections occurring each year, Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen worldwide. Male and female infections occur at similar rates and both cause serious pathological sequelae. Despite this, the impact of chlamydial infection on male fertility has long been debated, and the effects of paternal chlamydial infection on offspring development are unknown. Using a male mouse chronic infection model, we show that chlamydial infection persists in the testes, adversely affecting the testicular environment. Infection increased leukocyte infiltration, disrupted the blood:testis barrier and reduced spermiogenic cell numbers and seminiferous tubule volume. Sperm from infected mice had decreased motility, increased abnormal morphology, decreased zona-binding capacity, and increased DNA damage. Serum anti-sperm antibodies were also increased. When both acutely and chronically infected male mice were bred with healthy female mice, 16.7% of pups displayed developmental abnormalities. Female offspring of chronically infected sires had smaller reproductive tracts than offspring of noninfected sires. The male pups of infected sires displayed delayed testicular development, with abnormalities in sperm vitality, motility, and sperm-oocyte binding evident at sexual maturity. These data suggest that chronic testicular Chlamydia infection can contribute to male infertility, which may have an intergenerational impact on sperm quality.

The Prevalence of Serum and Seminal Fluid Antisperm Antibody in Couples with Unexplained Subfertility in Kirkuk City

The Prevalence of Serum and Seminal Fluid Antisperm Antibody in Couples with Unexplained Subfertility in Kirkuk City

Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Remedy for Male Infertility: A Review.

Male infertility (MI) is a complex multifactorial disease, and idiopathic infertility accounts for 30% of cases of MI. At present, the evidence for the effectiveness of empirical drugs is limited, and in vitro fertilization is costly and may increase the risk of birth defects and childhood cancers. Therefore, affected individuals may feel obliged to pursue natural remedies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may represent a useful option for infertile men. It has been demonstrated that TCM can regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and boost the function of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. TCM can also alleviate inflammation, prevent oxidative stress, reduce the DNA fragmentation index, and modulate the proliferation and apoptosis of germ cells. Furthermore, TCM can supply trace elements and vitamins, ameliorate the microcirculation of the testis, decrease the levels of serum anti-sperm antibody, and modify epigenetic markers. However, the evidence in favor of TCM is not compelling, which has hindered the development of TCM. This review attempts to elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of TCM. We also explore the advantages of TCM, differences between TCM and Western medicine, and problems in existing studies. Subsequently, we propose solutions to these problems and present perspectives for the future development of TCM.

Prevalence of naturally occurring antisperm antibodies (ASA) in blood serum and seminal plasma, and their relationship with cryopreserved semen quality and fertility of buffalo bulls

The present study was undertaken to determine the levels of antisperm antibodies (ASA), sperm-bound immunoglobulins A and G (IgA and IgG) in blood serum and seminal plasma of breeding buffalo bulls, and establish their relationship with quality and fertility of cryopreserved semen. Frozen semen (50 straws/bull) was procured from thirty Murrah buffalo bulls. Additionally, fresh semen of same ejaculate of each bull was also separated for seminal plasma for ASA analysis. Blood samples of all bulls were collected in non-heparinized vials and serum was harvested from them. The ASA, IgA- and IgG-bound spermatozoa were analyzed in blood serum and seminal plasma by immuno-peroxidase assay (IPA) and immunobead-binding assay (IBA). On the basis of per cent ASA, IgA- and IgG-type, all bulls were divided into 2 groups viz. group 1 (&lt; 40% ASA, IgA and IgG in serum; &lt; 20% ASA, IgA and IgG in seminal plasma) and group 2 (&gt; 40% ASA, IgA and IgG in serum; &gt; 20% ASA, IgA and IgG in seminal plasma) for further comparisons. The frozen-thawed semen was also evaluated for percent motility (total and progressive), concentration, viability, abnormality, HOST, acrosome integrity, acrosome reaction, CMPT and first FSCR. The percentage of ASA (37.1±3.8 vs 22.3±1.5), IgA- (44.2±3.1 vs 21.6±2.7) and IgG-bound spermatozoa (35.5±3.0 vs 19.7±4.6) were significantly higher in serum than in seminal plasma. In blood serum, sperm motility, acrosome reaction, CMPT and FSCR were significantly higher in bulls with &lt; 40% ASA as compared to their counterparts. In seminal plasma, bulls with &lt; 20% ASA exhibited significantly higher sperm concentration as compared to their contemporary mates. Sperm concentration (982.2±50.4 vs 874.9±36.3%) in blood serum and acrosome reaction (56.6±2.7 vs 49.9±2.3%) in seminal plasma were the only parameters that were significantly higher in bulls with &lt; 40% and &lt; 20% IgA, respectively than in their counterparts. For IgG-type, sperm concentration and acrosome reaction were significantly higher in bulls with &lt; 40% than in those with &gt; 40% IgG in blood serum. In seminal plasma, acrosome reaction and FSCR were significantly higher in bulls with &lt; 20% IgG than in their contemporary mates. In conclusion, detection of surface-bound ASA was associated with changes in quality and fertility of buffalo bull semen.

Etiology of Antisperm Antibodies in the Serum of Virgins

Background: The study of ASA etiology is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Studies of presence of antisperm antibodies in the bodies of unmarried women are very rare, so that this article aims at studying the possible causes and interpretations behind the development of antisperm antibodies in virgins. Methodology: The study included 5 single women with positive ASA. Description and clinical history of the patients was assessed by special questionnaire provided for this purpose. All laboratory investigations and diagnostic procedures were done in the hospital from 1st August to 15th December 2017. Results: The mean serum antisperm antibody concentrations (64.3 IU/ml) which is considered positive titer. The incidence of ASA among virgins is 2.22%. Complete blood count is normal except for slight increase in WBC count and percentage of basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. This study recorded high concentrations of serum total IgG and IgM levels (1875 IU/ml and 295 IU/ml respectively). The UTI was confirmed by counting total bacterial concentration (178,250 CFU/ml) in the urine, and diagnosis of suspected causes showed the following species: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus mirabilis. Conclusions: There are two suggested mechanisms to explain ASA in virgins: 1) antigen cross-reactivity between sperm and bacterial antigens to which antibodies can react; 2) induction of the immune system by antigens of sperm ingested into the gastrointestinal tract with contaminated food and drink. Recommendations: it is recommended to conduct a research study that include a large number of virgins for investigating ASA to confirm our results and build a scientific generalizations , in addition to animal studies for testing the role of sperm ingestion in the induction of immune system.

Antisperm antibodies in repeat-breeding cows: Frequency, detection and validation of threshold levels employing sperm immobilization, sperm agglutination and immunoperoxidase assay.

Antisperm antibodies have been found in repeat-breeding(RB) cows, and those causing agglutination and/or immobilization of sperm are considered to be closely related to unexplained infertility. However, a standard protocol for identifying antisperm antibodies (ASA) in cattle is not validated. Therefore, an investigation was undertaken to evaluate sperm immobilization (SIT), sperm agglutination (SAT) and immunoperoxidase (IPT)assays for detection of ASA in serum and their respective threshold levels for confirmation. Animals (heifers, normally breeding, repeat-breeding and pregnant animals) that were free from IBR, brucellosis and uterine infections (screened by clinical examination) were included in the study. Sperm agglutinating, sperm immobilizing and antisperm antibodies evaluated by respective assay were significantly higher (p<.05) in RB cows compared to other groups. The SIT assay was able to identify 61% of RB caused by ASA, more than those employing SAT and IPT. Furthermore, a dilution rate of 1:5 and 1:80 (confirms 59.0 and 57.0% RB+ve)were sufficient to diagnose ASA by SAT and IPT, respectively. Results indicate the presence of __12.6% clumped spermatozoa and __2.6%(cut-off value) peroxidase-positive spermatozoa at 1:5 and 1:80 dilutions diagnosed with SAT and IPT, respectively, may be considered as repeaters arising out of ASA. Furthermore, study also showed the presence of lower incidence of ASA positivity in other groups of animals (heifer<normal breeder<pregnant animals) compared to repeaters. Study results show that although IPT is more specific and accurate but SAT and SIT are comparatively simple and cost-effective assays suitable for detecting ASA under field conditions and thus can be recommended for screening of repeaters.

Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the presence of anti-sperm antibodies

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between serum anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies and anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) in patients with gastroduodenal diseases caused by H. pylori, infertile patients positive for ASA and healthy fertile blood donors as controls. Serum ASA were studied by sperm agglutination tests, sperm immobilization test and ELISA against sperm antigens (ELISAsp). Serum IgG anti-H. pylori antibodies were detected by ELISA (ELISAHp). The tests revealed significantly higher incidence of ASA in patients with gastroduodenal diseases compared to the controls (P < 0.0001). The median levels of both types of antibodies were significantly higher in infertile patients than in patients with upper gastroduodenal diseases in all tests applied (sperm agglutination and immobilization tests P < 0.0001; ELISAsp P = 0.006; ELISAHp, P = 0.0008). Significant linear correlation was found between anti-H. pylori antibodies and ASA detected by sperm immobilization test (r = 0.613, P = 0.05) in the group of patients with gastroduodenal disease, as well as a weak linear correlation was established between anti-H. pylori antibodies and ASA in ELISAsp (r = 0.275, P = 0.0051) in the same group. These results suggest that H. pylori infection may play a role in the induction of ASA.

Antisperm Antibodies in Blood Serum and Cervical Mucus of Cross-Bred Cows With Respect to Age, Parity and Number of Inseminations

Role of antisperm antibodies in infertility of animals is still controversial. A study was planned with an objective to detect antisperm antibodies (ASA) by Immunoperoxidase assay (IPA), Sperm Mar test and ELISA in blood serum and cervical mucus of 53 cross-bred cows, which were interrelated with age, parity and number of inseminations. Cows were grouped according to age (years), parity- and insemination- number as G-1( 6.0, ≥ 3.0 and > 6.0). In Sperm Mar test, 40% reaction between motile spermatozoa and coated latex particles of IgG and IgA is considered as lower limit of significant activity. Therefore, percentage of cows with higher level of ASA (> 40% IPA / IgG / IgA, 3200 - 6400 / 200 - 800 titre) was calculated in each group. Proportion of cows with higher serum-IgG and ELISA-titre in cervical mucus and that with higher ELISA titre in serum / cervical mucus increased with increased age and parity, respectively. According to number of inseminations, percentage of cows with higher level of ASA (IPA), IgG and ELISA titre in blood serum was maximum in G-IV, whereas that with IgA in G-III in comparison to other groups. Percentage of cows with higher level of ASA (IPA), IgG, IgA and ELISA in cervical mucus was higher in G-III as compared to other groups. This study exposed a significant increase in ASA in serum /cervical mucus of cross-bred cows only with increase in number of inseminations.

Expression and function of HSP110 family in mouse testis after vasectomy.

HSP110 functions to protect cells, tissues, and organs from noxious conditions. Vasectomy induces apoptosis in the testis; however, little is known about the reason leading to this outcome. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and function of HSP110 in mouse testis after vasectomy. Following bilateral vasectomy, we used fluorescent Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) to detect apoptosis, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to examine HSP110 expression and localization. Serum antisperm antibody (AsAb) and testosterone were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) sensors and downstream signaling components was measured by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), and the phosphorylation of eIF2α and JNK was detected by Western blotting. Vasectomy induced morphologic changes, increased apoptosis in the testis, increased serum AsAb, and decreased testosterone levels. After vasectomy, ORP150 mRNA level was increased first and then decreased, Bcl-2 was decreased, and the expression of HSPA4l, GRP78, GADD153, PERK, ATF6, IRE-1, XBP-1s, Bax, Bak, and caspases and the phosphorylation of eIF2α and JNK were increased. We present that an ER stress-mediated pathway is activated and involved in apoptosis in the testis after vasectomy. HSPA4l and ORP150 may play important roles in maintaining the normal structure and function of testis.