Cytokines in the male reproductive tract and their role in infertility disorders. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fraczek, Monika; Kurpisz, Maciej
• Is Part Of: Journal of reproductive immunology. Volume 108(2015)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Cytokines -- Oxidative stress -- Semen inflammation -- Varicocele -- Cryptorchidism; Reproduction -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy and Immunology -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Immunologie -- Périodiques; Immunologie -- Périodiques; Immunology; Reproduction -- Immunological aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 615.766
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2015.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-0378

Abstract

Highlights: The cytokine pattern defines the background of male genital tract inflammation. Cytokines are an essential part of the inflammatory effect caused by varicocele. There is scarce evidence that cytokines play any role in cryptorchidism. Abstract: Cell integration between the immune and reproductive systems is the basis for normal male reproductive physiology. Cytokines are a part of the autocrine/paracrine network operating in the male reproductive tract. At the same time, immunological reactions occurring via cytokines appear to be both beneficial and/or risk factors for male fertility. As the cytokines are produced by a whole spectrum of cells in all compartments of the male genital tract, they can also be involved in a variety of andrological disorders. The monitoring of cytokines and other immune factors in seminal plasma may offer a chance to better understand the mechanisms leading to sub-/infertility. In this review, we present insights into cytokine interplay in some of the pathological conditions associated with male reproduction.