Role of Interleukin 1, IL-18 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Levels in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Males in Hillah Patients

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF?) and interleukin-18 (IL- 18) in male infertility.

Intervention: Interleukin 1, IL-18 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha levels were measured in seminal plasma of in different groups of infertile males as well as in control men.

Results: The mean of the cytokines for Normospermia IL-1 24.11, IL-18 327.50, TNF-? 7.05. While the mean of the cytokines for Oligospermia IL-1 48.25, IL-18 584.60, and TNF-? 32.50. For the Azoospermia The mean of the cytokines IL-1 55.03, IL-18 741.30, TNF-? 35.73.

There was significantly elevated in the levels of TNF? and Interleukin 1 in seminal fluid correlate with leukocyte counts and ratios in the same ejaculates, also there was significantly elevated in the levels of IL-18 in seminal levels among infertile groups compared to normal control subjects.

Conclusions: Cytokines and especially IL-18 and TNF? may play a role in pathogenesis of male factor infertility and may be a part of infertility workup in near future.