Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased seminal inflammatory cytokines and reproductive dysfunction in a case-controlled male cohort.

Problem: The impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) associated systemic inflammation on the male reproductive tract requires further investigation.

Method Of Study: A cross-sectional case-controlled study design consisting of a control group (n=32) and a MetS (n=42) group was used. Variables include MetS diagnostic criterion, serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP), routine semen analysis, spermatozoa mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and DNA fragmentation (DF), as well as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL6 and IL8 concentrations in serum and semen.

Results: Serum and seminal levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL6 and IL8 were all significantly increased in the MetS group. Ejaculation volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive and total motility and vitality were significantly decreased and sperm with abnormal MMP and DF were increased in the MetS group.

Conclusion: The results suggest that MetS is associated with decreased fertility parameters in males, as well as local reproductive tract inflammation, in the absence of leukocytospermia.