The microbiota of sexual intercourse and its effect on prostatitis.

It is estimated that microorganisms colonize 90% of the body surface. In some tracts, such as the genitourinary tract, the microbiota varies throughout life, influenced by hormonal stimulation and sexual practices. This study evaluated the semen differences and presence of Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus iners, Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae in semen samples from patients with symptoms of chronic prostatitis and men asymptomatic for urogenital infections. Fifty-three semen samples were included: 22 samples from men with symptoms of chronic prostatitis and 31 asymptomatic men (control group). In addition to the presence of L. crispatus, L. iners, G. vaginalis and A. vaginae, semen parameters, total antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, prostatic antigen and some proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated in each semen sample. Volunteers with symptoms of chronic prostatitis presented a lower percentage of sperm morphology (4.3% vs. control group 6.0%, p = 0.004); in the semen samples of volunteers in the group asymptomatic for urogenital infections, microorganisms associated with the vaginal microbiota were detected more frequently. The presence of bacteria in the vaginal microbiota can also benefit male reproductive health, which undergoes various modifications related to lifestyle habits that are susceptible to modification. Microorganisms associated with the vaginal microbiota, such as L. crispatus, L. iners, G. vaginalis and A. vaginae, may have a protective role against the development of male genitourinary diseases such as prostatitis.

Antibiofilm and Immune-Modulatory Activity of Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol in Oral Environments-In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties and the immune modulatory activity of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) on oral bacteria and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PLF). METHODS: Cytotoxicity was assessed by propidium iodide flow cytometry on fibroblasts derived from the periodontal ligament. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CBD and CBG for S. mutans and C. albicans and the metabolic activity of a subgingival 33-species biofilm under CBD and CBG treatments were determined. The Quantification of cytokines was performed using the LEGENDplex kit (BioLegend, Ref 740930, San Diego, CA, USA). RESULTS: CBD-treated cell viability was greater than 95%, and for CBG, it was higher than 88%. MIC for S. mutans with CBD was 20 µM, and 10 µM for CBG. For C. albicans, no inhibitory effect was observed. Multispecies biofilm metabolic activity was reduced by 50.38% with CBD at 125 µg/mL (p = 0.03) and 39.9% with CBG at 62 µg/mL (p = 0.023). CBD exposure at 500 µg/mL reduced the metabolic activity of the formed biofilm by 15.41%, but CBG did not have an effect. CBG at 10 µM caused considerable production of anti-inflammatory mediators such as TGF-ß and IL-4 at 12 h. CBD at 10 µM to 20 µM produced the highest amount of IFN-γ. CONCLUSION: Both CBG and CBD inhibit S. mutans; they also moderately lower the metabolic activity of multispecies biofilms that form; however, CBD had an effect on biofilms that had already developed. This, together with the production of anti-inflammatory mediators and the maintenance of the viability of mammalian cells from the oral cavity, make these substances promising for clinical use and should be taken into account for future studies.

Lippia origanoides derivatives in vitro evaluation on polymicrobial biofilms: Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Candida albicans.

OBJECTIVE: This work evaluated the Lippia origanoides derivatives in vitro effect on polymicrobial biofilms of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Candida albicans. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect of the oils on human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament (FLP) cell lines was evaluated. DESIGN: The minimum inhibitory concentration, the inhibitory activity on monomicrobial (S. mutans) and polymicrobial biofilm (S. mutans, L. rhamnosus and C. albicans) of L. origanoides four essential oils and terpenes (thymol and carvacrol) were evaluated. The cytotoxic effect of each one of the compounds was measured, and all the tests were compared against chlorhexidine. RESULTS: All the evaluated compounds reached an inhibition percentage of S. mutans monomicrobial biofilms formation of 100 % at 600 µg/mL (p < 0.0001). The highest concentration (2 MIC) eradicated 100 % of S. mutans-preformed biofilms after 5 min L. origanoides carvacrol + thymol and thymol chemotypes showed marked reductions in topography, the number of microbial cells and extracellular matrix on polymicrobial biofilm. The cytotoxic effect of the compounds was very similar to chlorhexidine. CONCLUSIONS: L. origanoides essential oils have an inhibitory effect on mono and polymicrobial biofilms. The oils present a similar cytotoxic effect to chlorhexidine on HaCaT and FLP cell lines. However, including these compounds in formulations for clinical use is an exciting proposal yet to be investigated.

The relationship between sexually transmitted microorganisms and seminal quality in asymptomatic men.

Objective: To detect DNA of different microorganisms, in semen samples from apparently healthy men and correlate their presence with seminal quality. Methods: Semen samples from 81 healthy volunteers were collected, and semen parameters were analyzed. DNA extraction was performed using the phenol-chloroform technique, and the microorganisms were detected by the amplification of specific primers using polymerase chain reaction. Results: DNA from at least one of the microorganisms was detected in 78 samples. The most frequent microorganism found in semen were: Lactobacillus spp. (70%), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) (36%), Streptococcus epidermidis (64%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (56%), Staphylococcus aureus (32%), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) (28%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27%). The seminal parameters of all semen samples were over the lower reference values for normal semen analysis. To compare with negative samples, seminal volume was higher for the Escherichia coli positive samples and lower for Pseudomonas aeruginosa positive samples. Semen samples positive for Staphylococcus aureus had worse sperm morphology. The frequency of progressive motility was higher in positive samples for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. Positive semen samples for C. trachomatis had a higher concentration per milliliter. Conclusion: It is common to find microorganisms in semen of asymptomatic men, including those responsible for sexually transmitted infections. Antimicrobial treatment is recommended only in those individuals with a sexually transmitted infection (C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae) and always promote condom use.

Molecular analysis of microorganisms in the semen and their impact on semen parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic genitourinary infections can alter male fertility and even promote carcinogenic processes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the presence in the semen of microorganisms on semen quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical symptoms and conventional and functional seminal parameters of eleven fertile donors and ten volunteers with prostatitis-like symptoms were evaluated. Nitric oxide, antioxidant capacity, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in semen and seminal plasma samples were also quantified. Finally, the expression of the ROR-γT, FoxP3, and T-bet genes in semen and the presence of DNA of microorganisms associated with prostatitis in urine and semen were evaluated. RESULTS: When compared with fertile donors, volunteers with chronic prostatitis-like symptoms reported erectile dysfunction (0% vs. 10%, p = 0.2825) and premature ejaculation (0% vs. 40%; p = 0.0190). No statistically significant differences were observed in seminal parameters, cytokine measurement, antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide concentration and ROR-γT, FoxP3, T-bet. Microorganisms responsible for sexually transmitted infections and some bacteria associated with the microbiota and infections in the prostate gland were detected. In the semen from the subjects with prostatitis-like symptoms T. vaginalis DNA was detected; in addition, N. gonorrhoeae DNA was also detected in semen and urine samples. S. pyogenes was detected in the urine samples from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Prostatitis-like symptoms are a common finding in young men that affect sexual and reproductive health, but not always the seminal parameters or fertility. The presence of prostatitis- like symptoms does not affect seminal quality. However, it appears to be associated with an increased likelihood of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Thus, affecting the quality of life and sexual and reproductive health.

Overweight and obesity: The allies of prostate inflammation.

To the Editor, World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as the inability of a sexually active partner to achieve a clinically confirmed pregnancy after at least one year of intercourse without contraceptive protection on fertile days. As women are primarily responsible for the conception, childbirth, and postpartum, fertility problems have been related to fertile female capacity. However, men play an essential role, being responsible for about 50% of alterations in fertility due to dysfunctions in the male reproductive tract, including varicocele, hypogonadism, poorly descended testicles, testicular tumors, and even anti-sperm autoantibodies [...].

Microbiota, Prostatitis, and Fertility: Bacterial Diversity as a Possible Health Ally.

BACKGROUND: In health, microorganisms have been associated with the disease, although the current knowledge shows that the microbiota present in various anatomical sites is associated with multiple benefits. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the genitourinary microbiota of chronic prostatitis symptoms patients and fertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this preliminary study, ten volunteers have included 5 volunteers with symptoms of chronic prostatitis (prostatitis group) and five fertile volunteers, asymptomatic for urogenital infections (control group) matched by age. Bacterial diversity analysis was performed using the 16S molecular marker to compare the microbiota present in urine and semen samples from chronic prostatitis symptoms and fertile volunteers. Seminal quality, nitric oxide levels, and seminal and serum concentration of proinflammatory cytokines were quantified. RESULTS: Fertile men present a greater variety of operational taxonomical units-OTUs in semen (67.5%) and urine (17.6%) samples than chronic prostatitis symptoms men. Chronic prostatitis symptoms men presented a higher concentration of IL-12p70 in seminal plasma. No statistically significant differences were observed in conventional and functional seminal parameters. The species diversity in semen samples was similar in healthy men than prostatitis patients, inverted Simpson index median 5.3 (5.0-10.7) vs. 4.5 (2.1-7.8, p=0.1508). Nevertheless, the microbiota present in the semen and urine samples of fertile men presents more OTUs. Less microbial diversity could be associated with chronic prostatitis symptoms. The presence of bacteria in the genitourinary tract is not always associated with the disease. Understanding the factors that affect the microbiota can implement lifestyle habits that prevent chronic prostatitis. CONCLUSION: Chronic prostatitis does not seem to affect male fertility; however, studies with a larger sample size are required. Our preliminary results strengthen the potential role; the greater bacterial diversity is a protective factor for chronic prostatitis.

Flujo vaginal y semen: la microbiota de las relaciones sexuales / Vaginal Flow and Semen: The Microbiote of Sexual Relations

Durante las relaciones sexuales, se da el intercambio de especies bacterianas entre las parejas, siendo las relaciones sexuales un factor crucial en la modificación de la microbiota genital. En el presente artículo de reflexión, se analizó el efecto de las relaciones sexuales sobre el intercambio de la microbiota vaginal y seminal. Las parejas que sostienen relaciones sexuales sin protección comparten especies bacterianas que podrían influir negativamente o positivamente sobre los parámetros seminales, como los Lactobacillus con potencial probiótico para el mantenimiento de la calidad del semen

During sexual intercourse there is an exchange of bacterial species between couples, a crucial factor in modifying the genital microbiota. In this reflection article, the effect of sexual intercourse on the exchange of vaginal and seminal microbiota was analyzed. Couples who have unprotected sexual intercourse share bacterial species could affect positive or negatively the seminal parameters, such as Lactobacillus with probiotic potential for maintaining semen quality.

La próstata desde una perspectiva inmunológica / The prostate from an immunological perspective

Los procesos inflamatorios e infecciosos que se desencadenan en la próstata, primordial glándula reproductiva masculina, originan las tres principales enfermedades de este órgano: prostatitis, hiperplasia prostática benigna y cáncer. Para entender la relación que existe entre estas tres patologías y los procesos de infección e inflamación, se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica, a conveniencia, en la base de datos PubMed, empleando los términos próstata, prostatitis, hiperplasia prostática benigna y cáncer de próstata. La literatura revisada resalta la importancia del adecuado funcionamiento del sistema inmune en el tejido prostático para eliminar los microorganismos causantes de infecciones, proceso a través del cual se desencadena la inflamación del tejido. Además, infecciones urinarias ascendentes, que culminan en prostatitis crónica, favorecen el desarrollo de la hiperplasia prostática benigna, agrandamiento y fibrosis de la próstata en hombres adultos, e incluso su progresión a cáncer en individuos genéticamente susceptibles. Por otro lado, las limitaciones en el diagnóstico de las alteraciones prostáticas promueven la inflamación crónica, y el uso indiscriminado de antibióticos de amplio espectro para el tratamiento de la prostatitis, impulsa la diseminación sexual de microorganismos multirresistentes al tratamiento. Las alteraciones prostáticas, en especial la prostatitis, continúan siendo patologías enigmáticas de difícil diagnóstico y tratamiento. El estudio de la próstata, sus alteraciones y su relación con el sistema inmune contribuirán a limitar el uso indiscriminado de antibióticos y a reducir los costos en salud y los efectos sobre la calidad de vida de los individuos afectados

Inflammatory and infectious processes triggered in the prostate, the primary male reproductive gland, originate the three main diseases of this organ: prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and cancer. To understand the relationship between these three pathologies and inflammatory and infectious processes, a review of the scientific literature was carried out in PubMed database using the terms prostate, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. The revised articles highlight the importance of properly immune system functioning in the prostate tissue to remove the microorganisms that cause infections, a process which also triggers tissue inflammation. In addition, ascending urinary infections, which culminate in chronic prostatitis, favor the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlargement and fibrosis of the prostate in adult men, and even its progression to cancer in genetically susceptible individuals. Furthermore, limitations in the diagnosis of prostatic disorders promote chronic inflammation, and the indiscriminate use of broad spectrum antibiotics for prostatitis treatment leads to sexual dissemination of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Prostatic disorders, especially prostatitis, continue to be enigmatic pathologies of difficult diagnosis and treatment. The study of the prostate, its disorders and its relationship with the immune system will contribute to limit the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and to reduce health costs and the effects on the quality of life of affected individuals

Efecto del Cigarrillo Electrónico sobre los Espermatozoides Humanos: Aproximación in vitro / Effect of Electronic Cigarette on Human Sperm: in vitro Approximation

Introducción Los cigarrillos electrónicos (E-Cig) aparecieron en el mercado hace 15 años como una alternativa para combatir el consumo de tabaco, un problema de salud pública, sin embargo, su efecto sobre la salud reproductiva no ha sido completamente evaluado. El objetivo del presente estudio, fue evaluar los efectos de los E-Cig sobre los espermatozoides humanos in vitro. Métodos Un dispositivo para incubar en contacto directo a los espermatozoides con el vapor a partir de dos esencias diferentes (TNT y Sugar Drizzle), el humo del cigarrillo o aire como control negativo fue construido. Adicionalmente, usando el mismo dispositivo, se elaboró el extracto a partir del aire, de las dos esencias con el E-Cig y con el cigarrillo Piel Roja sin filtro en medio para incubar en contacto indirecto con los espermatozoides. Resultados Se observó disminución de la movilidad con el E-Cig en más del 38% en el tiempo y una disminución de la viabilidad en más del 18% que se mantenían con el tiempo mientras que con el cigarrillo convencional afectaba la movilidad y la viabilidad en casi el 100%. Finalmente se encontró que se afecta más la movilidad de los espermatozoides con la esencia de Sugar Drizzle que contaba con menos concentración de nicotina que con la esencia de TNT. Conclusiones En conclusión, tanto el cigarrillo convencional como el E-Cig afectan los parámetros seminales (movilidad y viabilidad), y se postula que el uso del E-Cig, aunque es menos citotóxico y afecta menos que el cigarrillo convencional, también puede generar a largo plazo problemas de infertilidad.

Introduction Electronic cigarettes (E-Cig) appeared in the market 15 years ago as an alternative to combat tobacco use, a public health problem, however, its effect on reproductive health has not been fully evaluated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of E-Cig on human sperm in vitro. Methods A device to incubate sperm in direct contact with steam from two different scents (TNT and Sugar Drizzle), cigarette smoke or air as a negative control was built. Additionally, using the same device, extracts were elaborated from the air, from the two essences with the E-Cig and with the Red Skin cigarette without a filter in the medium to incubate in indirect contact with sperm cells. Results Decreased motility with E-Cig was observed in more than 38% over time and a decrease in viability in more than 18% that was maintained over time while with the conventional cigarette affected motility and viability in almost 100%. Finally, we found that sperm motility of the sperm is more affected with the essence of Sugar Drizzle that had less nicotine concentration than with TNT essence. Conclusions In conclusion, both the conventional cigarette and the E-Cig affect the seminal parameters (motility and viability) and it is postulated that the use of the E-Cig, although it is less cytotoxic and affects less than the conventional cigarette can also generate long-term infertility problems

Relación entre los antioxidantes y la calidad seminal / Relationship between antioxidants and semen quality

Los suplementos dietarios tales como vitaminas, minerales y antioxidantes mejoran la ingesta de nutrientes. Recientemente se ha descrito que, especialmente aquellos que contienen altas propiedades antioxidantes también mejoran la capacidad fértil. Se presenta el caso de un voluntario de 37 años con posible infertilidad masculina y se desea determinar el efecto del consumo de antioxidantes sobre la calidad seminal. Se realizó evaluación de los parámetros seminales convencionales y funcionales antes y después del uso del suplemento dietario Male Fertility. Se observó que el uso del suplemento dietario incrementó la concentración espermática, el potencial de membrana mitocondrial alto y la capacidad antioxidante del semen; además disminuyó la producción de 1as reactivas de oxígeno, la lipoperoxidación y la fragmentación de la cromática espermática. El suplemento dietario Male Fertility contiene altas concentraciones de vitamina A, C, E, B2, B3, B12, folato, zinc, selenio, acetil L-carnitina, coenzima Q10, L-metionina y licopeno. Se ha descrito que la ingesta de cada uno de estos compuestos tiene efectos positivos sobre la calidad seminal. El reporte de este caso permitió observar que el uso de suplementos dietarios ricos en vitaminas y antioxidantes puede mejorar la calidad seminal a través de la disminución del efecto adverso de las especies reactivas del oxígeno y por el incremento de las moléculas antioxidantes en el plasma seminal(AU)

Dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants improve nutrient intake. Recently it has been described that, especially those containing high antioxidant properties also improve fertility. We report here the case of a 37-year-old volunteer with possible male infertility and we want to determine the effect of antioxidant consumption on semen quality. Evaluation of the conventional and functional seminal parameters was performed before and after the use of the Male Fertility dietary supplement. The use of this supplement was observed to increased the sperm concentration, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the antioxidant capacity of the semen. In addition, the production of oxygen reactants, lipoperoxidation and fragmentation of the spermatic chromatin decreased. The dietary supplement Male Fertility contains high concentrations of vitamin A, C, E, B2, B3, B12, folate, zinc, selenium, acetyl L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, L-methionine and lycopene. The ingestion of each of these compounds has been described to have positive effects on seminal quality. The report of this case allowed to observe that the use of dietary supplements rich in vitamins and antioxidants can improve the seminal quality through the decrease of the adverse effect of the reactive oxygen species and by the increase of the antioxidant molecules in the seminal plasma(AU)

Efecto de la disminución del índice de masa corporal sobre la calidad seminal / Effect of Decreasing Body Mass Index Seminal Quality

El estilo de vida saludable incluye una alimentación saludable, un peso adecuado y en casos de exceso de peso, su pérdida. Estos son nuevos factores asociados a la fertilidad. Se presenta el caso de un voluntario fértil aparentemente sano que se sometió a un régimen de pérdida de peso. Con el propósito de evaluar el efecto de la pérdida de peso sobre la calidad seminal se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de los parámetros seminales convencionales y funcionales según los lineamentos establecidos en el Manual de análisis seminal de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Los parámetros seminales evaluados fueron: volumen seminal, concentración espermática, concentración espermática total, movilidad, viabilidad, potencial de membrana mitocondrial e índice de fragmentación del ADN. La reducción del índice de masa corporal (19 por ciento) incrementó los parámetros espermáticos: volumen seminal (400 por ciento), concentración espermática (96 por ciento), concentración espermática total (220 por ciento), viabilidad (38 por ciento), movilidad (122 por ciento), potencial de membrana mitocondrial (40 por ciento) y además disminuyó el índice de fragmentación del ADN en un 71 por ciento. A partir de estas observaciones se infiere que la obesidad está inversamente relacionada con la calidad seminal. Los resultados obtenidos en este caso nos inducen a recomendar que los hombres con sobrepeso y obesidad deben perder peso con el fin de mejorar su calidad seminal(AU)

Healthy lifestyle includes healthy diet, adequate weight and in cases of excess weight, its loss. These are new factors associated with fertility. We present the case of an apparently healthy fertile volunteer who underwent a weight loss regimen. In order to evaluate the effect of weight loss on seminal quality, a retrospective analysis of the conventional and functional seminal parameters was carried out according to the guidelines established in the Manual of Seminal Analysis of the World Health Organization. Semen parameters evaluated were seminal volume, sperm concentration, total sperm concentration, mobility, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA fragmentation index. The reduction of the body mass index (19 percent) increased the sperm parameters: seminal volume (400 percent), sperm concentration (96 percent), total sperm concentration (220 percent), viability (38 %), mobility (122 percent), mitochondrial membrane potential (40 percent) and decreased the DNA fragmentation rate by 71 percent. From these observations, it is inferred that obesity is inversely related to seminal quality. The results obtained in this case lead us to recommend overweight and obese men should lose weight in order to improve their seminal quality(AU)

Presencia de Ochrobactrum anthropi en muestras de semen / Presence of Ochrobactrum Anthropi in Semen Samples

Introducción: El semen es una mezcla compleja de fluidos y células que posee las condiciones adecuadas para albergar microorganismos, especialmente bacterias. Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de bacterias en el semen de individuos normozoospérmicos asintomáticos para infecciones urogenitales. Métodos: Se realizó una secuenciación estándar posterior a la amplificación por PCR con el uso de los cebadores universales 27F y 1492R para identificación de bacterias, en 10 muestras de semen de voluntarios normozoospérmicos asintomáticos para infecciones urogenitales. Resultados: Se identificó a Ochrobactrum anthropi en 8 de las 10 muestras seminales evaluadas y a Haemophilus paraurethrae o Escherichia coli en los dos restantes. O. anthropi es una bacteria comensal, ampliamente distribuida en la naturaleza, especialmente en las fuentes de agua que, a pesar de su baja virulencia, ocasionalmente causa infecciones en individuos inmunocomprometidos. Conclusión: La alta frecuencia de O. anthropi en las muestras de semen de individuos normozoospérmicos asintomáticos para infecciones urogenitales puede asociarse a procesos de contaminación durante la recolección de la muestra, debido a la amplia distribución de esta bacteria, especialmente en las fuentes de agua(AU)

Introduction: Semen is a complex combination of fluids and cells that can harbor microorganisms, especially bacteria. Objective: To assess the presence of bacteria in semen samples from asymptomatic normozoospermic individuals, for urogenital infections. Methods: Standard sequencing after PCR amplification was performed with the use of the universal primers 27F and 1492R for bacterial identification, in 10 semen samples of asymptomatic normozoospermic volunteers for urogenital infections. Results: Thisidentified Ochrobactrum anthropi in 8 out of 10 samples assessed. In the remaining two samples, we identified Haemophilus paraurethrae and Escherichia coli. O. anthropi is a commensal bacterium, widely spread in nature, especially in water sources that, despite its low virulence, occasionally cause infections in immune compromised individuals. Conclusion: The high frequency of O. anthropi in semen samples from asymptomatic normozoospermic individuals, for urogenital infections can be associated with contamination during the collection of the sample, due to the wide distribution of this bacterium, especially in water sources(AU)

Spermatozoa: A Historical Perspective.

The 100,000th scientific article on the subject of spermatozoa was recently published. Numerous studies evaluated the characteristics of this important cell that led to tremendous discoveries. Since its first observation and description in 1677, many important characteristics have been described regarding this highly fascinating gamete. In this review, we intend to provide a historical account of the numerous milestones and breakthroughs achieved related to spermatozoa. We conducted a review of the literature by selecting the most important subjects with regards to spermatozoa. Since their discovery by van Leeuwenhoek, spermatozoa have been studied by scientists to better understand their physiology and process of interaction with their female counterpart, the oocyte, in order to treat and resolve infertility problems. Three centuries after van Leeuwenhoek's discovery, the 100,000th article about these cells was published. It is encouraging that sperm research reached this landmark, but at the same time it is clear that further research on male reproductive physiology and spermatozoa is required to shed more light on their function and pathology in order to reduce the number of unexplained infertility cases.

Prostatitis: revisión de una patología enigmática y su relación con la fertilidad masculina / Prostatitis: Review of an Enigmatic Pathology and its Relation to Male Fertility

La prostatitis, considerada una patología enigmática por su complejidad en el diagnóstico, involucra el uso indiscriminado de antibióticos sin tener evidencia de la infección. Siendo la eyaculación una cascada sincronizada de eventos que permiten que los espermatozoides interactúen con el oocito,1 todos los componentes del semen deben estar en óptimas condiciones para hacer más eficiente el proceso, sin embargo, el semen contiene células espermáticas y plasma seminal, en el que pueden alojarse una amplia diversidad de microorganismos e interferir durante la fecundación. Los microorganismos presentes en el semen provienen de diferentes localizaciones anatómicas e inclusive pueden ser microbiota del tracto genitourinario o microorganismos patógenos que desencadenan procesos infecciosos con secuelas sobre la fertilidad masculina como es el caso de la prostatitis bacteriana. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir una patología de mal diagnóstico y de gran magnitud sobre la fertilidad masculina, como es la prostatitis.

Prostatitis, considered an enigmatic pathology because of its complexity in diagnosis, involves the use of indiscriminate use of antibiotics without having evidence of the infection. Ejaculation being a synchronized cascade of events that allow spermatozoa interact with the oocito,1 all components of the must be in optimal condition to do more. efficient process, however, the semen contains cells spermatozoa and seminal plasma, in which they can be housed a wide diversity of microorganisms and interfere with during fertilization. The microorganisms present in the semen comes from different anatomical locations and may even be microbiota of the genitourinary tract or pathogenic microorganisms that trigger processes infectious with sequels on male fertility such as is the case with bacterial prostatitis. The aim of this review is to describe a pathology of misdiagnosis and of on male fertility, as is the case with the prostatitis.

Erratum: Chlamydia trachomatis neither exerts deleterious effects on spermatozoa nor impairs male fertility.

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.

Chlamydia trachomatis neither exerts deleterious effects on spermatozoa nor impairs male fertility.

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infection. However, whether Chlamydia trachomatis has a negative impact on sperm quality and male fertility is still controversial. Herein, we report the effects on sperm quality of the in vitro exposure of spermatozoa to Chlamydia trachomatis, and also the effects of male genital infection on male fertility using an animal model. Human and mouse sperm were obtained from healthy donors and cauda epididimys from C57BL/6 mice, respectively. Highly motile human or mouse spermatozoa were in vitro exposed to C. trachomatis (serovar E or LGV) or C. muridarum, respectively. Then, sperm quality parameters were analyzed. Moreover, male fertility of Chlamydia muridarum infected male C57BL/6 mice was assessed. Human or murine sperm in vitro exposed to increasing bacterial concentrations or soluble factors from C. trachomatis or C. muridarum, respectively, did not show differences in sperm motility and viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation, ROS production and lipid peroxidation levels, when compared with control sperm (p > 0.05). Moreover, no differences in fertility parameters (potency, fecundity, fertility index, pre- and post-implantation loss) were observed between control and infected males. In conclusion, our results indicate that Chlamydia spp. neither directly exerts deleterious effects on spermatozoa nor impairs male fertility.

Evaluación in vitro del efecto de Neisseria gonorrhoeae y los factores solubles producto de su metabolismo sobre la calidad espermática / In vitro evaluation of the effect of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the soluble factors produced by its metabolism on sperm quality

AANTEDENTES: N. gonorrhoeae es una de las principales causas de uretritis, prostatitis y epididimitis en hombres. En el tracto urogenital masculino, esta bacteria o los factores solubles producto de su metabolismo pueden interactuar con los espermatozoides y alterar su calidad. OBJETIVOS: Determinar el efecto de la incubación in vitro de N. gonorrhoeae y los factores solubles producto de su metabolismo sobre la calidad espermática y evaluar la interacción bacteria-espermatozoide. MÉTODO: Se realizó incubación de una concentración 0,5 McFarland de N. gonorrhoeae y de los factores solubles producto de su metabolismo bacteriano con muestras de semen de voluntarios aparentemente sanos. Se cuantificaron los parámetros espermáticos convencionales (movilidad y viabilidad) y funcionales (potencial de membrana mitocondrial, integridad y lipoperoxidación de la membrana espermática, detección de especies reactivas del oxígeno, integridad de la cromatina y expresión de Anexina V), empleando microscopía y citometría de flujo, respectivamente. Para evaluar la interacción de N. gonorrhoeae con los espermatozoides humanos se realizaron extendidos en placas para su observación al microscopio. RESULTADOS: N. gonorrhoeae puede unirse al espermatozoide y disminuir la viabilidad espermática luego de 1,5 horas de incubación con los espermatozoides humanos (84,5% vs 66,5%, p<0,05), sin afectar los parámetros espermáticos funcionales. CONCLUSIÓN: N. gonorrhoeae interactúa con los espermatozoides humanos afectando la viabilidad espermática.

BACKGROUND: N. gonorrhoeae is a major cause of urethritis, prostatitis and epididymitis in men. In the male urogenital tract, the bacteria or soluble products of their metabolism may interact with sperm, and alter their quality. AIMS: To determine the in vitro effect of incubation of N. gonorrhoeae and soluble products of their metabolism on sperm quality and assess the bacteria-sperm interaction. METHODS: Soluble products of bacterial metabolism and 0.5 McFarland concentration of N. gonorrhoeae were incubated with semen samples from healthy volunteers. Conventional (motility and viability) and functional sperm parameters (potential of mitochondrial membrane integrity and sperm membrane lipid peroxidation, detection of reactive oxygen species, chromatin integrity and expression of annexin V) were quantified using microscopy and cytometry flow, respectively. To assess the interaction of N. gonorrhoeae to human sperm microscopic observation was performed. RESULTS: N. gonorrhoeae can join the sperm and decreases sperm viability after 1.5 hours of incubation with human sperm (84.5% vs 66.5%, p<0.05), without affecting the functional sperm parameters. CONCLUSION: N. gonorrhoeae interacts with human sperm affecting sperm viability.