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Published-Ahead-of-Print July 12, 2006, DOI:10.2164/jandrol.106.000034

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Detection of 90K/MAC-2BP in the seminal plasma of infertile males with accessory gland infection and the autoimmune pathogenetic hypothesis

Ettore Caroppo *, Craig Neiderberger , Palma A Iacovazzi , Mario Correale , and Giuseppe D'Amato

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: ecaroppo{at}teseo.it.

Purpose: to evaluate 90K/MAC-2BP, a glycoprotein member of the Scavenger Receptor Cystein Rich superfamily, in the seminal plasma of infertile male patients with male accessory gland infection in order to investigate a putative autoimmune pathogenesis. Materials and Methods: 90K seminal concentration and sperm parameters were evaluated in 50 patients with male accessory gland infection at baseline and after cycles of treatment with Levofluoxacin 500 mg daily for 15 days plus serratiopeptidase 10 mg daily for 30 days. Treatment was continued for up to 6 cycles in cases of persistant bacteriospermia and/or clinical and ejaculatory signs of the disease. Patients with persistant male accessory gland infection after 6 cycles were defined as non-responders. The same parameters were evaluated at baseline and after a two month period in 30 healthy controls. Results: Patients with male accessory gland infection showed impaired sperm parameters and had lower seminal 90K concentration compared to controls. After treatment, seminal 90K significantly increased in patients compared to controls. 22 patients responded to treatment (44%), while 28 were non-responders (56%). No difference in pre-treatment and post-treatment sperm parameters and seminal 90K was observed between the two subgroups. 13 patients (26%) had identifiable bacteriospermia: significantly less pre-treatment seminal 90K was observed compared to patients without bacteriospermia. Conclusions: Seminal 90K is decreased in patients with male accessory gland infection, and may be restored by a treatment with quinolones. However, the clinical utility of a 90K assay in these patients remains uncertain as its level is not predictive of response to treatment.


Key words: Fertility • Prostate • Autoimmunity • Quinolones






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