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Problem Biological significance of increased number of leukocytes in ejaculate remains a subject of controversy. The aim of this research was to describe the morphological characteristics of the sperm elimination by leukocytes in in vivo and in vitro conditions using natural stimulator of the immune system-uropathogenic Escherichia coli, O75: HNT, isolated from semen. Method of study The study was performed on ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic men with leukocytospermia ( n = 10, in vivo experiment) or without leukocytospermia ( n = 15, in vitro experiment). Morphological observations were performed using light and scanning electron microscopy. Results Sperm removal by active leukocytes mediated by traditional phagocytosis and generation of extracellular traps were observed in in vivo and in vitro experiments. Conclusion Our morphological data suggest that human germ cells activate leukocytes triggering both traditional phagocytosis and a novel trapping mechanism, followed by extensive sperm elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to examine an in vitro effect of the three bacterial strains ( Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Bacteroides ureolyticus) on ejaculated spermatozoa with reference to sperm membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity. The study was carried out on swim-up-separated spermatozoa from 12 normozoospermic volunteers. Sperm plasma membrane stability was evaluated by the LIVE/ DEAD Sperm Viability Kit and by the merocyanine 540 test. Mitochondrial activity was evaluated using the JC-1 test as well as the NADH-dependent NBT assay. The percentage of dead cells was significantly higher in spermatozoa treated with B. ureolyticus as compared to that of control spermatozoa ( P < 0.01). All the bacterial strains applied affected sperm plasma membrane architecture measured by M540 test ( P < 0.01). Moreover, the presence of E. coli or B. ureolyticus was connected with significant decrease in both the number of cells with high mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) and the cells with normal oxidoreductive function of mitochondria ( P < 0.05 as compared to untreated cells). To conclude, the contact of bacteria with ejaculated spermatozoa can be a reason for severe injury of sperm membrane stability and mitochondrial activity with potential consequences for male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]