Seminal Levels of Omentin-1/ITLN1 in Inflammatory Conditions Related to Male Infertility and Localization in Spermatozoa and Tissues of Male Reproductive System

Elena Moretti,1 Cinzia Signorini,1 Daria Noto,1 Sergio Antonio Tripodi,2 Andrea Menchiari,3 Ester Sorrentino,2 Giulia Collodel1 1Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; 2Department of Pathology Unit, AOUS Siena, Siena, Italy; 3Department of Business and Law, University of Siena, Siena, ItalyCorrespondence: Elena Moretti, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy, Tel +39 0577 232451, Email elena.moretti@unisi.itPurpose: Omentin-1/intelectin (ITLN)1 is an adipocytokine with both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress properties, and little is known about its role in male reproduction. This study was aimed at exploring the relationships among omentin-1/ITLN1, semen parameters and F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), a maker of oxidative stress, in groups of patients affected by different pathologies. In addition, omentin-1/ITLN1 immunolocalization was assessed in ejaculated spermatozoa and in tissues of male reproductive system.Patients and Methods: Semen samples of infertile patients with varicocele (n = 27), genitourinary infections (n = 17), idiopathic infertility (n = 15) and fertile men (n = 21) were analyzed following WHO guidelines, and seminal plasma were used to determine omentin-1/ITLN1 by ELISA and F2-IsoP levels by gas chromatography/negative-ion chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Omentin-1/ITLN1 was localized in human sperm and in the tissue of male reproductive system.Results: Considering all participants, F2-IsoP and omentin-1/ITLN1 levels were positively correlated (p = 0.000), and both these indices were negatively correlated with sperm parameters. Infertile patients showed lower sperm parameters than fertile ones; varicocele and infection groups had significantly increased levels of F2-IsoPs (both p = 0.000) and omentin-1/ITLN1 (p = 0.000 and p = 0.001, respectively). Omentin-1/ITLN1 signal was located as a spot in the connecting piece (in 43.5% o