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TSRC, Tob. Sci. Res. Conf., 2018, 72, abstr. 027

Effects of smoking on seminal cytokine network

OMU A.E.; OMU F.E.
University of Kuwait, Safat, Kuwait

Introduction: The seminal cytokine network is involved in priming female reproductive tractreception for embryo implantation and may have a role in infertility and can be affected by smoking tobacco. Objective; To evaluate the association between smoking tobacco and sperm parameters and the effect on seminal cytokine network. Subjects and method; Eighty men who presented with infertility were evaluated. Clinical evaluation including smoking habits were noted and semen analysis was carried out according to WHO guidelines. A panel of cytokines TNF-α, IL-12, IL-6,IL-13, IL10 and IL-4 were estimated in smokers and non-smokers using Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELIZA). After a program of smoking cessation, the seminal cytokines were repeated in those men with significant cessation of smoking through low carbon monoxide level in their breath using edfont smokerlyzer. Result; Of the 80 men, 29 (36%) were addictive smokers and 51 (64% were non-smokers. The T helper proinflammatory cytokines expression were significantly higher in smokers IL-6; 36 ± 8 versus 26 ±4, p<0.05, IL-12, 44±6 versus 27±6, p <0.01, TNF α=12 ±3 versus 7 ± 1.3, p <0.05. On the other hand, T helper 2 expression was higher in non-smokers than smokers. IL-13; 12±3 versus 6±2, p<0.01, IL-10: 9±4 versus 4±1.2, p<0.01, IL-4; 6± 1.2, versus 3±1.2, p<0.05. Semen analysis revealed Normozoospermia, Oligozoospermia, Asthenoospermia and Leucocytospermia, had higher experssion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-6 and TNF-α. Conclusion; Smoking is associated with proinflammatory cytokine (T helper 1) expression. This may explain the detrimental effect of smoking on sperm parameters and function.