Systemic Inflammation and Seminal Parameters in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Objectives: We proposed to investigate the possible effect and association of systemic inflammation (SI) and seminal parameter indicators in chronic hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. All the participants were subjected to a spermiogram with calculation of fertility index (FI), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, seminal transferrin (ST) level, as well as evaluation of the hormonal profile (HP). The sample consisting of 60 men (cases) undergoing hemodialysis for more than 6 months was subdivided into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 30, with inflammation, CRP > 5 mg/L), group 2 (n = 30, without inflammation, CRP ≤ 5 mg/L), and group 3 (n = 30, healthy men, CRP ≤ 1). Results: Age was similar in the 3 groups (P = 0.43). FI, testosterone total and ST levels were significantly lower in the case groups than in the control group (P < 0.001). Follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin levels were significantly higher in the case groups than in the control group (P < 0.001). Between the subgroups of cases (groups 1 and 2), the inflammatory factor alone does not seem to interfere with the FI, HP, and ST level (P > 0.05). However, it significantly interfered with the FI, HP, and ST level when compared between the case groups and the control group (P < 0.001). No correlation was observed between SI and analyzed parameters (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that the SI alone has no effect and is not associated with the FI or ST level in a patient undergoing chronic hemodialysis.