Elevated levels of epithelial neutrophil activating peptide-78 (ENA-78) (CXCL5) and Interleukin-1β is correlated with varicocele-caused infertility: A novel finding

Background: Varicocele is the most common disorder found in subfertile men. Little is known about the potential effects of ENA-78 and IL-1 beta on pathogenesis of varicocele and male infertility. Therefore, current investigation was aimed to explore the role of ENA-78 and IL-1 beta in varicocele. Methods: To explore association between ENA-78, IL-1 beta and infertility, the seminal levels of these mediators were measured in studied groups by ELISA technique. Results: ENA-78 and IL-1 beta levels were significantly raised in infertile men with varicocele compared to other groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Possibly spermatozoa motility of these patients is reduced in response to elevated ENA-78. IL-1 beta as the neutrophils products appears to be potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for varicocele-caused infertility. (C) 2017 Middle East Fertility Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.