HR-HPV infection can decrease fertility rate in men.

Effect of HR-HPV on Decreased Fertility:

This study underscores a critical link between high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infections and factors that may impair male fertility. While routine semen parameters, such as motility and morphology, were not significantly affected, HR-HPV infection was associated with notable changes that can compromise fertility potential:

1. Increased Sperm Necrosis:

   • HR-HPV infections showed significantly higher levels of necrotic sperm compared to controls and men with LR-HPV. Necrotic sperm are non-viable and incapable of fertilizing an oocyte, directly impacting fertility potential.

2. Elevated Oxidative Stress:

   • HR-HPV infections were associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in sperm. Excessive ROS can lead to sperm damage, including DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation, reducing sperm viability and fertilization capacity.
   • The heightened oxidative stress linked to HR-HPV may predispose to sperm death and decreased sperm function, critical factors in male infertility.

3. Immunosuppressive Environment:

   • Unlike LR-HPV infections, HR-HPV caused a reduction in inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6 and IL-1β) and semen leukocytes. This immunosuppressive state could facilitate viral persistence and impair sperm protection from other infections, further decreasing fertility potential.
   • Reduced immune activity may also disrupt the sperm's microenvironment, further compromising its integrity and function.

4. Potential DNA Damage:

   • While the study did not directly measure DNA fragmentation, previous research suggests HR-HPV is associated with increased sperm DNA damage. Fragmented DNA in sperm can reduce fertilization rates and increase the risk of failed implantation or abnormal embryo development.

Clinical Relevance:

• HR-HPV’s effects on sperm necrosis and oxidative stress suggest a direct pathway by which this infection could impair male reproductive potential.
• The immunosuppressive microenvironment caused by HR-HPV may exacerbate sperm damage and increase susceptibility to co-infections, further compounding fertility issues.
• Men with HR-HPV infections could face lower chances of achieving natural conception, as supported by evidence of reduced pregnancy rates in couples where male partners are HPV-positive.

Conclusion:

The findings emphasize that HR-HPV infection significantly compromises sperm health, with increased oxidative stress and necrosis being primary contributors to decreased fertility. These results call for comprehensive HPV screening and fertility assessments in men, particularly those with unexplained infertility, to mitigate the reproductive risks associated with HR-HPV.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2024.1420307

Author

Dr. Lucia Cagnes Dr. Cagnes is a double certified Ob/ Gyn doctor in Europe as well as in the USA. She has been in practice in the US for more than 23 years.