Features of the cellular immune response in men with disorders of reproductive function depending on the type of alcoholic beverages consumed

Abstract

im. Guided by the lack of clear information about the alcoholic beverages influence on both the subpopulation of lymphocytes in particular and the fertility of the ejaculate as a whole, the purpose of this study was to study the features of the cellular immune response in men with disorders of reproductive function depending on the type and quantity of alcohol consumed. Materials and methods. A total of 74 men aged 20 to 55 years, who were divided into 3 groups, were examined. The control group consisted of 17 fertile, practically healthy men who do not drink any alcoholic drinks and have 1 to 2 children. The 2nd group (comparison) consisted of 17 men without fertility impairment, who consume but don’t abuse of all types of alcoholic beverages (1 – 2 doses of alcohol approximately once every 1 to 3 months). The third group consisted of 40 men with impaired fertilizing ability of ejaculate, who abuse alcoholic beverages (6 or more units of alcohol at a time or 22 or more doses per week). Depending on the type of alcohol, this group was divided into 3 subgroups: the 3a subgroup consisted of 13 patients abusing strong alcoholic beverages; the 3b – 15 patients abusing beer and the 3c ("mixed" group) – 12 patients abusing beer and strong alcoholic beverages. All men underwent a comprehensive examination including: a survey using the AUDIT screening test and the estimation of specific cellular immunity indices. Results. In all the men we examined (either with or without reproductive disorders) secondary T-cell immunodeficiency was identified. Consumption of various types of alcoholic beverages was the factor resulting in more profound immune disorders. Conclusions. Consumption of various types of alcoholic beverages increases the immunogenicity of self proteins and, as a consequence, causes an autoimmune response which is more pronounced in beer drinkers (signs of an autoimmune process development long before the clinical picture) and less pronounced in drinkers of strong alcoholic beverages (vodka) - only an autoimmune component presence.

Keywords

• alcohol drinking
• sperm capacitation
• cellular immunity