Infertility is a subject of worldwide concern as it affects approximately 15% of couples. Among the prime contributors of infertility, urogenital bacterial infections have lately gained much clinical importance. Staphylococcal species are commensal bacteria and major human pathogens mediating an array of reproductive tract infections. Emerging evidences are 'bit by bit' revealing the mechanisms by which Staphylococci strategically disrupt normal reproductive functions. Staphylococcal species can directly or through hematogenous routes can invade the reproductive tissues. In the testicular cells, epididymis as well as in various compartments of female reproductive tracts, the pathogen recognition receptors, toll-like receptors (TLRs), can recognize the pathogen-associated molecular patterns on the Staphylococci and thereby activate inflammatory signalling pathways. These elicit pro-inflammatory mediators trigger other immune cells to infiltrate and release further inflammatory agents and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Adaptive immune responses may intensify the inflammation-induced reproductive tissue damage, particularly via activation of T-helper (Th) cells, Th1 and Th17 by the innate components or by staphylococcal exotoxins. Staphylococcal surface factors binding with sperm membrane proteins can directly impair sperm functions. Although Staphylococci, being one of the most virulent bacterial species, are major contributors in infection-induced infertility in both males and females, the mechanisms of their operations remain under-discussed. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive perception of the possible mechanisms of staphylococcal infection-induced male and female infertility and aid potential interventions to address the lack of competent therapeutic measures for staphylococcal infection-induced infertility.
Molecular and cellular biochemistry. 2020 Jul 20 [Epub ahead of print]
Sulagna Dutta, Pallav Sengupta, Emmanuel Izuka, Ifeanyi Menuba, Ravindran Jegasothy, Uchenna Nwagha
Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ., Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nsukka, Nigeria., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.