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World J Gastroenterol. May 21, 2014; 20(19): 5567-5574
Published online May 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i19.5567
Published online May 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i19.5567
Can Helicobacter pylori infection influence human reproduction?
Elena Moretti, Giulia Collodel, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
Natale Figura, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena and Policlinico S Maria alle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
Antonio Ponzetto, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to design, write and revise critically the review and approved the final version to be published.
Correspondence to: Natale Figura, Professor, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena and Policlinico S Maria alle Scotte, Viale Mario Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy. natale.figura@unisi.it
Telephone: +39-577-585463 Fax: +39-577-233446
Received: October 28, 2013
Revised: November 29, 2013
Accepted: January 14, 2014
Published online: May 21, 2014
Revised: November 29, 2013
Accepted: January 14, 2014
Published online: May 21, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: The evidences that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may have a role in decreasing human reproductive potential are steadily increasing. Sperm quality of men infected by H. pylori strains expressing CagA is reduced. Infected women have specific antibodies in cervical mucus, which decrease sperm motility, as well as in follicular fluids, which may cross react with sperm. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome and preeclampsia the prevalence of H. pylori infection is increased. The putative pathogenic mechanisms that account for these observations include elevated inflammatory cytokine levels in infected individuals and phenomena of antigenic mimicry between bacterial antigens and human proteins.