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Geng S, Chang F, Wang J, Sun Q, Yao X, Zhou J, Lu R, Zhang X, Wen J, Hu L. Association of urinary metal element with semen quality: a cross-sectional study from Eastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:277. [PMID: 38958782 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02048-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The effect of metallic elements on semen quality remains controversial, with limited evidence on the effects of metal mixtures. We conducted a study involving 338 participants from multiple centers in Eastern China, measuring 17 urinary metals and semen quality parameters. Our analysis used various statistical models, including multivariate logistic and linear regression, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression, and weighted quantile sum models, to examine the associations between metal levels and semen quality. Logistic regression showed that higher urinary lead was associated with increased risk of abnormal sperm concentration (OR = 1.86, p = 0.021), arsenic to higher abnormal progressive motility risk (OR = 1.49, p = 0.027), and antimony to greater abnormal total motility risk (OR = 1.37, p = 0.018). Conversely, tin was negatively correlated with the risk of abnormal progressive motility (OR = 0.76, p = 0.012) and total motility (OR = 0.74, p = 0.003), respectively. Moreover, the linear models showed an inverse association between barium and sperm count, even after adjusting for other metals (β = - 0.32, p < 0.001). Additionally, the WQS models showed that the metal mixture may increase the risk of abnormal total motility (βWQS = 0.55, p = 0.046). In conclusion, semen quality may be adversely affected by exposure to metals such as arsenic, barium, lead, and antimony. The combined effect of the metal mixture appears to be particularly impaired total motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Geng
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengjuan Chang
- Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Provinc Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junya Wang
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Sun
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaodie Yao
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Reproduction, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renjie Lu
- Changzhou Third People's Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Juan Wen
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lingmin Hu
- Department of Reproduction, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, Jiangsu, China.
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Zhang XY, Zhang YH, Guo YY, Luo Y, Xu SS, Lu X, Liang NN, Wu HY, Huang YC, Xu DX. Arsenic exposure causes decline in sperm motility accompanied by energy metabolism disorders in mouse testes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 351:124060. [PMID: 38685555 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a notorious environmental toxicant widely present in various natural environments. As exposure has been correlated with the decline in sperm motility. Yet, the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Adult male C57 mice were given 0, 1, or 15 mg/L NaAsO2 for 10 weeks. The mature seminiferous tubules and sperm count were decreased in As-exposed mice. Sperm motility and several sperm motility parameters, including average path velocity (VAP), straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), beat-cross frequency (BCF), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), and amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), were declined in As-exposed mice. RNA sequencing and transcriptomics analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways. Untargeted metabolomics analyses indicated that energy metabolism was disrupted in As-exposed mouse testes. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation were disturbed in As-exposed mouse testes. As-induced disruption of testicular glucose metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation was further validated by RT-PCR and Western blotting. In conclusion, As exposure causes decline in sperm motility accompanied by energy metabolism disorders in mouse testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yi Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-Hao Zhang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue-Yue Guo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shan-Shan Xu
- Department of Public Health and General Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xue Lu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nan-Nan Liang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Yan Wu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-Chao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Wen J, Yao X, Lu R, Geng S, Wang J, Zhou J, Li Y, Hu L. Associations between seminal plasma metals/metalloids and semen quality: A cross-sectional study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116472. [PMID: 38761496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to metals/metalloids is reported to potentially influence semen quality. While most studies have focused on single metal impacts, the link between exposure to multiple metals and semen quality has remained less explored. The study aimed to investigate the effects of both individual and mixed metal/metalloid exposure on semen quality. A total of 330 men were recruited from three reproductive centers in eastern China. Seminal plasma levels of 25 metals/metalloids and sperm parameters were determined. We used the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) to assess the relationships between single metals/metalloids and semen quality. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) models were then applied to evaluate the combined effect of all these metals/metalloids. We observed positive associations of exposure to lithium (Li), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) with an increased risk of below reference values for progressive motility and total motility using a logistic regression model (P < 0.05). Additionally, our results also revealed a significant inverse relationship between aluminum (Al) and both sperm concentration and count, while cobalt (Co) demonstrated a positive association with sperm concentration (P < 0.05). Notably, the WQS model indicated a significant positive association between exposure to metal/metalloid mixtures and the risk of abnormal progressive motility (OR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.10, 2.24) and abnormal total motility (OR: 1.53; 95%CI: 1.06, 2.19), with this association primarily driven by Li, Mg, and Zn. In summary, our findings indicate that exposure to metal/metalloid mixtures might have an adverse effect on semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wen
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China.
| | - Xiaodie Yao
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Renjie Lu
- Changzhou Third People's Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Shijie Geng
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Junya Wang
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Reproduction, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, China
| | - Lingmin Hu
- Department of Reproduction, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China.
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Morabbi A, Karimian M. Trace and essential elements as vital components to improve the performance of the male reproductive system: Implications in cell signaling pathways. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127403. [PMID: 38340548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Successful male fertilization requires the main processes such as normal spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction. The progress of these processes depends on some endogenous and exogenous factors. So, the optimal level of ions and essential and rare elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, calcium, and so on in various types of cells of the reproductive system could affect conception and male fertility rates. The function of trace elements in the male reproductive system could be exerted through some cellular and molecular processes, such as the management of active oxygen species, involvement in the action of membrane channels, regulation of enzyme activity, regulation of gene expression and hormone levels, and modulation of signaling cascades. In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the role of trace elements in improving male reproductive performance. Also, special attention is paid to the cellular aspects and the involved molecular signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Morabbi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
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Yin T, Ji D, Su X, Zhou X, Wang X, He S, Jiang T, Yue X, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Peng J, Zou W, Liang D, Liu Y, Du Y, Zhang Z, Liang C, Cao Y. Using Bayesian and weighted regression to evaluate the association of idiopathic oligoastenoteratozoospermia with seminal plasma metal mixtures. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 351:141202. [PMID: 38237779 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic oligoastenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) affects 30% of infertile men of reproductive age. However, the associations between Cr, Fe, Cu, Se or Co levels and iOAT risk have not been determined. This research aimed to assess the associations between Cr, Fe, Cu, Se and Co levels as well as their mixtures in seminal plasma and the risk of iOAT and severe iOAT. Therefore, a case‒control study including 823 participants (416 iOAT patients and 407 controls) recruited from October 2021 to August 2022 at the reproductive medicine center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University was conducted in Anhui, China. The concentrations of Cr, Fe, Cu, Se and Co in seminal plasma were detected via inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between the levels of Cr, Fe, Cu, Se and Co and the risk of iOAT and severe iOAT; additionally, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regressions were performed to evaluate the joint effect of seminal plasma levels of Cr, Fe, Cu, Se and Co on the risk of iOAT and explore which elements contributed most to the relationship. We found significant associations between the concentrations of Fe, Cu and Se in seminal plasma and iOAT risk after adjusting for covariates (Fe, lowest tertile vs. second tertile: aOR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.31, 2.64; Cu, lowest tertile vs. second tertile: aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.37, 2.76; Se, lowest tertile vs. second tertile: aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.17, 2.35). A lower Se concentration in seminal plasma (lowest tertile vs. second tertile: aOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.10, 3.10) was positively associated with the risk of severe iOAT. Additionally, we also observed an association between the concentration of Cr in seminal plasma and the risk of iOAT before adjusting for covariates (Cr, third tertile vs. lowest tertile: OR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.02). According to the BKMR analyses, the risk of iOAT increased when the overall concentrations were less than the 25th percentile. The results from the WQS regression indicated that a negative WQS index was significantly associated with the iOAT risk, while a positive WQS index was not. Se and Fe had significant weights in the negative direction. In conclusion, lower Cu, Fe and Se levels in seminal plasma were positively associated with iOAT risk, while higher Cr levels in seminal plasma were positively associated with iOAT risk according to the single element model, and lower levels of Se were related to a greater risk of severe iOAT; when comprehensively considering all the results from BKMR and WQS regression, Fe, Se and Cr levels contributed most to this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xun Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xinyu Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shitao He
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xinyu Yue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jie Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Dan Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yinan Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chunmei Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Ma Y, Hu C, Cai G, Xia Q, Fan D, Cao Y, Pan F. Associations of exposure to ambient fine particulate matter constituents from different pollution sources with semen quality: Evidence from a prospective cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123200. [PMID: 38135136 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The association between ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and semen quality remains inconclusive, possibly due to variations in pollution sources and PM2.5 compositions. Studies investigating the constituents of PM2.5 have been hindered by small sample sizes, and research exploring the relationships between PM2.5 pollution sources and semen quality is lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive study based on the Anhui prospective assisted reproduction cohort to evaluate the associations between semen quality and the constituents and pollution sources of PM2.5. This study included 9013 semen samples from 4417 males in the urban districts of Hefei. The median concentrations of PM2.5 constituents, including eight metals and four water-soluble ions (WSIs), were measured for seven days per month at two monitoring stations during the 0-90-day exposure window. A linear mixed-effects model, weighted quantile sum regression, and positive matrix factorisation were used to evaluate the associations of the constituents and pollution sources of PM2.5 with semen quality. The results showed that exposure to PM2.5-bound metals (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium) and WSIs (sulphate and chloride) were negatively associated with semen quality parameters. Moreover, mixtures of PM2.5-bound metals and WSIs were negatively associated with semen quality. Additionally, PM2.5 derived from traffic emissions was negatively associated with semen quality. In summary, our study revealed that ambient PM2.5 and its constituents, especially metals, were negatively associated with semen quality. Antimony, lead, and thallium emerged as the primary contributors to toxicity, and PM2.5 from traffic emissions was associated with decreased semen quality. These findings have important public health implications for the management of PM2.5 pollution in the context of male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chengyang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Humanistic Medicine, School of Humanistic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Guoqi Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dazhi Fan
- Foshan Institute of Fetal Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Ren J, Jin H, Zhang C, Liu S, Han Y, Xi J, Cao J, Lin F, Zhang P, Zhang F, Zhang GH, Yang H, Huang H, Cao J. Mixed exposure effect of seminal metals on semen quality, mediation of total antioxidant capacity, and moderation of GSTM1/GSTT1 gene deletion in Chinese reproductive-aged men. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 229:115888. [PMID: 37054833 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of metal exposure on semen quality and the role of oxidative damage in this process remain unclear. METHODS We recruited 825 Chinese male volunteers, and 12 seminal metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, Ni, Cd, Pb, Co, Ag, Ba, Tl, and Fe), the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and reduced glutathione were measured. Semen parameters and GSTM1/GSTT1-null genotypes were also detected. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was applied to evaluate the effect of the mixed exposure to metals on semen parameters. The mediation of TAC and moderation of GSTM1/GSTT1 deletion were analyzed. RESULTS Most seminal metal concentrations were correlated with each other. The BKMR models revealed a negative association between the semen volume and metal mixture, with Cd (cPIP = 0.60) and Mn (cPIP = 0.10) as the major contributors. Compared to fixing all scaled metals at their median value (50th percentiles), fixing the scaled metals at their 75th percentiles decreased the TAC by 2.17 units (95%CI: -2.60, -1.75). Mediation analysis indicated that Mn decreased the semen volume, with 27.82% of this association mediated by TAC. Both the BKMR and multi-linear models showed that seminal Ni was negatively correlated with sperm concentration, total sperm count, and progressive motility, which was modified by GSTM1/GSTT1. Furthermore, Ni and the total sperm count showed a negative association in GSTT1 and GSTM1 null males (β[95%CI]: 0.328 [-0.521, -0.136]) but not in males with GSTT1 and/or GSTM1. Although Fe and the sperm concentration and total sperm count were positively correlated, they showed inverse "U" shapes in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION Exposure to the 12 metals was negatively associated with semen volume, with Cd and Mn as the major contributors. TAC may mediate this process. GSTT1 and GSTM1 can modify the reduction in the total sperm count caused by seminal Ni exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchao Ren
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Huidong Jin
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China
| | - Song Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Yufen Han
- Puyang Maternity and Child Care Centers, 59 South Section of Kaizhou Road, Puyang, 457000, China
| | - Jinyan Xi
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jinhu Cao
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Fenglong Lin
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Pingyang Zhang
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Fengquan Zhang
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Huijun Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China.
| | - Jia Cao
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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8
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Liu N, Chen HG, Li Y, Zhang G, Zhang J, Qu G, He B, Meng TQ, Xiong CL, Pan A, Yin Y, Liang Y, Shi J, Wang YX, Hu L, Jiang G. Exogenous Metals Atlas in Spermatozoa at Single-Cell Resolution in Relation to Human Semen Quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7358-7369. [PMID: 37144275 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
While exogenous metal/metalloid (metal) exposure has been associated with reduced human semen quality, no study has assessed the associations of exogenous metals in human spermatozoa with semen quality. Here, we developed a strategy to explore the associations between exogenous metals in spermatozoa at single-cell resolution and human semen quality among 84 men screened as sperm donors, who provided 266 semen samples within 90 days. A cellular atlas of exogenous metals at the single-cell level was created with mass cytometry (CyTOF) technology, which concurrently displayed 18 metals in more than 50 000 single sperm. Exogenous metals in spermatozoa at single-cell resolution were extremely heterogeneous and diverse. Further analysis using multivariable linear regression and linear mixed-effects models revealed that the heterogeneity and prevalence of the exogenous metals at single-cell resolution were associated with semen quality. The heterogeneity of lead (Pb), tin (Sn), yttrium (Y), and zirconium (Zr) was negatively associated with sperm concentration and count, while their prevalence showed positive associations. These findings revealed that the heterogeneous properties of exogenous metals in spermatozoa were associated with human semen quality, highlighting the importance of assessing exogenous metals in spermatozoa at single-cell resolution to evaluate male reproductive health risk precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Heng-Gui Chen
- Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Guohuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Xiong
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yongguang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Jianbo Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ligang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310042, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
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9
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Zhang Y, Xing H, Hu Z, Xu W, Tang Y, Zhang J, Niu Q. Independent and combined associations of urinary arsenic exposure and serum sex steroid hormones among 6-19-year old children and adolescents in NHANES 2013-2016. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 863:160883. [PMID: 36526194 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic exposure may disrupt sex steroid hormones, causing endocrine disruption. However, human evidence is limited and inconsistent, especially for children and adolescents. To evaluate the independent and combined associations between arsenic exposure and serum sex steroid hormones in children and adolescents, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from 1063 participants aged 6 to 19 years from the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Three urine arsenic metabolites were examined, as well as three serum sex steroid hormones, estradiol (E2), total testosterone (TT), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The ratio of TT to E2 (TT/E2) and the free androgen index (FAI) generated by TT/SHBG were also assessed. Linear regression, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to evaluate the associations of individual or arsenic metabolite combinations with sex steroid hormones by gender and age stratification. Positive associations were found between total arsenic and arsenic metabolites with TT, E2, and FAI. In contrast, negative associations were found between arsenic metabolites and SHBG. Furthermore, there was an interaction after gender-age stratification between DMA and SHBG in female adolescents. Notably, based on the WQS and BKMR model results, the combined association of arsenic and its metabolites was positively associated with TT, E2, and FAI and negatively associated with SHBG. Moreover, DMA and MMA dominated the highest weights among the arsenic metabolites. Overall, our results indicate that exposure to arsenic, either alone or in mixtures, may alter sex steroid hormone levels in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), People's Republic of China
| | - Hengrui Xing
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), People's Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Hu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), People's Republic of China
| | - Wanjing Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), People's Republic of China
| | - Yanling Tang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Niu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), People's Republic of China.
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10
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Chen HG, Sun B, Lin F, Chen YJ, Xiong CL, Meng TQ, Duan P, Messerlian C, Hu Z, Pan A, Ye W, Wang YX. Sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number mediates the association between seminal plasma selenium concentrations and semen quality among healthy men. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 251:114532. [PMID: 36640579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is essential for successful male reproduction. However, the association of Se status with human semen quality remains controversial and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We measured seminal plasma Se concentrations, sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), and sperm quality parameters among healthy Chinese men screened as potential sperm donors. Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the associations of within-subject pooled seminal plasma Se concentrations (n = 1159) with repeated sperm quality parameters (n = 5617); mediation analyses were applied to evaluate the mediating role of sperm mtDNAcn (n = 989). Seminal plasma Se concentrations were positively associated with sperm concentration and total count (both P for trend < 0.001). In adjusted models, men in the top vs. bottom quartiles of seminal plasma Se concentrations had 70.1 % (95 % CI: 53.3 %, 88.9 %) and 59.1 % (95 % CI: 40.5 %, 80.2 %) higher sperm concentration and total count, respectively. Meanwhile, we observed inverse associations between seminal plasma Se concentrations and sperm mtDNAcn, and between sperm mtDNAcn and sperm motility, concentration, and total count (all P for trend < 0.05). Mediation analyses suggested that sperm mtDNAcn mediated 19.7 % (95 % CI: 15.9 %, 25.3 %) and 23.1 % (95 % CI: 17.4 %, 33.4 %) of the associations between seminal plasma Se concentrations and sperm concentration and total count, respectively. Our findings suggest that Se is essential for male spermatogenesis, potentially by affecting sperm mtDNAcn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Gui Chen
- Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China; Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fuxin Lin
- Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Xiong
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Peng Duan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei Province, China
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Weimin Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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11
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Stojsavljević A, Zečević N, Mihailović M, Jagodić J, Đurđić S, Perović M, Manojlović D. Elemental profiling of human semen with confirmed normozoospermia: Baseline levels for 44 elements. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 74:127081. [PMID: 36152465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a consequence of the progressive decline in human semen quality in recent decades, modern epidemiological investigations have identified several trace elements that could be responsible for this phenomenon. However, their levels in semen have not been clearly elucidated, particularly for elements present in ultra-trace levels. METHODS We aimed to determine the levels of 39 (ultra)trace elements and 5 macroelements in human semen samples with confirmed normozoospermia using ICP-based techniques. The research was amplified by analyzing blood samples from the same participants. RESULTS Among the analyzed (ultra)trace elements in semen samples, Zn is the most and Tm is the least prominent. Zn levels in semen are so high that Zn should be considered as a macroelement in this matrix. The levels of Zn, Rh, Sm, Re, Ir, Tl, Na, and Ca were significantly higher in semen, while the levels of Cu, As, Rb, Gd, Sb, Tb, Tm, Lu, K, and Fe were significantly higher in blood. Correlation analysis of the levels of 44 individual elements in paired semen and blood samples revealed positive correlations between 43 of the elements, particularly for Tl and Pt. An exception was the negative correlation for Cu, which showed that its high level in semen is associated with a low level in blood and contrariwise. CONCLUSION The reported data can be used as baseline levels/reference values for 44 elements in human semen. Furthermore, the findings of this study could be relevant for further consideration of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia; Innovative Centre of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Nebojša Zečević
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mladen Mihailović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Jagodić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slađana Đurđić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Perović
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Manojlović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
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12
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Nunzio AD, Giarra A, Toscanesi M, Amoresano A, Piscopo M, Ceretti E, Zani C, Lorenzetti S, Trifuoggi M, Montano L. Comparison between Macro and Trace Element Concentrations in Human Semen and Blood Serum in Highly Polluted Areas in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811635. [PMID: 36141930 PMCID: PMC9517217 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Macro and trace elements are important regulators of biological processes, including those ones linked to reproduction. Among them, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, and Zn ensure normal spermatic functions. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of 26 macro and trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, U, V, and Zn) in blood serum and also in semen of healthy young men, homogeneous for age, anthropometric characteristics, and lifestyle, living in three highly polluted areas in Italy. Furthermore, a comparison among three geographical areas was performed to highlight any difference in the investigated parameters and, overall, to speculate any correlations between chemical elements and semen quality. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the three areas were found for each investigated element, in both semen and serum samples, where inter-area differences were more evident in semen than in blood serum, suggesting human semen as an early environmental marker. Considering the homogeneity of three cohorts, these differences could be due more to environmental conditions in the recruiting areas, suggesting that variations in those involved in reproductive-associated pathways can have an impact on male fertility. Nevertheless, more research is needed to evaluate threshold values for sperm dysfunction and male infertility. Actually, the role of different dietary intake and environmental exposure underlying the observed differences in the recruiting areas is under further investigation for the same cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Di Nunzio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Toscanesi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi-Consorzio Interuniversitario, Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Lorenzetti
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project), Italy “Oliveto Citra Hospital”, Oliveto Citra, 84020 Salerno, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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13
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Xu S, Wu Y, Chen Y, Lu W, Wang YX, Gao B, Zhang J. Environmental metal exposure, seminal plasma metabolome and semen quality: Evidence from Chinese reproductive-aged men. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:155860. [PMID: 35595136 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental metal exposure has been associated with decreasing semen quality, but the effects of multiple metal exposure on seminal plasma metabolome remain obscure. In this study, semen and repeated urine samples from 551 volunteers were collected in Wuhan City. Heavy metals and trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, and seminal plasma metabolomes were acquired using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed more than half of the seminal plasma metals were associated with specific metabolite modules, whereas only a few urine metals presented weak associations, indicating that seminal plasma may be an ideal biological sample for male reproductive biomarker discovery and exposure risk assessment. Seminal plasma zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) concentrations were significantly associated with 22 metabolites (e.g., glycerophospholipids, acyl-carnitines and amino acid derivatives). Among these metabolites, acyl-carnitines were positively associated with semen quality and sperm concentration. Moreover, acyl-carnitines were associated with both Zn and Se exposure, indicating the potential role of carnitine pathway in their toxicity mechanism. Our findings suggest that seminal plasma metabolome connects Zn and Se exposure and sperm concentrations in Chinese men of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yaru Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wenqing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Departments of Nutrition, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Biling Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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14
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Wang Z, Lin T, Wei Y, Song Y, Liu L, Zhou Z, Huang X, Chen P, Liu C, Li Y, Wang B, Li J, Zhang Y, Huo Y, Zhang H, Xu X, Qin X, Guo H. A Cross-Sectional Study of the Distribution Patterns and Potential Determinants in Plasma Selenium Status Among Chinese Adults With Hypertension. Front Nutr 2022; 9:882309. [PMID: 35656161 PMCID: PMC9152156 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.882309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in selenoproteins biosynthesis for the human body and plays an important role in the prevention and control of subsequent cardiovascular disease in adults with hypertension. However, reports on Se status and its potential determinants in populations from different regions of China are limited, especially data on adults with hypertension, a high-risk group more vulnerable to oxidative stress. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study from February 2017 to May 2018 of 2,599 participants (1,389 men and 1,210 women) on middle-aged to elderly adults with hypertension with a mean age of 63.1 years (SD 13.3) from 14 provinces of China and aimed to examine the relationship of plasma Se status with demographic characteristics and lifestyles. Overall, the male participants (mean value 75.0 μg/L) tended to have higher plasma Se concentrations than the female participants (73.7 μg/L) when controlling for relevant factors. There were significant differences among regions, and in age and body mass index (BMI) in plasma Se distribution, and plasma Se concentrations were significantly lower among those in the regions with relatively lower Se, aged 60 years or older, and with BMI lower than 28 kg/m2. Moreover, a higher frequency of meat consumption (1-2 or ≥3 times/week vs. <1 time/week) was significantly associated with higher plasma Se concentrations in men and women, and male alcohol drinkers had significantly higher plasma Se concentrations than non-alcohol drinkers. Adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables (0.5-1.5 kg/week) was associated with higher plasma Se concentrations among women, but was associated with relatively lower plasma Se concentrations in men. Our results indicated relatively low plasma Se status in Chinese adults with hypertension from 14 provinces, while specific factors including geographic, demographic, and lifestyle characteristics and blood pressure were significantly associated with plasma Se status in this hypertensive population. In addition, more studies are required to further evaluate dietary structure and other lifestyle factors that influence circulating Se status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Tengfei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaping Wei
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Song
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Biomedicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lishun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ping Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengzhang Liu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Youbao Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory for Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binyan Wang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory for Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Shenzhen Evergreen Medical Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianping Li
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Huo
- Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiping Xu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Biomedicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory for Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianhui Qin
- Institute of Biomedicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, State Key Laboratory for Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Ministry of Education, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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15
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Assidi M. Infertility in Men: Advances towards a Comprehensive and Integrative Strategy for Precision Theranostics. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101711. [PMID: 35626747 PMCID: PMC9139678 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is an increasing and serious medical concern, though the mechanism remains poorly understood. Impaired male reproductive function affects approximately half of infertile couples worldwide. Multiple factors related to the environment, genetics, age, and comorbidities have been associated with impaired sperm function. Present-day clinicians rely primarily on standard semen analysis to diagnose male reproductive potential and develop treatment strategies. To address sperm quality assessment bias and enhance analysis accuracy, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended standardized sperm testing; however, conventional diagnostic and therapeutic options for male infertility, including physical examination and semen standard analysis, remain ineffective in relieving the associated social burden. Instead, assisted reproductive techniques are becoming the primary therapeutic approach. In the post-genomic era, multiomics technologies that deeply interrogate the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and/or the epigenome, even at single-cell level, besides the breakthroughs in robotic surgery, stem cell therapy, and big data, offer promises towards solving semen quality deterioration and male factor infertility. This review highlights the complex etiology of male infertility, especially the roles of lifestyle and environmental factors, and discusses advanced technologies/methodologies used in characterizing its pathophysiology. A comprehensive combination of these innovative approaches in a global and multi-centric setting and fulfilling the suitable ethical consent could ensure optimal reproductive and developmental outcomes. These combinatorial approaches should allow for the development of diagnostic markers, molecular stratification classes, and personalized treatment strategies. Since lifestyle choices and environmental factors influence male fertility, their integration in any comprehensive approach is required for safe, proactive, cost-effective, and noninvasive precision male infertility theranostics that are affordable, accessible, and facilitate couples realizing their procreation dream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mourad Assidi
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; ; Tel.: +966-(012)-6402000 (ext. 69267)
- Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Sun B, Chen HG, Duan P, Tu ZZ, Chen YJ, Meng TQ, Xiong CL, Wang YX, Pan A. Association of handgrip strength with semen characteristics: a study with repeated measurements among healthy Chinese men. Asian J Androl 2022; 24:594-600. [PMID: 35381698 PMCID: PMC9809492 DOI: 10.4103/aja20221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating epidemiological evidence shows that handgrip strength provides predictive potential in physical, mental, and reproductive health status. However, the associations between handgrip strength and semen characteristics have not been explored. We recruited 1382 eligible men at the Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank (Wuhan, China) who had their handgrip strength measured at recruitment and provided 6458 repeated semen specimens within a 6-month period. Semen characteristics, including semen volume, sperm motility parameters (immotility, nonprogressive motility, and progressive motility), and sperm concentration, were assessed. Mixed-effect models and restricted cubic spline functions were applied to investigate the relationship of handgrip strength with repeated measurements of semen characteristics. After adjusting for confounding factors, the mixed-effect models revealed that handgrip strength was positively associated with semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and total count (all P for trend < 0.05). Compared to men in the lowest quartile, those in the highest quartile of handgrip strength had higher semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility, total motility, and total count, with measurements of 14.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.9%-23.2%), 19.5% (95% CI: 7.3%‒33.1%), 9.5% (95% CI: 3.4%‒15.9%), 8.8% (95% CI: 3.2%‒14.6%), and 36.4% (95% CI: 18.9%‒56.5%), respectively. These positive dose-response relationships were further confirmed in restricted cubic splines, where handgrip strength was modeled as a continuous variable. Handgrip strength, as an indicator of muscular function and strength, was positively associated with semen characteristics in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Heng-Gui Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Peng Duan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No.1 People’s Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441100, China
| | - Zhou-Zheng Tu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China,Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Xiong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China,Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA,
Correspondence: Dr. YX Wang () or Dr. A Pan ()
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China,
Correspondence: Dr. YX Wang () or Dr. A Pan ()
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17
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Liu P, Zhu J, Yuan G, Li D, Wen Y, Huang S, Lv Z, Guo Y, Cheng J. The effects of selenium on GPX4-mediated lipid peroxidation and apoptosis in germ cells. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:1016-1028. [PMID: 34970773 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that selenium plays an essential role in sperm maturation. However, the specific signaling pathway by which selenium exerts effect has not been elucidated. To evaluate the effect of selenium on GPX4-mediated lipid peroxidation and apoptosis in germ cells, selenium deficiency was modeled by culturing GC2-spd cells in serum-free medium. Treatment with 0.5-μM sodium selenite (NaSe) or 5.0-μM selenomethionine (SeMet) significantly improved the proliferation rate and GPX4 protein expression after selenium deficiency. Moreover, NaSe and SeMet decreased the MDA content and lipid peroxidation. When adenovirus was used to knockdown the expression of the GPX4 gene (shRNA-GPX4), the early apoptosis rate of the shRNA-GPX4 cells was significantly higher than that of the EGFP cells. Increased expression of Caspase3 and Bax, as well as MDA content were observed in the shRNA-GPX4 cells compared with EGFP cells. In further, overexpression of the GPX4 gene (ORF-GPX4) cells exhibited increased cell proliferation and decreased MDA content. However, there was no significant difference in 12/15-lox expression both in ORF-GPX4 cells and shRNA-GPX4 cells. Conclusively, GPX4 was involved in the regulation of lipid peroxidation and apoptosis in GC2-spd cells. Selenium played a role in promoting cell proliferation by mediating GPX4. The regulation of GPX4 may occur independently of 12/15-Lox. These findings confirmed the effect of selenium on spermatogenesis and offered a potential target for treating abnormal semen quality in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Liu
- Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiahui Zhu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guanxiang Yuan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Li
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Wen
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Suli Huang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziquan Lv
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinsheng Guo
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinquan Cheng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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18
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Osadchuk L, Kleshchev M, Danilenko A, Osadchuk A. Impact of seminal and serum zinc on semen quality and hormonal status: A population-based cohort study of Russian young men. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2021; 68:126855. [PMID: 34547694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trace elements are important factors in human reproductive health. Among them, special attention is paid to zinc, which is an essential trace element and is necessary for the normal functioning of the male reproductive system and the process of spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between seminal and serum zinc concentrations and semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in population of Russian young men. METHODS The study population consisted of 626 young Russian men (median age 22.5 years), recruited from the general population, regardless of their fertility status. Each participant provided semen and blood sample, information about his lifestyle and ethnicity. Semen quality (sperm concentration, motility and morphology), reproductive hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH and inhibin B), and serum and seminal zinc concentrations were evaluated. The semen samples were analyzed according to the WHO laboratory manual (WHO, 2010). Serum hormones were measured by enzyme immunoassay, zinc concentrations were determined using spectrophotometry and direct colorimetry without deproteinization. RESULTS Zinc was present in the seminal plasma in a significantly higher concentration than in the blood serum (median serum Zn concentration was 23.6 μmol/L vs seminal Zn concentration 1571.8 μmol/L). The seminal zinc concentration was positively related to the total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology (Spearman's test: 0.221; 0.286; 0.269; 0.183, respectively, p < 0.001), while the serum Zn concentration was negatively related to serum testosterone and estradiol levels (r = -0.249 and r = -0.096, respectively, p < 0.001-0.05). It was found that the seminal Zn content in men with normal semen quality was higher compared to men with lowered semen quality (means: 6.37 and 5.03 μmol/ejaculate, respectively, p < 0.001). Similarly, the semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology and the serum testosterone level in men with the seminal Zn deficiency were lower than in men with the normal seminal Zn content. CONCLUSION Based on the results of our population-based study, seminal Zn levels were closely associated with semen parameters in young men, so Zn deficiency may be an important risk factor for lowered semen quality. Seminal Zn determinations should be considered as a useful tool in addition to other parameters in assessing male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila Osadchuk
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Academician Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.
| | - Maxim Kleshchev
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Academician Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.
| | - Anna Danilenko
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Academician Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.
| | - Alexander Osadchuk
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Federal Research Center 'Institute of Cytology and Genetics', the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Academician Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation.
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19
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Chen HG, Lu Q, Tu ZZ, Chen YJ, Sun B, Hou J, Xiong CL, Wang YX, Meng TQ, Pan A. Identifying windows of susceptibility to essential elements for semen quality among 1428 healthy men screened as potential sperm donors. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106586. [PMID: 33910075 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential elements such as iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), and molybdenum (Mo) are necessary for reproductive health. However, their associations with human semen quality remain inconclusive. OBJECTIVES To investigate the associations of urinary Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, and Mo concentrations with semen quality in healthy men screened as potential sperm donors and identify critical windows of susceptibility. METHODS 1428 healthy men provided 3766 urine and 6527 semen samples, which were measured for urinary essential element concentrations and sperm quality parameters, respectively. Linear mixed models and cubic spline curves were used to evaluate associations between urinary essential elements and semen quality. Multiple informant models were used to identify potential critical windows of susceptibility. RESULTS Linear mixed models and cubic spline curves showed positive dose-response relationships between urinary Zn and sperm concentration and total count and between urinary Mo and total sperm count [all False Discovery Rate (FDR) adjusted p-value for trend < 0.05]. In the multiple-element linear mixed models, the men in the highest versus lowest quartiles of urinary Zn and Mo had a higher sperm concentration of 17.5% (95% CI: 2.8%, 34.2%; p-value for trend = 0.006) and total sperm count of 18.3% (95% CI: 1.4%, 38.0%; p-value for trend = 0.027), respectively. Urinary Zn was also positively associated with total sperm count in a dose-dependent manner (p-value for trend = 0.036), though the percentile difference in total sperm count between men in the highest and lowest quartile was not statistically significant (16.4%, 95% CI: -1.7%, 37.9%). These associations appeared to be stronger when urinary Zn and Mo were measured at 0-9 days before the date of semen examination (i.e., corresponding to epididymal storage). CONCLUSIONS Higher urinary Zn and Mo, particularly during the period of epididymal storage, were associated with greater sperm production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Gui Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qi Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhou-Zheng Tu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Xiong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - An Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hangkong Rd, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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20
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Yuan G, Zeng Y, Hu G, Liu Y, Wei L, Liu P, Liu G, Cheng J. Inverse association of certain seminal phthalate metabolites with semen quality may be mediated by androgen synthesis: A cross-sectional study from the South China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 151:106459. [PMID: 33684682 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the effects of phthalates on androgen synthesis, and the adverse outcomes of phthalate exposure on male reproductive function have been reported. However, the direct relationship among these three factors remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To explore the potential roles of steroids involved in androgen synthesis in the association between phthalate exposure and semen quality. METHODS Eighteen phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) and nine steroids were analyzed in semen samples of 403 male participants aged 18-54 years from a hospital in Shenzhen, China. The associations across phthalate metabolites, steroids, and eleven semen quality parameters were evaluated by multivariate linear regression and logistical regression models. The potential contributions of steroids to the associations between phthalate metabolites and semen quality outcomes were explored by mediation effect analysis. RESULTS In this cross-sectional study, mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) was inversely associated with nine continuous semen quality parameters in a dose-dependent manner (all p for trend < 0.05). Positive associations were observed between MnBP tertiles and androstenedione (ADD) and pregnenolone (PGL), of which only ADD was significantly associated with sperm quality (i.e., motility, p < 0.05). The estimated average mediated effects of seminal ADD on the associations between MnBP and lower sperm motility parameters (i.e., total motility, TR; progressive motility, PR; curvi-linear velocity, VCL) were 6.4-11.9% (all p < 0.05). The potential mediated effects of ADD on the increasing risks of TR (9.8%) and PR (8.5%) abnormalities induced by MnBP exposure were also observed in logistical regression analysis. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that androgen synthesis in reproductive system may be potentially affected by phthalate exposure, thereby resulting in reduced sperm motility in adult men. Further studies are needed to understand the actual roles and underlying mechanism of action of androstenedione on these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanxiang Yuan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuxing Zeng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Shenzhen People's Hospital, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan Wei
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peiyi Liu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guihua Liu
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinquan Cheng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China.
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21
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Torres-Arce E, Vizmanos B, Babio N, Márquez-Sandoval F, Salas-Huetos A. Dietary Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility: Counteracting Oxidative Stress. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:241. [PMID: 33804600 PMCID: PMC8003818 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infertility affects about 15% of the population and male factors only are responsible for ~25-30% of cases of infertility. Currently, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood, and many environmental and genetic factors, including oxidative stress, have been implicated. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the capacity of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. The purpose of this review, by employing the joint expertise of international researchers specialized in nutrition and male fertility areas, is to update the knowledge about the reproductive consequences of excessive ROS concentrations and oxidative stress on the semen quality and Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) clinical outcomes, to discuss the role of antioxidants in fertility outcomes, and finally to discuss why foods and dietary patterns are more innocuous long term solution for ameliorating oxidative stress and therefore semen quality results and ART fertility outcomes. Since this is a narrative review and not a systematic/meta-analysis, the summarized information in the present study should be considered cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Torres-Arce
- Center of Health Sciences, Institute of Translational Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, Universidad de Guadalajara, 44340 Guadalajara, Mexico; (E.T.-A.); (B.V.)
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Barbara Vizmanos
- Center of Health Sciences, Institute of Translational Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, Universidad de Guadalajara, 44340 Guadalajara, Mexico; (E.T.-A.); (B.V.)
| | - Nancy Babio
- Human Nutrition Unit, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain;
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere i Virgili, 43204 Reus, Spain
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (ciBeRobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabiola Márquez-Sandoval
- Center of Health Sciences, Institute of Translational Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics, Universidad de Guadalajara, 44340 Guadalajara, Mexico; (E.T.-A.); (B.V.)
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Consorcio CIBER, M.P., Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (ciBeRobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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22
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Zhu Y, Xie J, Huang F, Cao L. The mediating effect of air quality on the association between human mobility and COVID-19 infection in China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 189:109911. [PMID: 32678740 PMCID: PMC7347332 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have found that human mobility restrictions could not only prevent the spread of COVID-19, but also improve the air quality because of the reduction of industrial production, transportation and traffic. It is noteworthy that air quality is also closely related to the risk of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, we aimed to assess the mediating role of air quality on the association between human mobility and the infection caused by this novel coronavirus. METHODS We collected daily confirmed cases, human mobility data, air quality data and meteorological variables in 120 cities from China between January 23, 2020 and February 29, 2020. We applied the generalized additive model to examine the association of human mobility index with COVID-19 confirmed cases, and to assess the mediating effects of air quality index and each pollutant. RESULTS We observed a significant positive relationship between human mobility index and the daily counts of COVID-19 confirmed cases. A unit increase in human mobility index (lag0-14) was associated with a 6.45% increase in daily COVID-19 confirmed cases, and air quality index significantly mediated 19.47% of this association. We also observed a positive relationship between human mobility index and air quality index. In the pollutant level analyses, we found significant mediating effects of PM2.5, PM10, and NO2. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that limiting human movements could reduce COVID-19 cases by improving air quality besides decreasing social contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Zhu
- School of Management, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Jingui Xie
- School of Management, Technical University of Munich, Heilbronn, Germany.
| | - Fengming Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Liqing Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
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