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Verón GL, Manjon AA, Arévalo L, Santiago J, Vazquez-Levin MH. Impact of heat waves on semen quality: A retrospective study in Argentina between 2005 and 2023. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173813. [PMID: 38848914 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173813] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Heat waves, defined as periods with daily temperatures surpassing the historical average for a specific region, have become more frequent worldwide in recent years. Previous studies have reported a negative association between temperature and semen quality, but the focus has mainly been on Asian and European populations. The study included 54,926 men (18-60 years) undergoing routine semen analysis between 2005 and 2023 at CEUSA-LAEH andrology unit, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hourly temperature readings were provided by the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. R programming (R Studio v2022.07.2) was used to define heat waves, calculate key characteristics, visualize results, and perform statistical tests at the IBYME laboratory. During the period studied, a total of 124 days had heat waves (defined after at least 3 consecutive days with 32.3 °C and 22 °C). Men exposed to heat waves during spermatogenesis exhibited lower sperm number (concentration and count; P < 0.0001) and decreased normal morphology (percentage of normal sperm and normal motile count; P < 0.05) compared to those not exposed. These differences were most pronounced between semen samples from years with several heat waves (2013, 2023) and none (2005, 2007, 2016), displaying 4-5 times higher fold changes (P < 0.05). Further analysis employing multiple regression revealed a significantly negative association between semen quality and heat wave length, suggesting that a prolonged exposure may be more detrimental than an acute exposure. Subsequent analysis focusing on prolonged exposure (≥6-days heat wave) during spermatogenesis revealed a negative (P < 0.05) association between early exposure (spermatocytogenesis: 64-90 days prior semen collection) and semen quality. This study underscores the negative association between early exposure to heat waves during sperm development and semen quality, raising concerns about its possible association with the worldwide declining male fertility. A comprehensive collaborative approach is crucial, involving global governmental policies, sustainable practices, and coordinated efforts across scientific, healthcare, and policy domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Luis Verón
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ania Antonella Manjon
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Chorley BN, Klinefelter GR, Nelson GM, Strader LF, Nguyen HH, Schladweiler MC, Palmer G, Moore ML, Grindstaff RD, Padgett WT, Carswell GK, Fisher AA, Kodavanti UP, Dye JA, Miller CN. Episodic ozone exposure in Long-Evans rats has limited effects on cauda sperm motility and non-coding RNA populations. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108631. [PMID: 38830453 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence suggests the potential for air pollutants to induce male reproductive toxicity. In experimental studies, exposure to ozone during sensitive windows in the sperm lifecycle has been associated with impaired sperm motility. Subsequently, we sought to investigate the effects of episodic exposure to ozone during sperm maturation in the rat. Long-Evans rats were exposed to either filtered air or ozone (0.4 or 0.8 ppm) for five non-consecutive days over two weeks. Ozone exposure did not impact male reproductive organ weights or sperm motility ∼24 hours following the final exposure. Furthermore, circulating sex hormones remained unchanged despite increased T3 and T4 in the 0.8 ppm group. While there was indication of altered adrenergic signaling attributable to ozone exposure in the testis, there were minimal impacts on small non-coding RNAs detected in cauda sperm. Only two piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were altered in the mature sperm of ozone-exposed rats (piR-rno-346434 and piR-rno-227431). Data across all rats were next analyzed to identify any non-coding RNAs that may be correlated with reduced sperm motility. A total of 7 microRNAs (miRNAs), 8 RNA fragments, and 1682 piRNAs correlated well with sperm motility. Utilizing our exposure paradigm herein, we were unable to substantiate the relationship between ozone exposure during maturation with sperm motility. However, these approaches served to identify a suite of non-coding RNAs that were associated with sperm motility in rats. With additional investigation, these RNAs may prove to have functional roles in the acquisition of motility or be unique biomarkers for male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian N Chorley
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Gary R Klinefelter
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Gail M Nelson
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Lillian F Strader
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Helen H Nguyen
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Mette C Schladweiler
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Grant Palmer
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Makala L Moore
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Rachel D Grindstaff
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - William T Padgett
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Gleta K Carswell
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Anna A Fisher
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Urmila P Kodavanti
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Janice A Dye
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Colette N Miller
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.
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3
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Wei X, Zhang Z, Gu Y, Zhang R, Huang J, Li F, He Y, Lu S, Wu Y, Zeng W, Liu X, Liu C, Liu J, Ao L, Shi F, Chen Q, Lin Y, Du J, Jin G, Xia Y, Ma H, Zheng Y, Huo R, Cao J, Shen H, Hu Z. Inter- and trans-generational impacts of real-world PM 2.5 exposure on male-specific primary hypogonadism. Cell Discov 2024; 10:44. [PMID: 38649348 PMCID: PMC11035589 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00657-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to PM2.5, a harmful type of air pollution, has been associated with compromised male reproductive health; however, it remains unclear whether such exposure can elicit transgenerational effects on male fertility. Here, we aim to examine the effect of paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 on the reproductive health of male offspring. We have observed that paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 can lead to transgenerational primary hypogonadism in a sex-selective manner, and we have also confirmed this phenotype by using an external model. Mechanically, we have identified small RNAs (sRNAs) that play a critical role in mediating these transgenerational effects. Specifically, miR6240 and piR016061, which are present in F0 PM sperm, regulate intergenerational transmission by targeting Lhcgr and Nsd1, respectively. We have also uncovered that piR033435 and piR006695 indirectly regulate F1 PM sperm methylation by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of Tet1 mRNA. The reduced expression of Tet1 resulted in hypermethylation of several testosterone synthesis genes, including Lhcgr and Gnas, impaired Leydig cell function and ultimately led to transgenerational primary hypogonadism. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the transgenerational effects of paternal PM2.5 exposure on reproductive health, highlighting the crucial role played by sRNAs in mediating these effects. The findings underscore the significance of paternal pre-conception interventions in alleviating the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonghao Zhang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yayun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanlin He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wentao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenzi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fuquan Shi
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangbo Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangfu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Hongbing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhibin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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4
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Zhang Y, Wei J, Zhao S, Zeng Q, Sun S, Cao W. Ambient fine particulate matter constituents and semen quality among adult men in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133313. [PMID: 38147745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133313] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was associated with decreased semen quality, but the relationship between PM2.5 constituents and semen quality was unclear. We recruited 27,824 adult men attending an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China, between 2014 and 2020. We used a four-dimensional spatiotemporal deep forest model to estimate concentrations of PM2.5 mass and its chemical constituents, including organic matter (OM), black carbon (BC), sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), and chloride (Cl-). We employed linear regression models to estimate the association between PM2.5 mass and its constituents with various sperm parameters. Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with a reduction in sperm quality, with a percent change of - 5.69% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.53%, -2.85%) for sperm density, - 15.09% (95% CI: -22.24%, -7.94%) for sperm total count, - 1.63% (95% CI: -2.36%, -0.91%) for sperm progressive motility, and - 2.30% (95% CI: -3.04%, -1.55%) for sperm total motility. Among specific constituents, exposure to OM, BC, Cl-, or NO3- was associated with a reduction in these four semen quality parameters. The association was more pronounced among older men or individuals with lower levels of education. Our findings suggest that PM2.5 mass and each constituent were associated with decreased semen quality in adult men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangchang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Shi Zhao
- Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; 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.
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Laboratory of Allergic Diseases and Beijing Key Laboratory of Nasal Diseases, Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing 100005, China; School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Wangnan Cao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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5
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Cheng Y, Feng J, Wang J, Zhou Y, Bai S, Tang Q, Li J, Pan F, Xu Q, Lu C, Wu W, Xia Y. Alterations in sperm DNA methylation may as a mediator of paternal air pollution exposure and offspring birth outcomes: Insight from a birth cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117941. [PMID: 38103775 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117941] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Paternal exposure to environmental risk factors influences the offspring health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between paternal air pollution exposure mediated by sperm DNA methylation and adverse birth outcomes in offspring. We recruited 1607 fertile men and their partners from 2014 to 2016 and collected semen samples to detect sperm DNA methylation. Multivariate linear regression and weighted quantile sum regression models were used to assess the associations between paternal air pollution exposure and offspring birth outcomes. A critical exposure window was identified. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing was used to detect sperm DNA methylation. The results demonstrated that high paternal exposure to PM2.5 (β = -211.31, 95% CI: (-386.37, -36.24)), PM10 (β = -178.20, 95% CI: (-277.13, -79.27)), and NO2 (β = -84.22, 95% CI: (-165.86, -2.57)) was negatively associated with offspring's birthweight, especially in boys. Additionally, an early exposure window of 15-69 days before fertilization was recognized to be the key exposure window, which increased the risk of low birth weight and small for gestational age. Furthermore, paternal co-exposure to six air pollutants contributed to lower birthweight (β = -51.91, 95% CI: (-92.72, -11.10)) and shorter gestational age (β = -1.72, 95% CI: (-3.26, -0.17)) and PM2.5 was the most weighted pollutant. Paternal air pollution exposure resulted in 10,328 differentially methylated regions and the IGF2R gene was the key gene involved in the epigenetic process. These differentially methylated genes were predominantly associated with protein binding, transcriptional regulation, and DNA templating. These findings indicate that spermatogenesis is a susceptible window during which paternal exposure to air pollution affects sperm DNA methylation and the birth outcomes of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jialin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengjun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Department of Urology, Stanford Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Urology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 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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7
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Ruan Y, Bao Q, Wang L, Wang Z, Zhu W, Wang J. Cardiovascular diseases burden attributable to ambient PM 2.5 pollution from 1990 to 2019: A systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 241:117678. [PMID: 37984788 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117678] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient PM2.5 pollution (APMP2.5) was the leading environmental risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) worldwide. An up-to-date comprehensive study is needed to provide global epidemiological patterns. METHODS Detailed data on CVDs burden attributable to APMP2.5 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. We calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) to assess temporal trends in age-standardized rates of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) over 30 years. RESULTS Globally, CVDs attributable to APMP2.5 resulted in 2.48 million deaths and 60.91 million DALYs, with an increase of 122%, respectively from 1990 to 2019. In general, men suffered markedly higher burden than women, but the gap will likely turn narrow. As for age distribution, CVDs deaths and DALYs attributable to APMP2.5 mainly occurred in the elder group (>70 years). Low- and middle-income regions endured the higher CVDs burden due to the higher exposure to APMP2.5, and the gap may potentially expand further compared with high-income regions. For regions, the highest age-standardized rates of APMP2.5-related CVDs deaths and DALYs were observed mainly in Central Asia, while the lowest was observed in Australasia. At the national level, countries with the largest ASDR decline were clustered in western Europe, while Equatorial Guinea, Timor-Leste and Bhutan exhibited relatively rapid increases over this period. CONCLUSIONS The global CVDs burden attributable to APMP2.5 has contributed to the heterogeneity of spatial and temporal distribution. APMP2.5-related CVDs deaths have largely shifted from higher SDI regions to those with a lower SDI. Globally, APMP2.5-attributable CVDs pose a significant threat to public health and diseases burden has increased over time, particularly in male, old-aged populations. The governments and health systems should take measures to reduce air pollution to impede this rising trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Ruan
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China; Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Qinyi Bao
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China; Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lingjun Wang
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China; Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China; Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China; Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jian'an Wang
- Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China; State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, China; Cardiovascular Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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8
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Omolaoye TS, Skosana BT, Ferguson LM, Ramsunder Y, Ayad BM, Du Plessis SS. Implications of Exposure to Air Pollution on Male Reproduction: The Role of Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:64. [PMID: 38247488 PMCID: PMC10812603 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Air pollution, either from indoor (household) or outdoor (ambient) sources, occurs when there is presence of respirable particles in the form of chemical, physical, or biological agents that modify the natural features of the atmosphere or environment. Today, almost 2.4 billion people are exposed to hazardous levels of indoor pollution, while 99% of the global population breathes air pollutants that exceed the World Health Organization guideline limits. It is not surprising that air pollution is the world's leading environmental cause of diseases and contributes greatly to the global burden of diseases. Upon entry, air pollutants can cause an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by undergoing oxidation to generate quinones, which further act as oxidizing agents to yield more ROS. Excessive production of ROS can cause oxidative stress, induce lipid peroxidation, enhance the binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to their receptors, or bind to PAH to cause DNA strand breaks. The continuous and prolonged exposure to air pollutants is associated with the development or exacerbation of pathologies such as acute or chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative and skin diseases, and even reduced fertility potential. Males and females contribute to infertility equally, and exposure to air pollutants can negatively affect reproduction. In this review, emphasis will be placed on the implications of exposure to air pollutants on male fertility potential, bringing to light its effects on semen parameters (basic and advanced) and male sexual health. This study will also touch on the clinical implications of air pollution on male reproduction while highlighting the role of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temidayo S. Omolaoye
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Bongekile T. Skosana
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7602, South Africa; (B.T.S.); (L.M.F.); (Y.R.)
| | - Lisa Marie Ferguson
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7602, South Africa; (B.T.S.); (L.M.F.); (Y.R.)
| | - Yashthi Ramsunder
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7602, South Africa; (B.T.S.); (L.M.F.); (Y.R.)
| | - Bashir M. Ayad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Misurata University, Misratah P.O. Box 2478, Libya;
| | - Stefan S. Du Plessis
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates;
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7602, South Africa; (B.T.S.); (L.M.F.); (Y.R.)
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Sengupta P, Dutta S, Liew FF, Dhawan V, Das B, Mottola F, Slama P, Rocco L, Roychoudhury S. Environmental and Genetic Traffic in the Journey from Sperm to Offspring. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1759. [PMID: 38136630 PMCID: PMC10741607 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in the understanding of how sperm develop into offspring have shown complex interactions between environmental influences and genetic factors. The past decade, marked by a research surge, has not only highlighted the profound impact of paternal contributions on fertility and reproductive outcomes but also revolutionized our comprehension by unveiling how parental factors sculpt traits in successive generations through mechanisms that extend beyond traditional inheritance patterns. Studies have shown that offspring are more susceptible to environmental factors, especially during critical phases of growth. While these factors are broadly detrimental to health, their effects are especially acute during these periods. Moving beyond the immutable nature of the genome, the epigenetic profile of cells emerges as a dynamic architecture. This flexibility renders it susceptible to environmental disruptions. The primary objective of this review is to shed light on the diverse processes through which environmental agents affect male reproductive capacity. Additionally, it explores the consequences of paternal environmental interactions, demonstrating how interactions can reverberate in the offspring. It encompasses direct genetic changes as well as a broad spectrum of epigenetic adaptations. By consolidating current empirically supported research, it offers an exhaustive perspective on the interwoven trajectories of the environment, genetics, and epigenetics in the elaborate transition from sperm to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai 345050, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fong Fong Liew
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vidhu Dhawan
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Biprojit Das
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar 788011, India
| | - Filomena Mottola
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Rocco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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Lien HT, Tsai NC, Lin YJ, Lan KC. The effect of various air pollution and participants' age on semen quality in southern Taiwan. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 62:838-844. [PMID: 38008502 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the association between semen quality and air pollution in southern Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, 4338 males aged 21-70 years were recruited between 2001 and 2018 from a reproductive medical center. Semen quality was assessed according to standardized methods outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) Laboratory Manual 1999 and 2010, including total sperm count, progressive sperm motility (%), rapid progressive sperm motility (%), and sperm with normal morphology (%). All designated national air quality automatic continuous monitoring stations measured the levels of air pollution [particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3)], and was documented by Environmental Protection Administration in Taiwan. We collected data on the levels of air pollution based on the participants' residential addresses. RESULTS In our study, we found that progressive and rapid progressive sperm motility significantly decreased annually (p < 0.05). In addition, increasing age influenced total sperm count, progressive sperm motility, rapid progressive sperm motility, and sperm with normal morphology (p < 0.05). Among different air pollution, we observed SO2 was associated with lower rapid progressive sperm motility and lower sperm with normal morphology (β = -0.103, p = 0.043; β = 0.118, p = 0.001, respectively). However, NO2 was associated with higher rapid progressive sperm motility and a high number of sperm with normal morphology (β = 0.129, p = 0.002; β = 0.127, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The semen quality in southern Taiwan appears to have declined in recent years. The participant's age for semen analysis was most strongly associated with semen parameters, Moreover, a significant association between SO2 and NO2 levels and semen motility was observed, even after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Further study is required to analyze the dose-dependent effect of SO2 and NO2 on semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ting Lien
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ni-Chin Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chung Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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11
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Cai X, Ni H, Wang Q, Dai T, Wang L, Song C, Li Y, Li F, Meng T, Sheng H, Xiao L, Xu T, Yu X, Zeng Q, Guo P, Zhang X. Sperm quality decline associated with gaseous pollutant exposure: Evidence from a large cohort multicenter study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132330. [PMID: 37611389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor sperm quality is a prevalent cause of male infertility, and the association between gaseous ambient air pollutants exposure and semen quality remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between gaseous air pollution exposure with semen quality in a large-scale and multi-center study. METHODS We analyzed 78,952 samples corresponding to 33,234 study subjects from 2014 to 2020. The high-resolution grid pollution dataset was used to estimate personal exposures to CO, SO2, NO2 and O3 across entire stage of semen formation and three crucial stages. The linear mixed models were performed to evaluate the relationships. RESULTS The results showed that sperm count was inversely related to SO2 exposure (-0.0070, -0.0128 to -0.0011). Decreased sperm concentration was associated with SO2 (-0.0083, -0.0142 to -0.0024), NO2 (-0.0162, -0.0320 to -0.0005) and O3 (-0.0306, -0.0480 to -0.0133) during 0-90 lag days, respectively. Additionally, we observed significant decline of PR and total motility with SO2 exposure. Similar trends were observed for SO2 and CO exposure during 3 key periods. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that exposure to gaseous air pollutants may have negative impacts on sperm quality. These findings highlight the importance that critical periods of sperm development should be considered when implementing protective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Cai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Haobo Ni
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Qiling Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Dai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Lingxi Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Chunying Song
- Human Sperm Bank, the Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yushan Li
- Human Sperm Bank, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuping Li
- Human Sperm Bank, the Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianqing Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Human Sperm Bank, Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiqiang Sheng
- Human Sperm Bank, the Zhejiang Provincial Maternal and Child and Reproductive Health Care Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lina Xiao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Qinghui Zeng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Pi Guo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China; Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China.
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12
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Lu ZH, Sun B, Wang YX, Wu YR, Chen YJ, Sun SZ, Liang SJ, Xu S, Chang H, Chen HG, Zhang J. Ozone exposure associates with sperm quality indicators: Sperm telomere length as a potential mediating factor. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132292. [PMID: 37591176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132292] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Evidence linking O3 exposure and human semen quality is limited and conflicting and the mechanism underlying the association remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the associations between ambient O3 exposure and sperm quality parameters and explored the mediating role of sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and sperm telomere length (STL) among 1068 potential sperm donors who provided 5002 repeated semen samples over approximately 90 days. We found that every 10 μg/m3 increase in O3 exposure was associated with a decrease in STL, sperm concentration, total count, total motile sperm number, and semen volume. However, O3 exposure was associated with increased total motility and progressive motility. The association for sperm quality parameters was stronger when exposure was measured at spermatogenesis stages I and II. For STL, the strongest association was observed when exposure was measured at spermatogenesis stage II. Additionally, we found that approximately 9% and 8% of the association between O3 exposure and sperm concentration and count was mediated by STL, respectively. In summary, our findings suggest that O3 pollution may affect sperm telomere length, eventually leading to reduced semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Hua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 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, China; Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 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, Hubei, China; Departments of Nutrition and Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ya-Ru Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yu-Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sheng-Zhi Sun
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Jia Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Song Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hao Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 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, Hubei, China; Clinical Research and Translation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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13
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Zhang Y, Wei J, Liu C, Cao W, Zhang Z, Li Y, Zeng Q, Sun S. Association between ambient PM 1 and semen quality: A cross-sectional study of 27,854 men in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 175:107919. [PMID: 37104984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to ambient fine and respirable particulate matter is associated with poor sperm quality, but evidence for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1 μm (PM1) is scarce. We aimed to estimate the association between PM1 exposure and sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm total motility, and sperm progressive motility in Chinese men. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 33,221 men attending an infertility clinic in Hubei, China, between 2014 and 2020. Daily concentrations of PM1 data were estimated from a validated spatiotemporal artificial intelligence model. We used multivariate linear regression to estimate the association between PM1 exposure and sperm parameters during the spermatogenesis period after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), education, ever having fathered a child, and season of semen collection. In addition, we performed stratified analysis to assess whether the association was varied by age, BMI, and educational attainment. RESULTS A total of 27,854 participants were included in the final analysis. An interquartile range (17.2 μg/m3) increase in PM1 during the entire period of semen development was associated with declined semen concentration [-4.39% (95% CI: -7.67%, -1.12%)] and sperm count [-23.56% (95% CI: -28.95%, -18.18%)], reduced total motility [-0.86% (95% CI: -1.66%, -0.06%)] and progressive motility [-2.22% (95% CI: -3.00%, -1.43%)]. The associations were homogeneous across subgroups defined by age and education, but were more pronounced among men with underweight for sperm concentration and sperm count. We identified a critical exposure window of 0-9 lag days, 10-14 lag days, and 70-90 lag days before semen collection for sperm count and progressive motility. CONCLUSIONS Among men attending an infertility clinic in China, exposure to PM1 was associated with poor semen quality, especially during the 70-90 days before ejaculation. These results suggest that exposure to PM1 might be a novel risk factor for impaired semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangchang Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; 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
| | - Wangnan Cao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China; Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yufeng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; 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.
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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14
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Xu R, Zhong Y, Li R, Li Y, Zhong Z, Liu T, Wang Q, Lv Z, Huang S, Duan YG, Zhang X, Liu Y. Association between exposure to ambient air pollution and semen quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161892. [PMID: 36731563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence has linked exposure to ambient air pollution to a reduction in semen quality; however, the exposure-response associations are yet to be synthesized. OBJECTIVE To summarize the exposure-response associations between air pollution and semen quality. METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant studies published before April 20, 2022. Studies investigating the exposure-response association of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 with semen quality written in English were included. Semen quality parameters included semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, progressive motility, and normal forms. Random-effects and fixed-effects models were performed to synthesize associations in the meta-analysis. RESULTS The search returned 850 studies, 11 of which were eligible for meta-analysis. Each 10 μg/m3 increase of exposure to PM10 and SO2 was respectively associated with a 2.18 % (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.10 %-4.21 %) and 8.61 % (1.00 %-15.63 %) reduction in sperm concentration, and a 2.76 % (0.10 %-5.35 %) and 9.52 % (5.82 %-13.93 %) reduction in total sperm number. Each 10 μg/m3 increase of exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was respectively associated with a 1.06 % (95 % CI: 0.31 %-1.82 %) and 0.75 % (0.43 %-1.08 %) reduction in total motility, and a 0.55 % (0.09 %-1.01 %) and 0.31 % (0.06 %-0.56 %) reduction in progressive motility. No association was observed for PM2.5 or PM10 with semen volume; PM2.5, NO2, CO, or O3 with sperm concentration or total sperm number; and gaseous air pollutants with total or progressive motility. The association between air pollution and normal forms was not summarized due to insufficient number of studies. No significant publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to ambient PM2.5, PM10, and SO2 was inversely associated with sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, and/or progressive motility. Our findings add to the evidence that air pollution may lead to adverse effects on male reproductive system and suggest that reducing exposure to air pollution may help maintain better semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijun Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingxin Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihua Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiling Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziquan Lv
- Central laboratory of Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Suli Huang
- Department of Environment and Health, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuewei Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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15
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Zhang F, Li H, Xu W, Song G, Wang Z, Mao X, Wei Y, Dai M, Zhang Y, Shen Q, Fu F, Tan J, Ge L, He X, Yin T, Yang S, Li S, Yang P, Jia P, Zhang Y. Sulfur dioxide may predominate in the adverse effects of ambient air pollutants on semen quality among the general population in Hefei, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161472. [PMID: 36638985 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported potential adverse effects of exposure to ambient air pollutants on semen quality in infertile men, but studies on the general population have been limited and inconsistent, and the pollutants that play a major role remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the potential association between exposure to six air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, O3 and CO) during different sperm development periods and semen quality among the general population, and to explore the interaction between different air pollutant exposures. We included 1515 semen samples collected from the Human Sperm Bank. We improved individuals' exposure level estimation by combining inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation with satellite remote sensing data. Multivariate linear regression models, restricted cubic spline functions and double-pollutant models were used to assess the relationship between exposure to six air pollutants and sperm volume, concentration, total sperm number and sperm motility. A negative association was found between SO2 exposure and progressive motility and total motility during 0-90 lag days and 70-90 lag days, and SO2 exposure during 10-14 lag days adversely affected sperm concentration and total sperm number. Sensitive analyses for qualified sperm donors and the double-pollutant models obtained similar results. Additionally, there were nonlinear relationships between exposure to PM, NO2, O3, CO and a few semen parameters, with NO2 and O3 exposure above the threshold showing negative correlations with total motility and progressive motility, respectively. Our study suggested that SO2 may play a dominant role in the adverse effects of ambient air pollutants on semen quality in the general population by decreasing sperm motility, sperm concentration and total sperm number. Also, even SO2 exposure lower than the recommended standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) could still cause male reproductive toxicity, which deserves attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wenting Xu
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Health (ISLE), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ge Song
- School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhanpeng Wang
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Health (ISLE), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaohong Mao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mengyang Dai
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Feifei Fu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Ge
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shujuan Yang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Health (ISLE), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Siwei Li
- School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Peng Jia
- School of Resource and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Luojia Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei, China; International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Health (ISLE), Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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16
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Dai X, Chen G, Zhang M, Mei K, Liu Y, Ding C, Chang Y, Wu Z, Huang H. Exposure to ambient particulate matter affects semen quality: A case study in Wenzhou, China. Andrology 2023; 11:444-455. [PMID: 36252264 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Particulate matter (PM), including PM2.5 (PM ≤ 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter) and PM10 (PM ≤ 10 µm in aerodynamic diameter), is a component of air pollutants, which is linked to semen quality. However, the available evidence of association needs to be strengthened, and some studies have conflicting results. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the potential impacts of PM on semen quality during the full (0-90 days before semen examination) and three key sperm development windows (0-9, 10-14, and 70-90 days before semen examination). METHODS We included 1494 infertile men in the main urban area in Wenzhou, China, who had undergone semen examinations for fertility between 2014 and 2019. The impacts were assessed by multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS Overall, during the full sperm development window, PM2.5 and PM10 exposures were associated with declined progressive sperm motility (%) (β: -0.6; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): -1.07, -0.13 and -0.46; -0.59, -0.33) and total sperm motility (%) (-1.95; -2.67, -1.23 and -1.32; -1.82, -0.82), and associated with increased sperm concentration (106 /ml) (0.02; 0.006, 0.023 and 0.007; 0.001, 0.013) and total sperm number (106 ) (0.02; 0.01, 0.03 and 0.011; 0.004, 0.017). Furthermore, only PM2.5 exposure during the 10-14 days window was significantly associated with declined progressive motility (%) (-0.207; -0.395, -0.023). CONCLUSIONS During the full sperm development window, PM exposure has an adverse impact on sperm motility and positive impacts on sperm concentration and total sperm number. The adverse impact was more severe in the 10-14 days window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchao Dai
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kun Mei
- School of Geography Science and Geomatics Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanlong Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Cheng Ding
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanxiang Chang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Assessment Center of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hong Huang
- Research Center for Healthy China, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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17
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Ma Y, Peng X, Pan Z, Hu C, Xia Q, Cai G, Cao Y, Pan F. Linear and non-linear relationships between sulfur dioxide and semen quality: A longitudinal study in Anhui, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114731. [PMID: 36368370 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114731] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Existing evidence indicates that ambient air pollutants pose a threat to human semen quality; however, these findings are sparse and controversial. Besides, their non-linear dose-response relationship has not yet been well investigated. This study aimed to explore the linear and non-linear associations of gaseous air pollutants exposure with semen quality based on a large longitudinal cohort. A total of 15,112 males (with 28,267 semen tests) from the Anhui prospective assisted reproduction cohort were analyzed. Individual air pollutants exposure before semen tests in four exposure windows (i.e., 0-9, 10-14, 70-90, and 0-90 days) were estimated by inverse distance weighting interpolation. Linear mixed-effects models, cubic spline analysis and piecewise regression were used to test the potential linear and non-linear dose-response relationships. Ambient SO2 exposure was negatively associated with all semen quality parameters (all p values < 0.05), except for the progressive motility in the 0-90 and 70-90 days exposure windows. There were 'J' or 'U' shaped dose-response relationships of ambient SO2 exposure with total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, progressively motile sperm count, and total motile sperm count (p values for non-linearity < 0.05), but not sperm concentration. Piecewise regression analysis also indicated a negative association of SO2 exposure with semen quality only when SO2 exposure was below the cut-off points identified by cubic spline analyses, which were all smaller than 40 μg/m3, the 2021 updated WHO air quality guideline level for SO2 exposure. Overall, we found that SO2 exposure was negatively associated with semen quality. Ambient SO2 exposure could reach the maximum hazardous dose even below the WHO air quality guideline level for SO2 exposure, suggesting a refinement to the current guideline.
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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
| | - Xiaoqing Peng
- 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; School of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhipeng Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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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18
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Li X, Wang X, Wu Q, Guo R, Leng X, Du Q, Pan B, Zhao Y. Short total sleep duration and poor sleep quality might be associated with asthenozoospermia risk: A case-control study. Front Physiol 2022; 13:959009. [PMID: 36277203 PMCID: PMC9581216 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.959009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep has been related to a variety of health outcomes. However, no association between sleep and asthenozoospermia has been reported. The aim of this study is to first investigate the relationship between sleep status and asthenozoospermia risk. A case-control study, including 540 asthenozoospermia cases and 579 controls, was performed from June 2020 to December 2020 in the infertility clinic from Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. Data on sleep status were collected by Pittsburgh sleep quality index questionnaires and asthenozoospermia was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization guidelines. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated by logistic regression analysis to assess the aforementioned association. Results of this study demonstrated that compared with total sleep duration of 8–9 h/day, < 8 h/day was related to asthenozoospermia risk (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.05–1.99); compared to good sleep quality, poor sleep quality was associated with asthenozoospermia risk (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.04–1.77). There were multiplicative model interaction effects between sleep quality and tea drinking (p = 0.04), rotating night shift work (p < 0.01) on asthenozoospermia risk. However, we failed to detect any associations between night sleep duration, daytime napping duration, night bedtime, wake-up time, sleep pattern and asthenozoospermia risk. In conclusion, short total sleep duration and poor sleep quality might be related to asthenozoospermia risk. Further well-designed prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qijun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
| | - Renhao Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Leng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bochen Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Bochen Pan, ; Yuhong Zhao,
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning, China
- *Correspondence: Bochen Pan, ; Yuhong Zhao,
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19
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Effects of Cordyceps militaris fermentation products on reproductive development in juvenile male mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13720. [PMID: 35962055 PMCID: PMC9372929 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18066-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris (CM) is a popular medicinal fungus; however, few studies have focused on its impact on the male reproductive system. We evaluated the effects of CM fermentation products on the reproductive development of juvenile male (JM) mice. Mice were divided into four experimental groups, each fed 5% CM products (weight per weight (w/w) in normal diet): extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), fermentation broth (FB), mycelia (MY), and whole fermentation products (FB plus MY, FBMY) for 28 days, while mice in the control group (CT) were fed a normal diet. Basic body parameters, testicular structure, sperm parameters, and sex hormones concentrations were analyzed. Compared to the CT group, mice in the EPS, MY, and FBMY groups showed a significantly increased mean seminiferous tubule area (p < 0.05), mice in the FB and MY groups had significantly higher sperm concentrations (p < 0.05), and mice in the EPS, FB, and FBMY groups showed significantly increased ratios of motile sperm (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, EPS significantly promoted the ability of JM mice to synthesize testosterone (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all CM products significantly increased the food intake of JM mice (p < 0.05) but did not significantly change their water intake and body weight gain (p > 0.05). In conclusion, CM products, especially EPS, exhibit strong androgen-like activities that can promote male reproductive development.
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20
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Ma Y, Zhang J, Cai G, Xia Q, Xu S, Hu C, Cao Y, Pan F. Inverse association between ambient particulate matter and semen quality in Central China: Evidence from a prospective cohort study of 15,112 participants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:155252. [PMID: 35427605 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that ambient particulate matter (PM) is harmful to male fertility, but the associations between ambient PM exposure and semen quality were inconsistent. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the association between ambient PM exposure and semen quality based on a large prospective cohort. Using data from the prospective assisted reproduction cohort in Anhui province, China, we included 15,112 males with 28,267 semen tests, whose partner has undergone assisted reproductive technology from September 1, 2015 to September, 22 2020. Individual ambient PM, gaseous air pollutants, and temperature exposures of the participants during 0-90, 0-9, 10-14, and 70-90 days before semen quality tests were evaluated using inverse distance weighting interpolation. Linear mixed-effects models were conducted to evaluate the relationship between PM2.5 and PM10 exposures and standardized semen quality parameters. Models were adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, education attainment, occupation type, sampling month, temperature and the principal component of gaseous air pollutants. PM2.5 and PM10 were inversely associated with sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, total motile sperm count, and progressively motile sperm count during 0-90, 0-9, and 70-90 days period (all p < 0.05), but not 10-14 days period. The regression coefficients of PM2.5 exposure on semen quality parameters during 0-90 days period were larger than 0-9 and 70-90 days periods, and the effects of PM2.5 on semen quality parameters were stronger than PM10. Our results showed that ambient PM2.5 and PM10 exposures were associated with semen quality, during 70-90 days and 0-9 days before sampling, and the entire spermatogenesis process. The effects of PM2.5 on semen quality parameters were stronger than PM10, and the long-term effects of PM2.5 and PM10, throughout spermatogenesis, were stronger than the short-term effects.
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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
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 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
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool St, Hobart 7000, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Shanshan Xu
- 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
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 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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21
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Cheng Y, Tang Q, Lu Y, Li M, Zhou Y, Wu P, Li J, Pan F, Han X, Chen M, Lu C, Wang X, Wu W, Xia Y. Semen quality and sperm DNA methylation in relation to long-term exposure to air pollution in fertile men: A cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118994. [PMID: 35167929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Some studies have examined the association between air pollution and semen quality. While it is less of evidence on the sperm quality after long-term air pollution exposure, especially the co-exposure of different air pollution components. Additionally, the role of DNA methylation in it hasn't been confirmed. This study aimed to investigate whether long-term exposure to air pollution was associated with semen quality, as well as to explore the effect of sperm DNA methylation in such association. From 2014 to 2016, 1607 fertile men were enrolled to evaluate 14 parameters of semen quality. Exposure window was defined as one-year before semen sampling. Multivariable linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model were used to investigate the association between six air pollutants co-exposure and semen quality. Sensitivity analysis regarding at the normal semen quality group was also conducted. Semen samples were randomly selected from 200 participants to detect the genomic 5-methylcytosine (5 mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels in sperm. In the total population, PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 were negatively associated with sperm total motility (PM10: β = -2.67, P = 0.009; PM2.5: β = -2.86, P = 0.004; SO2: β = -2.32, P = 0.011; NO2: β = -2.21, P = 0.012). Results of the normal semen quality group were consistent with those from the whole population. WQS regression results indicated significant decreasing sperm total motility after the co-exposure of the six air pollutants (β = -1.64, P = 0.003) in whole participants. Wherein, PM10 accounted for largest proportion (43.4%). The 5-hmC level was positively associated with PM10 exposure (β = 0.002, P < 0.001). Long-term exposure to PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2, as well as co-exposure to six air pollutants, reduced semen quality in fertile men. As the most significant contributor of air pollutant, PM10 exposure decreased sperm DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiwen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peihao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Urology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiumei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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22
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Zhao Y, Zhu Q, Lin J, Cai J. Association of Exposure to Particulate Matter Air Pollution With Semen Quality Among Men in China. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2148684. [PMID: 35175344 PMCID: PMC8855237 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.48684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The health effects of exposure to particulate matter (PM) on male fertility remain unclear. Although PM exposure has been linked with semen quality, the results were inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of different size fractions of PM (<2.5 μm [PM2.5], 2.5-10 μm [PM2.5-10], and ≤10 μm [PM10]) exposure with semen quality in China. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data on men whose wives underwent assisted reproductive technology procedures in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China, from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2019. Participants were from 340 prefecture-level cities of China and were followed up from the date of their first visit until December 31, 2019. Data were analyzed from December 1, 2020, to May 15, 2021. EXPOSURES Exposure to PM2.5, PM2.5-10, and PM10 during the entire period (0-90 days before semen ejaculation) and key periods of sperm development (0-9, 10-14, and 70-90 days before semen ejaculation). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Semen quality, including sperm count, concentration, and motility. RESULTS A total of 33 876 men were included in the final analysis, with a mean (SD) age of 34.1 (5.7) years and large variation of PM exposure. For example, the median exposure to PM2.5 during the entire period of sperm development was 46.05 (IQR, 34.38-61.65) μg/m3. During the entire period of sperm development, exposures to higher levels of PM were significantly associated with lower total and progressive sperm motility. For total sperm motility, an IQR increase in PM2.5 exposure was associated with an estimated effect decrease of -3.60% (95% CI, -3.93% to -3.26%); an increase in PM2.5-10 exposure, with an estimated effect decrease of -0.45% (95% CI, -0.76% to -0.14%); and an increase in PM10 exposure, with an estimated effect decrease of -2.44% (95% CI, -2.91% to -1.96%). Similar results were observed for progressive motility. An IQR increase in PM2.5 or PM10 exposures was associated with an estimated effect decrease on sperm progressive motility of -1.87% (95% CI, -2.37% to -1.36%) and -1.05% (95% CI, -1.45% to -0.64%), respectively. However, no significant associations were observed between PM exposure during the entire period of sperm development and sperm count or concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that PM exposure may adversely affect sperm motility and highlight the need to reduce ambient particulate air pollution exposure for reproductive-aged men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Zhu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaying Lin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Cai
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Qian H, Xu Q, Yan W, Fan Y, Li Z, Tao C, Zhang F, Lu C. Association between exposure to ambient air pollution and semen quality in adults: a meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:10792-10801. [PMID: 34532803 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16484-9] [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: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution has become a global concern and may be hazardous to human reproductive capacity, but the impact of exposure to air pollutants on semen quality remains controversial. We performed the meta-analysis to examine the association between air pollution exposure and semen quality. We searched PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Library databases (before December 2019). We selected original epidemiological studies on humans, written and published in English, that provided quantitative information to determine the associations between air pollution and sperm parameters. A random-effects model was used when the pooled effect estimates were found to be heterogeneous (I2 > 50% or P < 0.05), otherwise, a fixed-effects model was applied. Publication bias was not evaluated for less than 10 included articles. Our meta-analysis showed that the standardised mean differences (SMDs) (95% confidence interval, 95% CI) of sperm concentration, sperm count, and sperm total motility were -0.17 (-0.20, -0.13), -0.05 (-0.08, -0.02), and -0.33 (-0.54, -0.11), respectively. However, exposure to air pollution was not related to sperm progressive motility (SMD = 0.00, 95% CI: -0.13, 0.12). The results indicated that exposure to air pollutants at a higher level was associated with impaired semen quality, including declined sperm concentration, reduced sperm count, and declined total motility. The results suggested that high level of air pollution exposure had a negative effect on semen quality. Improvement of air quality is important for enhancing semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Wenkai Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yun Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chengzhe Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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24
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Kumar S, Sharma A, Thaker R. Air pollutants and impairments of male reproductive health-an overview. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2021; 36:565-575. [PMID: 33544535 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Excessive air pollution, both ambient and indoor are might be detrimental to human wellbeing and are related to morbidity and mortality, it may also affect the reproductive function and its outcome. It is a recognized fact that air pollution contains several toxicants, gases, particulate matter, toxic metals etc. Some of them might affect reproductive and developmental process and a few are persistent. The information accessible on air pollution to human male reproduction is stated to affect semen quality by diminishing one or more sperm quality parameters i.e., sperm morphology, concentration, motility etc. and may causes sperm DNA damage, these might alter the fertility potential which in turn affect pregnancy or its outcome. The impact might be related to the pollutant's concentration and duration of exposure. The data on impact of air contamination on endocrine function are inadequate, inconsistence and the diversity of existence of air contaminants in area to area and multiplicity in semen quality parameters assessed in various studies as well as study design variables complicated the problem of evaluation of impact of air pollution on male reproduction. The data available suggests the air pollution is might be injurious to human male reproductive health, which depends upon amounts of air pollutants in the air, duration of exposure etc. but more comprehensive data are needed to substantiate the findings. The data are also needed on indoor air pollution on reproduction as people are might be subjected to greater quantities of some of the indoor air pollutants as compared to ambient air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- A-10, Radhey Kunj Apartment, Shahi Baugh, Ahmedabad, 380004, India
- National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR), Ahmedabad, 380016, India
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25
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Chen J, Li PH, Fan H, Li C, Zhang Y, Ju D, Deng F, Guo X, Guo L, Wu S. Weekly-specific ambient fine particular matter exposures before and during pregnancy were associated with risks of small for gestational age and large for gestational age: results from Project ELEFANT. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 51:202-212. [PMID: 34432047 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigations on the potential effects of ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on large for gestational age (LGA) are limited. Furthermore, no study has explored weekly-specific susceptible exposure windows for small for gestational age (SGA) and LGA. This study evaluated the associations of exposure to ambient PM2.5 over the preconception and entire-pregnancy periods with risks of SGA and LGA, as well as explored critical weekly-specific exposure windows. METHODS 10 916 singleton pregnant women with 24-42 completed gestational weeks from the Project Environmental and LifEstyle FActors iN metabolic health throughout life-course Trajectories between 2014 and 2016 were included in this study. Distributed lag models (DLMs) incorporated in Cox proportional-hazards models were applied to explore the associations of maternal exposure to weekly ambient PM2.5 throughout 12 weeks before pregnancy and pregnancy periods with risks of SGA and LGA after controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS For a 10-μg/m3 increase in maternal exposure to PM2.5, positive associations with SGA were observed during the 1st to 9th preconceptional weeks and the 1st to 2nd gestational weeks (P<0.05), with the strongest association in the 5th preconceptional week [hazard ratio (HR), 1.06; 95% confidential interval (CI), 1.03-1.09]. For LGA, positive associations were observed during the 1st to 12th preconceptional weeks and the 1st to 5th gestational weeks (P<0.05), with the strongest association in the 7th preconceptional week (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.08-1.12). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to high-level ambient PM2.5 is associated with increased risks of both SGA and LGA, and the most susceptible exposure windows are the preconception and early-pregnancy periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng-Hui Li
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Environmental Science and Safety Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Haojun Fan
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin, China.,Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Medical Genetic Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Duan Ju
- Medical Genetic Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Furong Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinbiao Guo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liqiong Guo
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin, China.,Wenzhou Safety (Emergency) Institute, Tianjin University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shaowei Wu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
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26
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Montano L, Donato F, Bianco PM, Lettieri G, Guglielmino A, Motta O, Bonapace IM, Piscopo M. Air Pollution and COVID-19: A Possible Dangerous Synergy for Male Fertility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18136846. [PMID: 34202243 PMCID: PMC8297116 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Several studies indicate that semen quality has strongly declined in the last decades worldwide. Air pollution represents a significant co-factor with the COVID-19 impact and has negative effects on the male reproductive system, through pro-oxidant, inflammatory and immune-dysregulating mechanisms. It has recently been reported that chronic exposure to PM2.5 causes overexpression of the alveolar ACE2 receptor, the entry route of SARS-CoV-2 into the organism shared by the lungs and testis where expression is highest in the body. In the testis, the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR pathway plays an important role in the regulation of spermatogenesis and an indirect mechanism of testicular damage could be due to the blockade of the ACE2 receptor by SARS-CoV-2. This prevents the conversion of specific angiotensins, and their excess causes inflammation with the overproduction of cytokines. PM2.5-induced overexpression of the alveolar ACE2 receptor, in turn, could increase local viral load in patients exposed to pollutants, producing ACE2 receptor depletion and compromising host defenses. By presenting an overall view of epidemiological data and molecular mechanisms, this manuscript aims to interpret the possible synergistic effects of both air pollution and COVID-19 on male reproductive function, warning that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the fertile years may represent a significant threat to global reproductive health. All of this should be of great concern, especially for men of the age of maximum reproductive capacity, and an important topic of debate for policy makers. Altered environmental conditions, together with the direct and indirect short- and long-term effects of viral infection could cause a worsening of semen quality with important consequences for male fertility, especially in those areas with higher environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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), “Oliveto Citra Hospital”, 84020 Oliveto Citra, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (I.M.B.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-0331-339452 (I.M.B.); +39-0816-79081 (M.P.)
| | - Francesco Donato
- Unit of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 21100 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Pietro Massimiliano Bianco
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Vitaliano Brancati 60, 00144 Roma, Italy;
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | | | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Ian Marc Bonapace
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (I.M.B.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-0331-339452 (I.M.B.); +39-0816-79081 (M.P.)
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (I.M.B.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-0331-339452 (I.M.B.); +39-0816-79081 (M.P.)
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27
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Yang T, Deng L, Sun B, Zhang S, Xian Y, Xiao X, Zhan Y, Xu K, Buonocore JJ, Tang Y, Li F, Qiu Y. Semen quality and windows of susceptibility: A case study during COVID-19 outbreak in China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111085. [PMID: 33812874 PMCID: PMC8542995 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the impact of air pollution exposure on semen quality parameters during COVID-19 outbreak in China, and to identify potential windows of susceptibility for semen quality. METHODS A retrospective observational study was carried out on 1991 semen samples collected between November 23, 2019 and July 23, 2020 (a period covering COVID-19 lock-down in China) from 781 sperm donor candidates at University-affiliated Sichuan Provincial Human Sperm Bank. Multivariate mixed-effects regression models were constructed to investigate the relationship between pollution exposure, windows of susceptibility, and semen quality, while controlling for biographic and meteorologic confounders. RESULT(S) The results indicated multiple windows of susceptibility for semen quality, especially sperm motility, due to ambient pollution exposure. Exposure to particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10), O3 and NO2 during late stages of spermatogenesis appeared to have weak but positive association with semen quality. Exposure to CO late in sperm development appeared to have inverse relationship with sperm movement parameters. Exposure to SO2 appeared to influence semen quality throughout spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION(S) Potential windows of susceptibility for semen quality varied depending on air pollutants. Sperm motility was sensitive to pollution exposure. Findings from current study further elucidate the importance of sensitive periods during spermatogenesis and provide new evidence for the determinants of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Li Deng
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, PR China
| | - Boyu Sun
- Wuyuzhang Honors College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Shifu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, PR China
| | - Yang Xian
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Yu Zhan
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, PR China
| | - Kehui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Johnathan J Buonocore
- Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
| | - Ya Tang
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, PR China
| | - Fuping Li
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
| | - Yang Qiu
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, PR China.
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28
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Wang L, Wu X, Du J, Cao W, Sun S. Global burden of ischemic heart disease attributable to ambient PM 2.5 pollution from 1990 to 2017. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128134. [PMID: 33297122 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to estimate the spatial and temporal variation in the PM2.5 associated ischemic heart disease (IHD) burden on a global scale between 1990 and 2017. METHODS We obtained data on IHD attributable to PM2.5 from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017. We used the numbers and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate (ASDR) of IHD attributable to PM2.5 by sex, socio-demographic index (SDI), and countries. We calculated the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) to assess the trends of ASMR and ASDR between 1990 and 2017. We further calculated the contribution of population growth, population aging, and mortality or DALYs changes to the total IHD deaths and DALYs attributable to PM2.5 between 1990 and 2017. RESULTS In 2017, IHD attributable to PM2.5 resulted in 977,140 (95% UI: 838,900-1123,240) deaths and 21.93 million (95% UI: 18.88-25.37) DALYs globally. There has been a significant change of attributable IHD burden, from being a common burden to one that mainly affects low and middle-SDI countries in Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa. This global change has occurred as a consequence of opposing trends in high-SDI countries and in Asia, Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa, which has led to some Asian countries having the highest IHD burden attributable to PM2.5 in 2017. CONCLUSIONS Although the global age-standardized burden of IHD attributable to PM2.5 has decreased from 1990 to 2017, there has been an unpleasant increase in some low and middle-income countries, mainly in Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Education Ministry, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China; Department of Neurology, Xi'an Ninth Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710052, China
| | - Xiaoming Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Education Ministry, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Jianqiang Du
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Education Ministry, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Wangnan Cao
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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