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Huang J, Jiang Z, Ruan Z, Sheng H, Liu S, Dong X, Su X, Feng L, Li Y, Xu H, Chen J, Xia H, Li T, Li J, Xu L, Lou J. Cr (VI)-induced ribosomal DNA copy number variation is associated with semen quality impairment: Evidence from human to animal study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116700. [PMID: 38981392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116700] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyze the possible role of rDNA copy number variation in the association between hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] exposure and semen quality in semen donors and further confirm this association in mice. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, whole blood and semen samples were collected from 155 semen donors in the Zhejiang Human Sperm Bank from January 1st to April 31st, 2021. Adult C57BL/6 J male mice were treated with different doses of Cr (VI) (0, 10, or 15 mg/kg b.w./day). Semen quality, including semen volume, total spermatozoa count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, and total motility, were analyzed according to the WHO laboratory manual. Cr concentration was detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The rDNA copy number was measured using qPCR. RESULTS In semen donors, whole blood Cr concentration was negatively associated with semen concentration and total sperm counts. Semen 5 S and 45 S rDNA copy numbers were negatively associated with whole blood Cr concentration and whole blood 5.8 S rDNA copy number was negatively associated with semen Cr concentration. In mice, Cr (VI) damaged testicular tissue, decreased semen quality, and caused rDNA copy number variation. Semen quality was related to the rDNA copy number in whole blood, testicular tissue, and semen samples in mice. CONCLUSION Cr (VI) was associated with decreased semen quality in semen donors and mice. Our findings suggest an in-depth analysis of the role of the rDNA copy number variation in the Cr (VI)-induced impairment of semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhaoqiang Jiang
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zheng Ruan
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huiqiang Sheng
- Zhejiang Mater Child and Reproductive Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaowen Dong
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Su
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lingfang Feng
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yongxin Li
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huadong Xu
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junfei Chen
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hailing Xia
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiaping Li
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Zhejiang Mater Child and Reproductive Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Jianlin Lou
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; School of Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Lin MW, Chen JY, Ye YX, Chen WY, Chan HL, Chou HC. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in male reproductive cells caused by sediment pollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 940:173578. [PMID: 38810737 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, mounting evidence has highlighted a global decline in male semen quality, paralleling an increase in male infertility problems. Such developments in the male reproductive system are likely due to a range of environmental factors, which could negatively affect the outcomes of pregnancy, reproductive health, and the well-being of fetuses. Different environmental contaminants ultimately accumulate in riverbed sediments due to gravity, so these sediments are frequently considered hotspots for pollutants. Therefore, understanding the detrimental effects of river sediment pollution on human reproductive health is crucial. This study indicates male germ cells' high vulnerability to environmental contaminants. There is a strong positive correlation between the concentration of complex accumulated pollutants from human activities and the reproductive toxicity observed in human testicular embryonic cell lines NCCIT and NTERA-2. This toxicity is characterized by increased levels of reactive oxygen species, disruption of critical cellular functions, genotoxic impacts, and the induction of cell apoptosis. This research marks a significant step in providing in vitro evidence of the damaging effects of environmental pollutants on the human male germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Wei Lin
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Jai-Yu Chen
- Institute of Analytical and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Xuan Ye
- Institute of Analytical and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yi Chen
- Institute of Analytical and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Lin Chan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Medical Science and Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiu-Chuan Chou
- Institute of Analytical and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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Grazia Mele V, Chioccarelli T, Diano N, Cappetta D, Ferraro B, Telesca M, Moggio M, Porreca V, De Angelis A, Berrino L, Fasano S, Cobellis G, Chianese R, Manfrevola F. Variation of sperm quality and circular RNA content in men exposed to environmental contamination with heavy metals in 'Land of Fires', Italy. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1628-1644. [PMID: 38885964 PMCID: PMC11291948 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can illegal discharge of toxic waste into the environment induce a new condition of morpho-epigenetic pathozoospermia in normozoospermic young men? SUMMARY ANSWER Toxic environmental contaminants promote the onset of a new pathozoospermic condition in young normozoospermic men, consisting of morpho-functional defects and a sperm increase of low-quality circular RNA (circRNA) cargo, tightly linked to contaminant bioaccumulation in seminal plasma. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Epidemiological findings have reported several reproductive anomalies depending on exposure to contaminants discharged into the environment, such as germ cell apoptosis, steroidogenesis defects, oxidative stress induction, blood-testis barrier dysfunctions, and poor sperm quality onset. In this scenario, a vast geographical area located in Campania, Italy, called the 'Land of Fires', has been associated with an excessive illegal discharge of toxic waste into the environment, negatively impacting human health, including male reproductive functions. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Semen samples were obtained from healthy normozoospermic men divided into two experimental groups, consisting of men living in the 'Land of Fires' (LF; n = 80) or not (CTRL; n = 80), with age ranging from 25 to 40 years. The study was carried out following World Health Organization guidelines. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Quality parameters of semen from CTRL- and LF-normozoospermic men were evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis; high-quality spermatozoa from CTRL and LF groups (n = 80 for each experimental group) were obtained using a 80-40% discontinuous centrifugation gradient. Seminal plasma was collected following centrifugation and used for the dosage of chemical elements, dioxins and steroid hormones by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Sperm morpho-functional investigations (cellular morphology, acrosome maturation, IZUMO1 fertility marker analysis, plasma membrane lipid state, oxidative stress) were assessed on the purified high-quality spermatozoa fraction by immunochemistry/immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. Sperm circRNA cargo was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR, and the physical interaction among circRNAs and fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein was detected using an RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay. Protein immunoprecipitation experiments were carried out to demonstrate FUS/p-300 protein interaction in sperm cells. Lastly, in vitro lead (Pb) treatment of high-quality spermatozoa collected from normozoospermic controls was used to investigate a correlation between Pb accumulation and onset of the morpho-epigenetic pathozoospermic phenotype. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several morphological defects were identified in LF-spermatozoa, including: a significant increase (P < 0.05 versus CTRL) in the percentage of spermatozoa characterized by structural defects in sperm head and tail; and a high percentage (P < 0.01) of peanut agglutinin and IZUMO1 null signal cells. In agreement with these data, abnormal steroid hormone levels in LF seminal plasma suggest a premature acrosome reaction onset in LF-spermatozoa. The abnormal immunofluorescence signals of plasma membrane cholesterol complexes/lipid rafts organization (Filipin III and Flotillin-1) and of oxidative stress markers [3-nitrotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal] observed in LF-spermatozoa and associated with a sperm motility reduction (P < 0.01), demonstrated an affected membrane fluidity, potentially impacting sperm motility. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and dioxins occurring in LF seminal plasma and a direct correlation between Pb and deregulated circRNAs related to high- and low-sperm quality was also revealed. In molecular terms, we demonstrated that Pb bioaccumulation promoted FUS hyperacetylation via physical interaction with p-300 and, in turn, its shuttling from sperm head to tail, significantly enhancing (P < 0.01 versus CTRL) the endogenous backsplicing of sperm low-quality circRNAs in LF-spermatozoa. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Participants were interviewed to better understand their area of origin, their eating habits as well as their lifestyles, however any information incorrectly communicated or voluntarily omitted that could potentially compromise experimental group determination cannot be excluded. A possible association between seminal Pb content and other heavy metals in modulating sperm quality should be explored further. Future investigations will be performed in order to identify potential synergistic or anti-synergistic effects of heavy metals on male reproduction. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study provides new findings regarding the effects of environmental contaminants on male reproduction, highlighting how a sperm phenotype classified as normozoospermic may potentially not match with a healthy morpho-functional and epigenetic one. Overall, our results improve the knowledge to allow a proper assessment of sperm quality through circRNAs as biomarkers to select spermatozoa with high morpho-epigenetic quality to use for ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by 'Convenzione Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Caserta, Regione Campania' (ASL CE Prot. N. 1217885/DIR. GE). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Grazia Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Nadia Diano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Donato Cappetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Bruno Ferraro
- UOSD of Reproductive Pathophysiology, Marcianise Hospital, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marialucia Telesca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Moggio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Porreca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Liberato Berrino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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Ferrero G, Festa R, Follia L, Lettieri G, Tarallo S, Notari T, Giarra A, Marinaro C, Pardini B, Marano A, Piaggeschi G, Di Battista C, Trifuoggi M, Piscopo M, Montano L, Naccarati A. Small noncoding RNAs and sperm nuclear basic proteins reflect the environmental impact on germ cells. Mol Med 2024; 30:12. [PMID: 38243211 PMCID: PMC10799426 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00776-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular techniques can complement conventional spermiogram analyses to provide new information on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa and to identify early alterations due to environmental pollution. METHODS Here, we present a multilevel molecular profiling by small RNA sequencing and sperm nuclear basic protein analysis of male germ cells from 33 healthy young subjects residing in low and high-polluted areas. RESULTS Although sperm motility and sperm concentration were comparable between samples from the two sites, those from the high-pollution area had a higher concentration of immature/immune cells, a lower protamine/histone ratio, a reduced ability of sperm nuclear basic proteins to protect DNA from oxidative damage, and an altered copper/zinc ratio in sperm. Sperm levels of 32 microRNAs involved in intraflagellar transport, oxidative stress response, and spermatogenesis were different between the two areas. In parallel, a decrease of Piwi-interacting RNA levels was observed in samples from the high-polluted area. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive analysis provides new insights into pollution-driven epigenetic alterations in sperm not detectable by spermiogram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Ferrero
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, University of Turin, Corso Svizzera, 185, 10149, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosaria Festa
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Follia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Sonia Tarallo
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check-Up PolyDiagnostic and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Pardini
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggeschi
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Di Battista
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-FoodFertility Project), S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital, 84020, Oliveto Citra, Salerno, Italy.
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessio Naccarati
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o IRCCS Candiolo, SP 142 Km. 3,95, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
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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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Montano L, Giorgini E, Notarstefano V, Notari T, Ricciardi M, Piscopo M, Motta O. Raman Microspectroscopy evidence of microplastics in human semen. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:165922. [PMID: 37532047 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in human fluids and organs is a great concern, since, as highlighted by recent studies on animal models, they could cause alterations of several physiological functions, including reproduction. In this study, semen samples collected from men living in a polluted area of the Campania Region (Southern Italy), were analyzed to assess the presence of MPs. N. 16 pigmented microplastic fragments (ranging from 2 to 6 μm in size) with spheric or irregular shapes were found in six out of ten samples. All the detected MPs were characterized in terms of morphology (size, colour, and shape) and chemical composition by Raman Microspectroscopy. Chemical composition showed the presence of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM) and acrylic, suggesting ingestion and/or inhalation as a route of exposure to environmental MPs. In this work, we propose for the first time a mechanism by which MPs pass into the semen most likely through the epididymis and seminal vesicles, which are the most susceptible to inflammation.
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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 (Eco-Food Fertility Project), "S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital", 84020 Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy; PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Giorgini
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, DiSVA, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Valentina Notarstefano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, DiSVA, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, AN, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check-Up PolyDiagnostics and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Ricciardi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
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Corsetti V, Notari T, Montano L. Effects of the low-carb organic Mediterranean diet on testosterone levels and sperm DNA fragmentation. Curr Res Food Sci 2023; 7:100636. [PMID: 38045510 PMCID: PMC10689274 DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The causes of male infertility can vary. Lifestyles, environmental factors, stressful conditions, and socio-economic conditions are significant factors. Diet plays a crucial role in improving a man's reproductive capacity. The appropriate diet should be diverse and ensure the intake of all the necessary nutrients to enhance sperm quality. The Mediterranean diet, which includes high amounts of vegetables and fruits rich in detoxifying and antioxidant substances, as well as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and microelements, especially when consumed with organic foods and a lower carbohydrate regimen, are the key aspects addressed in this study. The objective of this research was to modify the diets of 50 subfertile men by providing them with a specific nutritional plan. This plan included consuming 80% organic foods, introducing whole grains and low glycemic load options, eliminating refined carbohydrates, consuming green leafy vegetables and red fruits daily, reducing or eliminating dairy products, consuming primarily grass-fed meat and wild caught seafood, eliminating saturated fats in favor of healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. After three months of adhering to the low-carb food plan, testosterone levels significantly increased, while sperm DNA fragmentation decreased in a subgroup of individuals who reduced their carbohydrate intake by 35%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Corsetti
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)-CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check Up -Polydiagnostic and Research Laboratory, Andrology Unit, Viale Andrea De Luca 5/c, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (Eco-Food Fertility Project), “S. Francesco di Assisi Hospital”, 84020, Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133, Rome, Italy
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8
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Puliatti S, Toso S, Ticonosco M, Rabito S, Sighinolfi MC, Ferrari R, Rochira V, Santi D, Trenti T, Navarra M, Ferretti S, Montano L, Micali S. Semen Analysis in "Urology-Naïve" Patients: A Chance of Uroandrological Screening in Young Males. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113803. [PMID: 37298000 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113803] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: While females start their gynecological examinations during puberty, only few men decide to be visited by urologists in their youth. Given the participation in the EcoFoodFertility research project, our department had the opportunity to screen young males that were supposedly healthy. (2) Results: from January 2019 to July 2020, we evaluated 157 patients with sperm, blood analysis, and uroandrological examinations. The inclusion criteria were age 18-40 and absence of previous urological disease (urology-naïve). The primary endpoint of the study was to record uroandrological diseases that are occasionally discovered during examination in asymptomatic young men. The average age was 26.9 years (range 18-40); average testicular volume was 15.7 mL (range 12-22 mL); and 45.2% reported abnormal semen analysis: 62 cases of teratozoospermia, 27 asthenozoospermia, 18 oligozoospermia, and 2 azoospermia were discovered respectively; 4/157 patients were diagnosed with hypogonadism; 2 cases with suspicious testicular mass resulted in testicular cancer; and 31 suspected varicoceles and 8 patients with mild sexual dysfunctions were managed. (3) Conclusions: an uroandrological evaluation of young asymptomatic males allowed for the prompt diagnosis of different urological conditions, including cancerous ones, in our series. Despite being debatable, combining urological counselling with physical examination, semen analysis, and a laboratory profile could be useful and cost-effective in order to ameliorate male health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Puliatti
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Toso
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Ticonosco
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rabito
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Ferrari
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Toxicology and Advanced Diagnostics, Ospedale S. Agostino-Estense, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferretti
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in Uroandrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project), Oliveto Citra Hospital, 84124 Salerno, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Micali
- Department of Urology, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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9
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Stojsavljević A, Zečević N, Mihailović M, Jagodić J, Đurđić S, Perović M, Manojlović D. Elemental profiling of human semen with confirmed normozoospermia: Baseline levels for 44 elements. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 74:127081. [PMID: 36152465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a consequence of the progressive decline in human semen quality in recent decades, modern epidemiological investigations have identified several trace elements that could be responsible for this phenomenon. However, their levels in semen have not been clearly elucidated, particularly for elements present in ultra-trace levels. METHODS We aimed to determine the levels of 39 (ultra)trace elements and 5 macroelements in human semen samples with confirmed normozoospermia using ICP-based techniques. The research was amplified by analyzing blood samples from the same participants. RESULTS Among the analyzed (ultra)trace elements in semen samples, Zn is the most and Tm is the least prominent. Zn levels in semen are so high that Zn should be considered as a macroelement in this matrix. The levels of Zn, Rh, Sm, Re, Ir, Tl, Na, and Ca were significantly higher in semen, while the levels of Cu, As, Rb, Gd, Sb, Tb, Tm, Lu, K, and Fe were significantly higher in blood. Correlation analysis of the levels of 44 individual elements in paired semen and blood samples revealed positive correlations between 43 of the elements, particularly for Tl and Pt. An exception was the negative correlation for Cu, which showed that its high level in semen is associated with a low level in blood and contrariwise. CONCLUSION The reported data can be used as baseline levels/reference values for 44 elements in human semen. Furthermore, the findings of this study could be relevant for further consideration of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Stojsavljević
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia; Innovative Centre of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Nebojša Zečević
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mladen Mihailović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Studentski trg 16, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovana Jagodić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slađana Đurđić
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Perović
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics Narodni front, Kraljice Natalije 62, Belgrade, Serbia; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine, Dr Subotića starijeg 8, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Manojlović
- University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, Serbia
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10
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Karabulut S, Korkmaz S, Güneş E, Kabil E, Keskin İ, Usta M, Omurtag GZ. Seminal trace elements and their relationship with sperm parameters. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14610. [PMID: 36175375 DOI: 10.1111/and.14610] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive problems may derive from many reasons including the environmental toxicants which may either intaken by occupational exposure, nutrition or bad air quality. The increased exposure to these substances due to rapid industrial development and technology has raised the questions: Is there a relationship between sperm parameters and these substances, and if so, in what extent? Results of studies on the subject reported conflicting results, many of which were not investigated in the seminal plasma. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between 23 metals and trace elements in human seminal plasma and semen parameters many of which were not investigated before. Levels of 23 metals in human seminal plasma were assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We examined the differences between subjects with normal ejaculate (normozoospermia) and pathologic ejaculate (with at least one abnormal semen parameter) according to the WHO criteria. The only significant difference was detected for Se while the other element's difference was not statistically significant. Se was statistically significantly increased in normal semen group suggesting the positive effect of this element on semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Karabulut
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Health Science and Technologies Research Institute (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serol Korkmaz
- Doping Control Laboratory, Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ertuğrul Güneş
- Doping Control Laboratory, Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erol Kabil
- Doping Control Laboratory, Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İlknur Keskin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Health Science and Technologies Research Institute (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melek Usta
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Health Science and Technologies Research Institute (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülden Zehra Omurtag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
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11
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Nunzio AD, Giarra A, Toscanesi M, Amoresano A, Piscopo M, Ceretti E, Zani C, Lorenzetti S, Trifuoggi M, Montano L. Comparison between Macro and Trace Element Concentrations in Human Semen and Blood Serum in Highly Polluted Areas in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811635. [PMID: 36141930 PMCID: PMC9517217 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Macro and trace elements are important regulators of biological processes, including those ones linked to reproduction. Among them, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, and Zn ensure normal spermatic functions. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of 26 macro and trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, U, V, and Zn) in blood serum and also in semen of healthy young men, homogeneous for age, anthropometric characteristics, and lifestyle, living in three highly polluted areas in Italy. Furthermore, a comparison among three geographical areas was performed to highlight any difference in the investigated parameters and, overall, to speculate any correlations between chemical elements and semen quality. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the three areas were found for each investigated element, in both semen and serum samples, where inter-area differences were more evident in semen than in blood serum, suggesting human semen as an early environmental marker. Considering the homogeneity of three cohorts, these differences could be due more to environmental conditions in the recruiting areas, suggesting that variations in those involved in reproductive-associated pathways can have an impact on male fertility. Nevertheless, more research is needed to evaluate threshold values for sperm dysfunction and male infertility. Actually, the role of different dietary intake and environmental exposure underlying the observed differences in the recruiting areas is under further investigation for the same cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Di Nunzio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Toscanesi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi-Consorzio Interuniversitario, Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Lorenzetti
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project), Italy “Oliveto Citra Hospital”, Oliveto Citra, 84020 Salerno, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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12
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Maciejewski R, Radzikowska-Büchner E, Flieger W, Kulczycka K, Baj J, Forma A, Flieger J. An Overview of Essential Microelements and Common Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Male Fertility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191711066. [PMID: 36078782 PMCID: PMC9518444 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Numerous factors affect reproduction, including stress, diet, obesity, the use of stimulants, or exposure to toxins, along with heavy elements (lead, silver, cadmium, uranium, vanadium, mercury, arsenic). Metals, like other xenotoxins, can cause infertility through, e.g., impairment of endocrine function and gametogenesis or excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The advancement of nanotechnology has created another hazard to human safety through exposure to metals in the form of nanomaterials (NMs). Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a specific ability to penetrate cell membranes and biological barriers in the human body. These ultra-fine particles (<100 nm) can enter the human body through the respiratory tract, food, skin, injection, or implantation. Once absorbed, NPs are transported to various organs through the blood or lymph. Absorbed NPs, thanks to ultrahigh reactivity compared to bulk materials in microscale size, disrupt the homeostasis of the body as a result of interaction with biological molecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins; interfering with the functioning of cells, organs, and physiological systems; and leading to severe pathological dysfunctions. Over the past decades, much research has been performed on the reproductive effects of essential trace elements. The research hypothesis that disturbances in the metabolism of trace elements are one of the many causes of infertility has been unquestionably confirmed. This review examines the complex reproductive risks for men regarding the exposure to potentially harmless xenobiotics based on a series of 298 articles over the past 30 years. The research was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases searching for papers devoted to in vivo and in vitro studies related to the influence of essential elements (iron, selenium, manganese, cobalt, zinc, copper, and molybdenum) and widely used metallic NPs on male reproduction potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wojciech Flieger
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Kulczycka
- Institute of Health Sciences, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8B, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81448-7182
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13
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Perrone P, Lettieri G, Marinaro C, Longo V, Capone S, Forleo A, Pappalardo S, Montano L, Piscopo M. Molecular Alterations and Severe Abnormalities in Spermatozoa of Young Men Living in the "Valley of Sacco River" (Latium, Italy): A Preliminary Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191711023. [PMID: 36078739 PMCID: PMC9518305 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The Valley of Sacco River (VSR) (Latium, Italy) is an area with large-scale industrial chemical production that has led over time to significant contamination of soil and groundwater with various industrial pollutants, such as organic pesticides, dioxins, organic solvents, heavy metals, and particularly, volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In the present study, we investigated the potential impact of VOCs on the spermatozoa of healthy young males living in the VSR, given the prevalent presence of several VOCs in the semen of these individuals. To accomplish this, spermiograms were conducted followed by molecular analyses to assess the content of sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) in addition to the protamine-histone ratio and DNA binding of these proteins. We found drastic alterations in the spermatozoa of these young males living in the VSR. Alterations were seen in sperm morphology, sperm motility, sperm count, and protamine/histone ratios, and included significant reductions in SNBP-DNA binding capacity. Our results provide preliminary indications of a possible correlation between the observed alterations and the presence of specific VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Perrone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Marinaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Longo
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Simonetta Capone
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Angiola Forleo
- Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project),
Oliveto Citra Hospital, 84020 Oliveto Citra, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
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14
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Tang F, Jiang Z, Jin M, Sheng H, Feng L, Chen J, Li Y, Huang J, Xu L, Lou J. Association of occupations with decreased semen quality in eastern China: a cross-sectional study of 12 301 semen donors. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061354. [PMID: 36028265 PMCID: PMC9422844 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to examine the association between occupational factors and semen quality in semen donors in eastern China. METHODS We recruited 12 301 semen donors from 2006 to 2020 as the studying population. A self-designed questionnaire was applied for collecting lifestyle and work style information. Semen samples were analysed according to WHO guidelines. A crude and adjusted linear regression model was used to analyse the association between occupational factors and semen quality. RESULTS College students accounted for 36.2% of all semen donors. The majority (81.3%) of semen donors were between 18 year and 30 years. Soldiers or the police had the highest semen volume (the median value=3.8 mL), however, they had the lowest sperm concentration (53.6×106/ml) and sperm motility (45.5%). Workers in finance or insurance had an elevated risk of low semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count (OR=1.43, 1.57 and 1.98, respectively). Unemployed men had a high risk of low sperm concentration and low total sperm count (OR=1.84 and 1.58, respectively). Working in the information technology industry had a deleterious effect on the progressive motility of sperm (OR=1.27, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.57). CONCLUSION Our study indicated that sedentary work style and intensive sports in certain professions might be associated with decreased semen quality. We reported evidence of becoming unemployed on the damage to semen quality. Hence, we advocate a healthy work style to improve semen quality in eastern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Tang
- Human Sperm Bank, Zhejiang Mater Child and Reproductive Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaoqiang Jiang
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingying Jin
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiqiang Sheng
- Human Sperm Bank, Zhejiang Mater Child and Reproductive Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingfang Feng
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfei Chen
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongxin Li
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Huang
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Human Sperm Bank, Zhejiang Mater Child and Reproductive Health Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianlin Lou
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, and The First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
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15
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Longo V, Forleo A, Radogna AV, Siciliano P, Notari T, Pappalardo S, Piscopo M, Montano L, Capone S. A novel human biomonitoring study by semiconductor gas sensors in Exposomics: investigation of health risk in contaminated sites. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 304:119119. [PMID: 35341815 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Two areas in central-southern Italy Land of Fires in Campania and Valley of Sacco river in Lazio are known to be contaminated sites, the first due to illegal fly-tipping and toxic fires, and the second due to an intensive industrial exploitation done by no-scruple companies and crooked public administration offices with dramatic consequences for environment and resident people. The work is intended to contribute to Human BioMonitoring (HBM) studies conducted in these areas on healthy young male population by a semiconductor gas sensor array trained by SPME-GC/MS. Human semen, blood and urine were investigated. The fingerprinting of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by a gas sensors system allowed to discriminate the different contamination of the two areas and was able to predict the chemical concentration of several VOCs identified by GC/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Longo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy
| | - Angiola Forleo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonio Vincenzo Radogna
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy; Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Pietro Siciliano
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Reproductive Medicine Unit of Check Up Polydiagnostic Center, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project), Italy "Oliveto Citra Hospital", Salerno, Italy; PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Un. of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Capone
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy.
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16
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Association between sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number and deletion rate and industrial air pollution dynamics. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8324. [PMID: 35585108 PMCID: PMC9117192 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12328-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of air pollution on men's reproductive health can be monitored by evaluating semen quality and sperm DNA damage. We used real-time PCR to analyse the effects of air pollution on sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and deletion (mtDNAdel) rates in semen samples collected from 54 men in two seasons with different levels of industrial and traffic air pollution. MtDNAdel rates were significantly higher following the high exposure period and were positively correlated with mtDNAcn. However, we did not find any difference in mtDNAcn between the two seasons. MtDNAcn was positively correlated with the DNA fragmentation index and the rates of sperm with chromatin condensation defects, previously assessed by sperm chromatin structure assay, and negatively correlated with sperm concentration, progressive motility, viability, and normal morphology. This indicates that mtDNAcn is more closely associated with male fertility than mtDNAdel rates. In contrast, mtDNAdel might be a more sensitive biomarker of air pollution exposure in urban industrial environments.
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17
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Jia X, Dong T, Han Y, Yue Z, Zhang P, Ren J, Wang Y, Wu W, Yang H, Guo H, Zhang GH, Cao J. Identifying the dose response relationship between seminal metal at low levels and semen quality using restricted cubic spline function. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 295:133805. [PMID: 35134404 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to metals, including essential and nonessential elements, may be related to semen quality. Our goal was to explore the continuous relationship between seminal metals and sperm parameters. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was applied to automatic selection criteria to ascertain the optimal smoothing degree. We recruited 841 male volunteers from Henan Province, China. Eighteen seminal metals, namely Al, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, As, Ni, Cd, Pb, Co, V, Rb, Ag, Ba, TI, Fe, and Li, and 21 semen parameters were detected. Seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) was also detected to express oxidative stress. We revealed a non-linear relationship of the vanadium and chromium exposure to semen parameters. There were inverse 'U' shapes found between seminal Cr and sperm concentrations, total sperm count, and semen quality. The best semen quality was observed when the seminal Cr concentration was 5.05 ppb, and an increase or decrease in chromium concentration led to decreased semen quality. The V concentration was associated with reduced sperm concentration, total sperm count, normal morphology, and progressive motility at high doses (V > 0.58 ppb). Seminal MDA had a strong adverse association with sperm motility parameters, such as curve line velocity (VCL) (P < 0.001), straight line velocity (VSL) (P = 0.004), velocity of average path (VAP) (P < 0.001), and lateral head movement (ALH) (P = 0.001), whereas it was adversely associated with seminal Zn (β [95% confidence interval (CI)], -0.28(-0.41-0.16), P < 0.001) after adjusting for confounding factors. Our findings represent the curves of the dose-response relationship between seminal Cr, seminal V, and semen quality, in which seminal MDA was a good indicator of sperm movement. These models provide new insight into the dose-relationship between metal exposure and semen quality, and further investigation is needed to validate this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueshan Jia
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Reproductive Center, Henan Provincial Peoples Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Tingting Dong
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yufen Han
- Puyang Maternity and Child Care Centers, 59 South Section of Kaizhou Road, Puyang, 457000, China
| | - Zhongyi Yue
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Pingyang Zhang
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jingchao Ren
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yongbin Wang
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Weidong Wu
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haibin Guo
- Reproductive Center, Henan Provincial Peoples Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Zhang
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jia Cao
- Henan International Collaborative Laboratory for Health Effects and Intervention of Air Pollution, School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, 453003, China; Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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18
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Cauci S, Tavano M, Curcio F, Francescato MP. Biomonitoring of urinary metals in athletes according to particulate matter air pollution before and after exercise. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:26371-26384. [PMID: 34855175 PMCID: PMC8637506 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17730-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution during physical exercise is a health issue because fine particulate matter (dimension < 10 μm; PM10) includes several inhalable toxic metals. Body metal changes in athletes according to air pollution are poorly known. Urinary concentrations of 15 metals: beryllium (Be9), aluminum (Al27), vanadium (V51), chromium (Cr51 + Cr52), manganese (Mn55), cobalt (Co59), nickel (Ni61), copper (Cu63), zinc (Zn61), arsenic (As75), selenium (Se82), cadmium (Cd111 + Cd112), thallium (Tl125), lead (Pb207), and uranium (U238) were measured before and after ten 2-h training sessions in 8 non-professional Italian American-football players (18-28 years old, body mass index 24.2-33.6 kg/m2). Collectively, post-training sessions, urinary concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, and Zn were higher than pre-training sessions; Al, Be, Cr, and U did not change; conversely, V decreased. Subdividing training sessions according to air PM10 levels: low (< 20 μg/m3), medium (20-40 μg/m3), and high (> 40 μg/m3), pre-session and post-session urinary concentrations of Be, Cd, Cu, and Tl were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in more polluted days, whereas V concentrations were lower (p < 0.001). All the remaining metals were unaffected. We first showed that PM10 levels modulate urinary excretion of some toxic metals suggesting an effect of air pollution. The effects of toxic metals inhaled by athletes exercising in polluted air need further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Cauci
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Michael Tavano
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Francesco Curcio
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University-Hospital, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Francescato
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe 4, 33100, Udine, Italy
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Male Infertility in the XXI Century: Are Obesogens to Blame? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063046. [PMID: 35328463 PMCID: PMC8948702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The permanent exposure to environmental contaminants promoting weight gain (i.e., obesogens) has raised serious health concerns. Evidence suggests that obesogens are one of the leading causes of the marked decline in male fertility and are key players in shaping future health outcomes, not only for those who are directly exposed to them, but also for upcoming generations. It has been hypothesized that obesogens affect male fertility. By using an interdisciplinary strategy, combining in silico, in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological findings, this review aims to contribute to the biological understanding of the molecular transformations induced by obesogens that are the basis of male infertility. Such understanding is shaped by the use of Adverse Outcomes Pathways, a new approach that may shift the paradigm of reproductive toxicology, contributing to the improvement of the diagnosis and management of the adverse effects of obesogens in male fertility.
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Al-Saleh I, Coskun S, Al-Rouqi R, Al-Rajudi T, Eltabache C, Abduljabbar M, Al-Hassan S. Oxidative stress and DNA damage status in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 2:117-139. [PMID: 35128448 PMCID: PMC8812407 DOI: 10.1530/raf-20-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the status of oxidative stress in 599 couples undertaking in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and its association with reproductive hormones, smoking, and outcomes. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in follicular fluid and seminal plasma. Tail moment (TM) was used to evaluate DNA damage in the sperm and granulosa cells. Reproductive hormones in serum and cotinine (COT) in urine, follicular fluid, and seminal plasma samples were determined. Separate multivariate linear regression was used to assess associations between levels of each oxidative stress biomarker and each hormone and smoking parameter (modeled as natural log-transformed). The findings indicate that some oxidative stress and DNA damage biomarkers played a role in disrupting certain reproductive hormones in women and their male partners either by overproducing reactive oxygen species or reducing antioxidant defense capacity. Although women were nonsmokers, COT levels > 50 and 10 µg/L in urine and follicular were observed in 5.7 and 1.7%, respectively. Levels of follicular fluid COT were positively associated with H2O2 and TM. We used log-binomial multivariate regression to estimate relative risks for the association between oxidative stress/DNA damage and IVF binary outcomes (fertilization rate > 50%, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth). An increase in the CAT levels of follicular fluid was associated with a 48 and 41% decrease in the risk of poor fertilization rate (≤50%) and unsuccessful live birth, respectively. After the models were adjusted for hormonal factors, the associations remained the same, except that the elevated TAC in follicular fluid became significantly associated with a decrease of 42% in the risk of poor fertilization rate (≤50%). The higher antioxidant activity (CAT and TAC) in follicular fluid might positively impact specific IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chafica Eltabache
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Al-Hassan
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Montano L, Maugeri A, Volpe MG, Micali S, Mirone V, Mantovani A, Navarra M, Piscopo M. Mediterranean Diet as a Shield against Male Infertility and Cancer Risk Induced by Environmental Pollutants: A Focus on Flavonoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031568. [PMID: 35163492 PMCID: PMC8836239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of environmental factors in influencing health status is well documented. Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, pesticides, ultrafine particles, produced by human activities put a strain on the body’s entire defense system. Therefore, together with public health measures, evidence-based individual resilience measures are necessary to mitigate cancer risk under environmental stress and to prevent reproductive dysfunction and non-communicable diseases; this is especially relevant for workers occupationally exposed to pollutants and/or populations residing in highly polluted areas. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by a high intake of fruits and vegetables rich in flavonoids, that can promote the elimination of pollutants in tissues and fluids and/or mitigate their effects through different mechanisms. In this review, we collected evidence from pre-clinical and clinical studies showing that the impairment of male fertility and gonadal development, as well as cancers of reproductive system, due to the exposure of organic and inorganic pollutants, may be counteracted by flavonoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL), 84124 Salerno, Italy;
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Maugeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Volpe
- Institute of Food Sciences, National Research Council, CNR, 83100 Avellino, Italy;
| | - Salvatore Micali
- Urology Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Mirone
- Department of Neurosciences, Science of Reproduction and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy;
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Food, Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary public health, Italian National Health Institute, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Michele Navarra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
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22
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Longo V, Forleo A, Ferramosca A, Notari T, Pappalardo S, Siciliano P, Capone S, Montano L. Blood, urine and semen Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) pattern analysis for assessing health environmental impact in highly polluted areas in Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117410. [PMID: 34052646 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) analysis is usually applied in pollution assessment by checking for toxic or harmful volatile compounds in air, water and soil samples. In this study, exogenous VOCs and their derivatives, metabolized by cells, were valued into specific body fluids. In particular, the VOC profiles of blood, urine and human semen samples collected from young men living in two high pollution areas in Italy, i.e. Land of Fires and Valley of Sacco River, were fingerprinted. The analysis is based on Headspace Solid Phase MicroExtraction (HS-SPME) followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric detection (GC-MS). The volatile composition of the three body fluids showed that some VOCs are in common between blood, urine and human semen samples, whereas others are present only in a body fluid. Some compounds, as well as also some chemical classes show a higher affinity for a specific body fluid. Statistical analysis allowed to discriminate the two contaminated areas and identify those compounds which significantly contribute to the two areas classification. Some of these compounds are toxic and found prevalently in Valley of Sacco River samples, correspondingly to sperm analysis results for young men living in this zona worse than those living in Land of Fires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Longo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy.
| | - Angiola Forleo
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferramosca
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Reproductive Medicine Unit of Check Up Polydiagnostic Center, Via A. De Luca 5, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Siciliano
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy
| | - Simonetta Capone
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Lecce, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project), Italy "Oliveto Citra Hospital", Salerno, Italy; PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology,University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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23
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López-Botella A, Velasco I, Acién M, Sáez-Espinosa P, Todolí-Torró JL, Sánchez-Romero R, Gómez-Torres MJ. Impact of Heavy Metals on Human Male Fertility-An Overview. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091473. [PMID: 34573104 PMCID: PMC8468047 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals are endocrine disruptors which interfere with processes mediated by endogenous hormones of the organism, negatively affecting endocrine functions. Some studies have correlated heavy metal exposure with male infertility. However, the number of studies conducted on humans are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on how heavy metals influence human male fertility. Hence, three distinct databases were consulted—PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—using single keywords and combinations of them. The total number of identified articles was 636. Nevertheless, by using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 144 articles were finally included in this work. Results display that the development of adequate instruments for heavy metal assessment may play an important function in human male fertility diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, clinical trials could be useful to confirm the role of heavy metals in human male fertility diagnosis. Overall, further research is required to fully understand the molecular and cellular basis of the influence of environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals on human male infertility and reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea López-Botella
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Human Reproduction, FISABIO—San Juan University Hospital, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.L.-B.); (I.V.); (M.A.)
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
| | - Irene Velasco
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Human Reproduction, FISABIO—San Juan University Hospital, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.L.-B.); (I.V.); (M.A.)
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
| | - Maribel Acién
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Human Reproduction, FISABIO—San Juan University Hospital, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.L.-B.); (I.V.); (M.A.)
- Gynecology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
| | - José-Luis Todolí-Torró
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; (J.-L.T.-T.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Romero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; (J.-L.T.-T.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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24
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Rubes J, Sipek J, Kopecka V, Musilova P, Vozdova M. Semen quality and sperm DNA integrity in city policemen exposed to polluted air in an urban industrial agglomeration. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 237:113835. [PMID: 34461579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined sperm quality in a cohort of city policemen in Ostrava at the end of a period with high concentrations of air pollutants (winter) and in the same cohort at the end of a relatively low exposure period (summer). METHODS The study group was comprised of 54 nonsmoking city policemen living and working in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Average daily air-pollutant concentrations recorded by stationary monitoring for 90 days preceding the collection of semen samples were evaluated for different city districts of Ostrava. Standard semen parameters were assessed according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (2010). The parameters were semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, sperm motility, acrosome reaction and sperm plasma membrane integrity. Sperm DNA damage was analysed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). Sperm motion characteristics were determined by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). RESULTS The concentrations of all monitored pollutants (particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, benzo[a]pyrene, benzene) were significantly increased during winter (p < 0.001), except for ozone, the concentration of which was significantly higher during summer. Sperm volume, concentration, % vitality, % sperm morphology (normal form) and % acrosome-intact sperm did not differ significantly between the monitoring periods. The percentages of total motility and progressive motility were significantly higher in March, i.e. at the end of winter (p = 0.001). However, CASA testing showed differences in sperm motion kinetics between spring and autumn samples. In the spring samples, we found a significantly lower % of straightness (p = 0.044) and the length of straight-line path (p = 0.01), while linearity and straight-line velocity were near the borderline value (p = 0.064; p = 0.054, respectively). As compared to summer, high exposure to air pollution during winter significantly increased the extent of sperm chromatin integrity damage (median 22.6 vs. 18.6%) (p = 0.003) and the proportion of immature spermatozoa (median 11.2 vs. 9.9%, p = 0.001). Sperm DNA damage negatively correlated with total motility and progressive motility (r = -0.611, -0.299; p < 0.001). The negative correlation with vitality, normal morphology and acrosome-intact sperm (r = -0.522, -0.550 and -0.511, respectively) was also significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The examination of the same cohort of city policemen at the end of a period of high air pollution and at the end of relatively low exposure reduced the effects of age, different lifestyles, different occupational exposures, localities and genetic polymorphism on sperm quality impairment associated with air pollution. This study did not demonstrate impaired standard semen parameters in association with exposure. It was shown that sperm chromatin damage and the percentage of immature sperm were highly sensitive to air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Rubes
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Central European Institute of Technology-Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jaroslav Sipek
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Central European Institute of Technology-Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vera Kopecka
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Central European Institute of Technology-Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Musilova
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Central European Institute of Technology-Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miluse Vozdova
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Central European Institute of Technology-Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
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25
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Could Kallikrein-Related Serine Peptidase 3 Be an Early Biomarker of Environmental Exposure in Young Women? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168833. [PMID: 34444582 PMCID: PMC8392638 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenols and phthalates affect androgen receptor-mediated signaling that directly regulates Kallikrein-Related serine Peptidase 3 (KLK3) secretion, indicating that environmental factors may play a role in KLK3 secretion. With the aim of obtaining preliminary data on whether KLK3 could serve as an early marker of environmental pollution effects, in 61 and 58 healthy women living in a high environmental impact (HEI) and low environmental impact (LEI) area, respectively, serum KLK3 levels at different phases of menstrual cycle were measured. KLK3 values resulted in always being higher in the HEI group with respect to the LEI group. These differences were particularly relevant in the ovulatory phase (cycle day 12°–13°) of the menstrual cycle. The differences in KLK3 values during the three phases of the menstrual cycle were significant in the LEI group differently from the HEI group. In addition, higher progesterone levels were observed in the LEI group with respect to the HEI group in the luteal phase, indicating an opposite trend of KLK3 and progesterone in this phase of the menstrual cycle. Although changes in KLK3 could also depend on other factors, these preliminary data could be an early indication of an expanding study of the role of biomarkers in assessing early environmental effects for female reproductive health.
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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. Semen quality as a potential susceptibility indicator to SARS-CoV-2 insults in polluted areas. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:37031-37040. [PMID: 34053043 PMCID: PMC8164491 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14579-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The epidemic of the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has impacted worldwide with its infectious spread and mortality rate. Thousands of articles have been published to tackle this crisis and many of these have indicated that high air pollution levels may be a contributing factor to high outbreak rates of COVID-19. Atmospheric pollutants, indeed, producing oxidative stress, inflammation, immuno-unbalance, and systemic coagulation, may be a possible significant co-factor of further damage, rendering the body prone to infections by a variety of pathogens, including viruses. Spermatozoa are extremely responsive to prooxidative effects produced by environmental pollutants and may serve as a powerful alert that signals the extent that environmental pressure, in a specific area, is doing damage to humans. In order to improve our current knowledge on this topic, this review article summarizes the relevant current observations emphasizing the weight that environmental pollution has on the sensitivity of a given population to several diseases and how semen quality, may be a potential indicator of sensitivity for virus insults (including SARS-CoV-2) in high polluted areas, and help to predict the risk for harmful effects of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. In addition, this review focused on the potential routes of virus transmission that may represent a population health risk and also identified the areas of critical importance that require urgent research to assess and manage the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit, EcoFoodFertility Project, Coordination Unit, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Oliveto Citra, Via M. Clemente, 84020 Oliveto Citra, SA Italy
| | - Francesco Donato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro Massimiliano Bianco
- ISPRA, Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Vitaliano Brancati 60, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Oriana Motta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Ian Marc Bonapace
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria (VA), Varese, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy
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27
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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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Ventura C, Gomes BC, Oberemm A, Louro H, Huuskonen P, Mustieles V, Fernández MF, Ndaw S, Mengelers M, Luijten M, Gundacker C, Silva MJ. Biomarkers of effect as determined in human biomonitoring studies on hexavalent chromium and cadmium in the period 2008-2020. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:110998. [PMID: 33713715 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110998] [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: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A number of human biomonitoring (HBM) studies have presented data on exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] and cadmium (Cd), but comparatively few include results on effect biomarkers. The latter are needed to identify associations between exposure and adverse outcomes (AOs) in order to assess public health implications. To support improved derivation of EU regulation and policy making, it is of great importance to identify the most reliable effect biomarkers for these heavy metals that can be used in HBM studies. In the framework of the Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) initiative, our study aim was to identify effect biomarkers linking Cr(VI) and Cd exposure to selected AOs including cancer, immunotoxicity, oxidative stress, and omics/epigenetics. A comprehensive PubMed search identified recent HBM studies, in which effect biomarkers were examined. Validity and applicability of the markers in HBM studies are discussed. The most frequently analysed effect biomarkers regarding Cr(VI) exposure and its association with cancer were those indicating oxidative stress (e.g., 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH)) and DNA or chromosomal damage (comet and micronucleus assays). With respect to Cd and to some extent Cr, β-2-microglobulin (B2-MG) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) are well-established, sensitive, and the most common effect biomarkers to relate Cd or Cr exposure to renal tubular dysfunction. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1 could serve as sensitive biomarkers of acute kidney injury in response to both metals, but need further investigation in HBM studies. Omics-based biomarkers, i.e., changes in the (epi-)genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome associated with Cr and/or Cd exposure, are promising effect biomarkers, but more HBM data are needed to confirm their significance. The combination of established effect markers and omics biomarkers may represent the strongest approach, especially if based on knowledge of mechanistic principles. To this aim, also mechanistic data were collected to provide guidance on the use of more sensitive and specific effect biomarkers. This also led to the identification of knowledge gaps relevant to the direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Ventura
- National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Human Genetics Department, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School/FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bruno Costa Gomes
- National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Human Genetics Department, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School/FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Axel Oberemm
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henriqueta Louro
- National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Human Genetics Department, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School/FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pasi Huuskonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PO Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Mariana F Fernández
- Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Sophie Ndaw
- French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), France
| | - Marcel Mengelers
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, Department of Food Safety, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Luijten
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Health Protection, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 10, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Maria João Silva
- National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Human Genetics Department, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), NOVA Medical School/FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal.
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Effects of a Lifestyle Change Intervention on Semen Quality in Healthy Young Men Living in Highly Polluted Areas in Italy: The FASt Randomized Controlled Trial. Eur Urol Focus 2021; 8:351-359. [PMID: 33579652 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human semen quality is affected by lifestyle and environmental factors. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the short-term effects of a diet and physical activity intervention on semen quality of healthy young men living in highly polluted areas of Italy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Healthy young men were assigned to an intervention or a control group. INTERVENTION A 4-mo Mediterranean diet and moderate physical activity program. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The primary outcomes were sperm concentration, motility and morphology, concentration of round cells, and semen total antioxidant capacity. Secondary outcomes were adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity. All outcomes were measured twice, at the enrollment (t0) and at the end of the intervention (t4). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS A total of 263 individuals attended all visits, and underwent examinations and laboratory analyses: 137 in the intervention group and 126 in the control group. The adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity level increased more in the intervention group than in the control group from t0 to t4. Sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, and proportion of normal morphology cells increased in the intervention group but decreased in the control group, with statistically significant differences between the two groups at t4. The total antioxidant capacity increased in the intervention group but decreased in the control group, from t0 to t4. CONCLUSIONS Study results showed that an intervention based on Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity can determine an improvement of semen quality in healthy young men. PATIENT SUMMARY Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of a lifestyle intervention on semen quality of healthy young men. We assigned the 263 enrolled individuals to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group followed a 4-mo Mediterranean diet and moderate physical activity program, at the end of which the participants showed an improvement of semen quality parameters.
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Pizzol D, Foresta C, Garolla A, Demurtas J, Trott M, Bertoldo A, Smith L. Pollutants and sperm quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:4095-4103. [PMID: 33196997 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility and semen quality have declined over recent decades. Among other causes, exposure to environmental and occupational pollution has been linked to adverse reproductive outcomes, but effects on male semen quality are still uncertain. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess current evidence regarding the impact of exposure to tobacco smoke and environmental and occupational pollution on sperm quality in humans. In the meta-analysis, 22 studies are included showing that environmental and occupational pollutants may affect sperm count, volume, concentration, motility, vitality and sperm DNA, and chromatin integrity. All included articles reported significant alterations in at least one of the outcomes studied in association with at least one of the pollutants studied. Considering that sperm quality can be considered a proxy for general health and that pollutants have a dramatic impact on climate change, it would be strongly recommended to better understand the role of pollutants on human, animal, and planetary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Pizzol
- Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, 33 Street, Amarat, Khartoum, Sudan.
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jacopo Demurtas
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mike Trott
- The Cambridge Centre for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lee Smith
- The Cambridge Centre for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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Lettieri G, Marra F, Moriello C, Prisco M, Notari T, Trifuoggi M, Giarra A, Bosco L, Montano L, Piscopo M. Molecular Alterations in Spermatozoa of a Family Case Living in the Land of Fires. A First Look at Possible Transgenerational Effects of Pollutants. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186710. [PMID: 32933216 PMCID: PMC7555199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In our previous work, we reported alterations in protamines/histones ratio, in DNA binding of these proteins and their involvement in DNA oxidative damage in 84% of the young men living in the Land of Fires. In the present work, we extended our findings, evaluating any alterations in spermatozoa of a family case, a father and son, living in this area, to also give a first look at the possibility of transgenerational inherited effects of environmental contaminants on the molecular alterations of sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBP), DNA and semen parameters. In the father and son, we found a diverse excess of copper and chromium in the semen, different alterations in SNBP content and low DNA binding affinity of these proteins. In addition, DNA damage, in the presence of CuCl2 and H2O2, increased by adding both the father and son SNBP. Interestingly, son SNBP, unlike his father, showed an unstable DNA binding and were able to produce DNA damage even without external addition of CuCl2, in line with a lower seminal antioxidant activity than the father. The peculiarity of some characteristics of son semen could be a basis for possible future studies on transgenerational effects of pollutants on fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (F.M.); (C.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Federica Marra
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (F.M.); (C.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Claudia Moriello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (F.M.); (C.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Marina Prisco
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (F.M.); (C.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Tiziana Notari
- Check Up—Day Surgery, Polydiagnostic and Research Centre, Reproductive Medicine Unit, 84131 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (A.G.)
| | - Liana Bosco
- Department of Biological, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.16, 90128 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit of the “S. Francesco d’Assisi” Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, EcoFoodFertility Project Coordination Unit, 84020 Oliveto Citra, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-082-879-7111 (ext. 271) (L.M.); +39-081-679-081 (M.P.)
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (F.M.); (C.M.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-082-879-7111 (ext. 271) (L.M.); +39-081-679-081 (M.P.)
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Lettieri G, D’Agostino G, Mele E, Cardito C, Esposito R, Cimmino A, Giarra A, Trifuoggi M, Raimondo S, Notari T, Febbraio F, Montano L, Piscopo M. Discovery of the Involvement in DNA Oxidative Damage of Human Sperm Nuclear Basic Proteins of Healthy Young Men Living in Polluted Areas. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124198. [PMID: 32545547 PMCID: PMC7349829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA oxidative damage is one of the main concerns being implicated in severe cell alterations, promoting different types of human disorders and diseases. For their characteristics, male gametes are the most sensitive cells to the accumulation of damaged DNA. We have recently reported the relevance of arginine residues in the Cu(II)-induced DNA breakage of sperm H1 histones. In this work, we have extended our previous findings investigating the involvement of human sperm nuclear basic proteins on DNA oxidative damage in healthy males presenting copper and chromium excess in their semen. We found in 84% of those males an altered protamines/histones ratio and a different DNA binding mode even for those presenting a canonical protamines/histones ratio. Furthermore, all the sperm nuclear basic proteins from these samples that resulted were involved in DNA oxidative damage, supporting the idea that these proteins could promote the Fenton reaction in DNA proximity by increasing the availability of these metals near the binding surface of DNA. In conclusion, our study reveals a new and unexpected behavior of human sperm nuclear basic proteins in oxidative DNA damage, providing new insights for understanding the mechanisms related to processes in which oxidative DNA damage is implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (G.D.); (E.M.); (C.C.); (R.E.)
| | - Giovanni D’Agostino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (G.D.); (E.M.); (C.C.); (R.E.)
| | - Elena Mele
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (G.D.); (E.M.); (C.C.); (R.E.)
| | - Carolina Cardito
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (G.D.); (E.M.); (C.C.); (R.E.)
| | - Rosa Esposito
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (G.D.); (E.M.); (C.C.); (R.E.)
| | - Annalinda Cimmino
- CNR, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, via Pietro Castellino, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.G.); (M.T.)
| | | | - Tiziana Notari
- GEA—Gynecology Embryology Andrology—Reproductive Medicine Unit of Check Up Polydiagnostic Center, 84131 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Ferdinando Febbraio
- CNR, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, via Pietro Castellino, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (L.M.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-081-613-2611 (F.F.); +39-082-879-7111 (ext. 271) (L.M.); +39-081-679-081 (M.P.)
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit of the “S. Francesco d’Assisi” Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, EcoFoodFertility Project Coordination Unit, 84020 Oliveto Citra, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (L.M.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-081-613-2611 (F.F.); +39-082-879-7111 (ext. 271) (L.M.); +39-081-679-081 (M.P.)
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (G.L.); (G.D.); (E.M.); (C.C.); (R.E.)
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (L.M.); (M.P.); Tel.: +39-081-613-2611 (F.F.); +39-082-879-7111 (ext. 271) (L.M.); +39-081-679-081 (M.P.)
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Pokhrel G, Shi Y, Wang W, Khatiwada SU, Sun Z, Yan J, Liu J, Zheng D. Correlation between urinary chromium level and semen quality in men attending an andrology laboratory. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:23301-23308. [PMID: 32335839 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08890-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chromium is an essential element that is required for the normal physiology but can be toxic to humans above a certain level. In spite of growing interest in research on chromium exposure to human health consensus about its effect on human, semen quality has not been achieved. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of chromium exposure on semen parameters. A total of 760 males attending andrology laboratory of Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, for routine semen analysis were enrolled and requested to provide semen and urine samples. The urine level of chromium was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was applied to examine semen parameters. Associations between semen parameters and urinary chromium were analyzed by means of multivariate linear regression analysis. Multivariate analysis showed a negative association between the urinary concentrations of chromium and progressive motility (β = - 0.014, p = 0.040) and total motility (β = - 1.077, p = 0.048), while other semen parameters did not show any statistically significant changes. Urinary chromium could influence semen quality parameters and impair male fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurab Pokhrel
- Department of Urology; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yihao Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wangcheng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shikha Upadhyaya Khatiwada
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongyang Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianqiao Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology; Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Ave, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Dan Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Gallo A, Boni R, Tosti E. Gamete quality in a multistressor environment. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 138:105627. [PMID: 32151884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, accumulated evidence confirms that the global environment conditions are changing rapidly. Urban industrialization, agriculture and globalization have generated water, air and soil pollution, giving rise to an environment with a growing number of stress factors, which has a serious impact on the fitness, reproduction and survival of living organisms. The issue raises considerable concern on biodiversity conservation, which is now at risk: it is estimated that a number of species will be extinct in the near future. Sexual reproduction is the process that allows the formation of a new individual and is underpinned by gamete quality defined as the ability of spermatozoa and oocytes to interact during fertilization leading to the creation and development of a normal embryo. This review aimed to provide the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of a broad spectrum of environmental stressors on diverse parameters used to estimate and evaluate gamete quality in humans and in canonical animal models used for experimental research. Effects of metals, biocides, herbicides, nanoparticles, plastics, temperature rise, ocean acidification, air pollution and lifestyle on the physiological parameters that underlie gamete fertilization competence are described supporting the concept that environmental stressors represent a serious hazard to gamete quality with reproductive disorders and living organism failure. Although clear evidence is still limited, gamete capacity to maintain and/or recover physiological conditions is recently demonstrated providing further clues about the plasticity of organisms and their tolerance to the pressures of pollution that may facilitate the reproduction and the persistence of species within the scenario of global change. Changes in the global environment must be urgently placed at the forefront of public attention, with a massive effort invested in further studies aimed towards implementing current knowledge and identifying new methodologies and markers to predict impairment of gamete quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gallo
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tosti
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
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Souza TL, Batschauer AR, Brito PM, Oliveira Ribeiro CA, Martino-Andrade AJ, Ortolani-Machado CF. Multigenerational analysis of the functional status of male reproductive system in mice after exposure to realistic doses of manganese. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 133:110763. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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36
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Silva EFDSJD, Missio D, Martinez CS, Vassallo DV, Peçanha FM, Leivas FG, Brum DDS, Wiggers GA. Mercury at environmental relevant levels affects spermatozoa function and fertility capacity in bovine sperm. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2019; 82:268-278. [PMID: 30870101 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2019.1589608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the last several years human sperm quality was found to be significantly reduced and the role environmental contaminants play in this phenomenon remain to be determined. Mercury (Hg) is one of the most widespread contaminants; however the correlation between metal exposure and adverse consequences on human and animals fertility are not completely established. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of direct exposure to inorganic Hg on male gametes using spermatozoa (bovine sperm) which characteristically resemble human sperm. Sperm were divided and incubated for 0.5, 1 or 2 h at low levels of Hg: i) Control: without exposure; ii) Hg8 nM: mercury chloride (HgCl2) at 8 nM and iii) Hg8 μM: HgCl2 at 8 μM. Sperm kinetics, morphology, sperm membrane integrity, and in vitro fertilization were assessed. In addition the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity were measured. Hg exposure for 2 h impaired sperm morphology and membrane integrity as well as kinetic parameters including curvilinear velocity and straight-line velocity, which are needed for fertilization as evidenced by the reduced fertilization rate in 8 μM Hg-treated gametes. Hg enhanced oxidative stress in male sperm as reflected by elevated levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant capacity. Data demonstrated that low levels of Hg when incubated with spermatozoa are sufficient to increase oxidative stress, adversely affect sperm quality parameters, subsequently impairing sperm fertility capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniele Missio
- b Graduate Program in Animal Science , Universidade Federal do Pampa , Uruguaiana , Brazil
| | | | - Dalton Valentim Vassallo
- c Departments of Physiological Sciences , Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo and School of Medicine of Santa Casa de Misericórdia , Vitória , Brazil
| | - Franck Maciel Peçanha
- a Graduate Program in Biochemistry , Universidade Federal do Pampa , Uruguaiana , Brazil
| | - Fabio Gallas Leivas
- b Graduate Program in Animal Science , Universidade Federal do Pampa , Uruguaiana , Brazil
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Kovacik A, Tirpak F, Tomka M, Miskeje M, Tvrda E, Arvay J, Andreji J, Slanina T, Gabor M, Hleba L, Fik M, Jambor T, Cisarova M, Massanyi P. Trace elements content in semen and their interactions with sperm quality and RedOx status in freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio: A correlation study. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 50:399-407. [PMID: 30262311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective of the present study was to investigate interactions between trace elements content and RedOx status, as well as sperm quality parameters (motility features, DNA fragmentation) in fish spermatozoa in natural conditions. Reproductively mature male freshwater fish (n = 16) of Cyprinus carpio breed were used in the study. Trace elements content was determined in fish milt samples by inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). Sperm quality evaluation was realized by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) quantifying several parameters: concentration, total motility, progressive motility, distance average path, distance curved line, distance straight line, velocity average path, velocity curved line, velocity straight line, straightness, linearity, amplitude of lateral head displacement and beat cross frequency. The general scheme of descending concentrations of trace metals in semen samples was following: Zn > Fe > Cu > As > Sr > Ni > Mn > Se > Pb > Cr > Cd > Hg. Total motility of spermatozoa was relatively high (91.45%), however progressive motility was not even half of this value (39.47%). Sperm DNA fragmentation values were relatively low (4.00-6.29%). The percentage of immotile spermatozoa showed a significant correlation with all RedOx status parameters and also with DNA fragmentation. Positive statistically significant correlations were observed between trace elements (Mn, Se, Sr, and Zn) and some qualitative spermatozoa parameters (velocity and distance parameters). Cu and Hg content shows similar negative associations with progressive motility. Hg also interacted with production of malondialdehyde. Overall, the present study suggests application of multi-component mixtures of environmentally related trace elements concentrations when assessing the potential reproductive risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Kovacik
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Filip Tirpak
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Marian Tomka
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Michal Miskeje
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Eva Tvrda
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Julius Arvay
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Jaroslav Andreji
- Department of Poultry Science and Small Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Tomas Slanina
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Michal Gabor
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding Biology, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Lukas Hleba
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Martin Fik
- Department of Poultry Science and Small Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Tomas Jambor
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Miroslava Cisarova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Nám. J. Herdu 2, Trnava, 917 01, Slovak Republic.
| | - Peter Massanyi
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
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Bosco L, Notari T, Ruvolo G, Roccheri MC, Martino C, Chiappetta R, Carone D, Lo Bosco G, Carrillo L, Raimondo S, Guglielmino A, Montano L. Sperm DNA fragmentation: An early and reliable marker of air pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 58:243-249. [PMID: 29448163 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors could have a key role in the continuous and remarkable decline of sperm quality observed in the last decades. This study compared the seminal parameters and sperm DFI in men living in areas with different levels of air pollution. Results demonstrate that both steel plants workers and patients living in a high polluted area show a mean percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation above 30%, highlighting a clear sperm damage. In this work, two different techniques were used to measure sperm DNA damage in patients' groups, finding in both cases a high sperm DFI in patients living in polluted areas. We candidate sperm DNA fragmentation as a valuable early marker of the presence and harmful effects of pollution. We suggest that sperm DNA evaluation could be both an indicator of individual health and reproductive capacity, and a suitable datum to connect the surrounding environment with its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Bosco
- Department of Biological, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.16, Palermo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Notari
- GEA - Gynecology Embryology Andrology - Reproductive Medicine Unit of Check Up Polydagnostic Center, Via A. De Luca 5, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Maria C Roccheri
- Department of Biological, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.16, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Martino
- Department of Biological, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Ed.16, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chiappetta
- Reproduction Center and Andrology, Via Scoglio del Tonno, Taranto, Italy
| | - Domenico Carone
- Reproduction Center and Andrology, Via Scoglio del Tonno, Taranto, Italy
| | - Giosuè Lo Bosco
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi, Palermo, Italy; Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Via Michele Miraglia, Palermo
| | - Laura Carrillo
- Reproductive Biology Center, Via Villareale, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Raimondo
- Seminology Unit Gentile Research Centre, Via Vittorio Veneto 108, Gragnano NA Italy
| | | | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit of the "S. Francesco d' Assisi " Hospital, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, EcoFoodFertility Project Coordination Unit, Via M. Clemente, Oliveto Citra, SA Italy.
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Cancemi D, Iannuzzi A, Perucatti A, Montano L, Capozzi O, Spampanato C, Ventruto ML, Urciuoli M, Iannuzzi L, Ventruto V. Duplication of Yq- and proximal Yp-arms with deletion of almost all PAR1 (including SHOX) in a young man with non-obstructive azoospermia, short stature and skeletal defects. J Appl Genet 2017; 58:481-486. [PMID: 29019057 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-017-0412-7] [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: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Duplications of Yq arm (and AZF) seems to be tolerated by fertile males, while mutations, deletions, duplications or haploinsufficiency of SHOX can originate a wide range of phenotypes, including short stature and skeletal abnormalities. We report a case of non-obstructive azoospermia in a young man with short stature, skeletal anomalies, normal intelligence and hormonal parameters. This male showed a very singular Y-chromosome aberration, consisting of a duplication of Yq and proximal regions of Yp, with a deletion of almost all PAR1 in Yptel, including SHOX. CBA- and RBA-banding and FISH-mapping with telomeric, centromeric, AZF and SHOX probes were used. These results were confirmed by array CGH, which revealed the following karyotype constitution: arr [hg19] Xp22.33 or Yp11.32p11.31 (310,932-2,646,815 or 260,932-2,596,815) ×1, Yp11.2q12 (8,641,183-59,335,913) ×2. We conclude that the haploinsufficience of SHOX may be the cause of short stature and skeletal defects in the patient, while the non-obstructive azoospermia could be related to the lack of X-Y pairing during meiosis originated by the anomalous configuration of this chromosome abnormality and large deletion which occurred in Yp-PAR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino Cancemi
- Ricerche e Diagnosi Genetiche Cancemi, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Iannuzzi
- Institute of Animal Production Systems in Mediterranean Environments (ISPAAM), Laboratory of Cytogenetics, National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Via Argine, 1085, 80147, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Perucatti
- Institute of Animal Production Systems in Mediterranean Environments (ISPAAM), Laboratory of Cytogenetics, National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Via Argine, 1085, 80147, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, EcoFoodFertility Project Coordination Unit, Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy
| | - Oronzo Capozzi
- Department of Biology, Study University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Leopoldo Iannuzzi
- Institute of Animal Production Systems in Mediterranean Environments (ISPAAM), Laboratory of Cytogenetics, National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Via Argine, 1085, 80147, Naples, Italy.
| | - Valerio Ventruto
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics Buzzati-Traverso (IGB), National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Naples, Italy
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Gatti A, Montano L. Innovative environmental scanning electron microscopy observations of the human semen in the study of male infertility (preliminary data). Reprod Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.06.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Montano L, Bergamo P, Andreassi MG, Vecoli C, Volpe MG, Lorenzetti S, Mantovani A, Notari T. The role of human semen for assessing environmental impact on human health in risk areas: Novels and early biomarkers of environmental pollution. EcoFoodFertility project. Reprod Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.06.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Effects of Highly Polluted Environment on Sperm Telomere Length: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081703. [PMID: 28777293 PMCID: PMC5578093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High environmental pressure may impair male fertility by affecting sperm quality, but the real effect remains controversial. Herein, we assessed the influence of environmental exposure on telomere length (TL) in both leukocytes (LTL) and sperm cells (STL). A pilot biomonitoring study was conducted in 112 clinically healthy, normospermic men living in various areas of Campania region (South of Italy) with high (n = 57, High Group) or low (n = 55, Low Group) environmental pressure. TL analysis was assessed by quantitative real time-PCR. STL was not significantly correlated with either age (p = 0.6) or LTL (p = 0.7), but was significantly longer in the High Group compared with the Low Group (p = 0.04). No significant difference was observed between leukocyte TL in the High or Low Group. Our results showed that male residents in areas with high environment exposure had a significant increase in STL. This finding supports the view that the human semen is a sentinel biomarker of environmental exposure.
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Nynca J, Dietrich MA, Adamek M, Steinhagen D, Bilińska B, Hejmej A, Ciereszko A. Purification, characterization and expression of transferrin from rainbow trout seminal plasma. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 208-209:38-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Vecoli C, Montano L, Andreassi MG. Environmental pollutants: genetic damage and epigenetic changes in male germ cells. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:23339-23348. [PMID: 27672044 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
About a quarter of the human diseases occurs for exposure to air pollution. The male reproductive system, and especially spermatogenesis, seems to be particularly sensitive. As result, male infertility is increasing in industrial countries becoming a top priority for public health. In addition to psychological distress and economic constraints, poorer semen quality may have trans-generational effects including congenital malformations in the offspring and predispose to later onset adult diseases. Genetic and epigenetic alterations are involved in the failure of spermatogenesis. In this paper, we reviewed the major evidences of the effects of air pollutants on male infertility as well as the role of sperm DNA damage and epigenetic changes in affecting spermatogenesis. A better knowledge on the effects of air contaminants on the molecular mechanisms leading to infertility is of huge importance to help clinicians in identifying the cause of infertility but above all, in defining preventive and therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Vecoli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology-CNR, via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit of the "San Francesco d'Assisi" Hospital - ASL Salerno, EcoFoodFertility Project Coordination Unit, via M. Clemente, 84020, Oliveto Citra, SA, Italy
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