1
|
Dai T, Li W, Wang L, Zhou J, Zhong K, Yao Y, Cai X, Tian L, Wu H, Xu T, Xiao L, Ni H, Song C, Li Y, Li F, Meng T, Sheng H, Lv Z, Guo P, Wang Q, Zhang X. Beneficial effect of residential greenness on sperm quality and the role of air pollution: A multicenter population-based study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174038. [PMID: 38906295 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174038] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor sperm quality is a major cause of male infertility. However, evidence remains scarce on how greenness affects male sperm quality. OBJECTIVES To assess the associations of residential greenness with male sperm quality and the modification effect of air pollution exposure on the relationship. METHODS A total of 78,742 samples from 33,184 sperm donors from 6 regions across China during 2014-2020 were included and analyzed. Individual residential greenness exposures of study subjects were estimated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) during the entire (0-90 lag days) and two key stages (0-37, and 34-77 lag days) of sperm development. Contemporaneous personal exposure levels to air pollutants were estimated using a spatio-temporal deep learning method. Linear mixed models were employed to assess the impact of greenspace in relation to sperm quality. The modification effect of air pollution on the greenspace-sperm quality relationship was also estimated. RESULTS Per IQR increment in NDVI exposure throughout spermatogenesis were statistically associated with increasing sperm count by 0.0122 (95 % CI: 0.0007, 0.0237), progressive motility by 0.0162 (95 % CI: 0.0045, 0.0280), and total motility by 0.0147 (95 % CI: 0.0014, 0.0281), respectively. Similar results were observed when the model added air pollutants (PM1, PM2.5 or O3) for adjustment. Additionally, specific air pollutants, including PM1, PM2.5, and O3, were found to modify this association. Notably, the protective effects of greenness exposure were more pronounced at higher concentrations of PM1 and PM2.5 and lower concentrations of O3 (all Pinteraction < 0.05). Statistically significant positive effects of NDVI were observed on sperm motility in early spermatogenesis and sperm count in late spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to residential greenness may have beneficial effects on sperm quality and air pollution modifies their relationship. These findings highlight the importance of adopting adaptable urban greenspace planning and policies to safeguard male fertility against environmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Dai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Wei Li
- Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lingxi Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jiayi Zhou
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Kaixin Zhong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China; Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China
| | - Yunchong Yao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Xiaoyan Cai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Linwei Tian
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Haisheng Wu
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Lina Xiao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Haobo Ni
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Chunying Song
- Human Sperm Bank, the Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yushan Li
- Human Sperm Bank, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fuping Li
- Human Sperm Bank, the Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianqing Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Human Sperm Bank, Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiqiang Sheng
- Human Sperm Bank, the Zhejiang Provincial Maternal and Child and Reproductive Health Care Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihai Lv
- Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, China
| | - Pi Guo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
| | - Qiling Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China; Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China.
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangzhou, China; Department of Andrology, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Verón GL, Manjon AA, Arévalo L, Santiago J, Vazquez-Levin MH. Impact of heat waves on semen quality: A retrospective study in Argentina between 2005 and 2023. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173813. [PMID: 38848914 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Heat waves, defined as periods with daily temperatures surpassing the historical average for a specific region, have become more frequent worldwide in recent years. Previous studies have reported a negative association between temperature and semen quality, but the focus has mainly been on Asian and European populations. The study included 54,926 men (18-60 years) undergoing routine semen analysis between 2005 and 2023 at CEUSA-LAEH andrology unit, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hourly temperature readings were provided by the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. R programming (R Studio v2022.07.2) was used to define heat waves, calculate key characteristics, visualize results, and perform statistical tests at the IBYME laboratory. During the period studied, a total of 124 days had heat waves (defined after at least 3 consecutive days with 32.3 °C and 22 °C). Men exposed to heat waves during spermatogenesis exhibited lower sperm number (concentration and count; P < 0.0001) and decreased normal morphology (percentage of normal sperm and normal motile count; P < 0.05) compared to those not exposed. These differences were most pronounced between semen samples from years with several heat waves (2013, 2023) and none (2005, 2007, 2016), displaying 4-5 times higher fold changes (P < 0.05). Further analysis employing multiple regression revealed a significantly negative association between semen quality and heat wave length, suggesting that a prolonged exposure may be more detrimental than an acute exposure. Subsequent analysis focusing on prolonged exposure (≥6-days heat wave) during spermatogenesis revealed a negative (P < 0.05) association between early exposure (spermatocytogenesis: 64-90 days prior semen collection) and semen quality. This study underscores the negative association between early exposure to heat waves during sperm development and semen quality, raising concerns about its possible association with the worldwide declining male fertility. A comprehensive collaborative approach is crucial, involving global governmental policies, sustainable practices, and coordinated efforts across scientific, healthcare, and policy domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Luis Verón
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ania Antonella Manjon
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma Y, He Y, Tang D, Cai G, Fan D, Cao Y, Pan F. Association between diurnal temperature range and sperm quality: Evidence from a prospective cohort in Central China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169761. [PMID: 38171276 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169761] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Inter-day temperature variability has been reported to be associated with sperm quality in a city-level exposure assessment study. However, studies exploring the impact of temperature variability within a single day on sperm quality at individual level are still lacking. The present study aims to bridge this research gap by analyzing the linear and non-linear associations between diurnal temperature range (DTR) exposure and sperm quality, utilizing data from the Anhui Prospective Assisted Reproduction Cohort. The study included 15,112 males (totaling 28,267 tests) and assessed individual exposure to various environmental factors (residential greenness, ambient particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, relative humidity, ambient temperature, and DTR) during the 0-90 day period before semen analysis. A combination of a linear mixed model, natural cubic splines, and subgroup analysis was employed. Significant "U"-shaped non-linear associations were observed between DTR exposure and total motility, sperm concentration, sperm count, total motile sperm count, and progressive motile sperm count. Lower DTR levels negatively impacted these parameters, whereas higher DTR levels showed a positive effect. Notably, these associations were more pronounced at ambient temperatures below 16.5 °C, while absent in warmer conditions. Sperm quality demonstrates increased sensitivity to DTR exposure in cooler environments. Therefore, implementing effective individual temperature management strategies is crucial for mitigating decreased sperm quality associated with DTR exposure, highlighting the potential benefits of government policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality to enhance overall sperm quality in the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ye He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guoqi Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dazhi Fan
- Foshan Institute of Fetal Medicine, Southern Medical University Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, 81 Meishan Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gandara ACP, Drummond-Barbosa D. Chronic exposure to warm temperature causes low sperm abundance and quality in Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12331. [PMID: 37518578 PMCID: PMC10387475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature influences male fertility across organisms; however, how suboptimal temperatures affect adult spermatogenesis remains understudied. In a recent study on Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis, we observed a drastic reduction in the fertility of adult males exposed to warm temperature (29 °C). Here, we show that males become infertile at 29 °C because of low sperm abundance and quality. The low sperm abundance at 29 °C does not stem from reduced germline stem cell or spermatid numbers, as those numbers remain comparable between 29 °C and control 25 °C. Notably, males at cold 18 °C and 29 °C had similarly increased frequencies of spermatid elongation and individualization defects which, considering the high sperm abundance and male fertility measured at 18 °C, indicate that spermatogenesis has a high tolerance for elongation and individualization defects. Interestingly, the abundance of sperm at 29 °C decreases abruptly and with no evidence of apoptosis as they transition into the seminal vesicle near the end of spermatogenesis, pointing to sperm elimination through an unknown mechanism. Finally, sperm from males at 29 °C fertilize eggs less efficiently and do not support embryos past the first stage of embryogenesis, indicating that poor sperm quality is an additional cause of male infertility at 29 °C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Caroline P Gandara
- Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Daniela Drummond-Barbosa
- Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De Toni L, Finocchi F, Jawich K, Ferlin A. Global warming and testis function: A challenging crosstalk in an equally challenging environmental scenario. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1104326. [PMID: 36726592 PMCID: PMC9885165 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1104326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution, accounting for both chemical and physical factors, is a major matter of concern due to its health consequences in both humans and animals. The release of greenhouse gases with the consequent increase in environmental temperature is acknowledged to have a major impact on the health of both animals and humans, in current and future generations. A large amount of evidence reports detrimental effects of acute heat stress on testis function, particularly on the spermatogenetic and steroidogenetic process, in both animal and human models, wich is largely related to the testis placement within the scrotal sac and outside the abdomen, warranting an overall scrotal temperature of 2°C-4°C lower than the core body temperature. This review will provide a thorough evaluation of environmental temperature's effect on testicular function. In particular, basic concepts of body thermoregulation will be discussed together with available data about the association between testis damage and heat stress exposure. In addition, the possible association between global warming and the secular decline of testis function will be critically evaluated in light of the available epidemiological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy,*Correspondence: Luca De Toni,
| | - Federica Finocchi
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Kenda Jawich
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria,Department of Biochemistry, International University for Science and Technology, Daraa, Syria
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|