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Belladelli F, Corsini C, Pozzi E, Raffo M, Fallara G, Costa A, Cignoli D, Boeri L, Ventimiglia E, Capogrosso P, Eisenberg ML, Montorsi F, Salonia A. Does Air Pollution Impact on Semen Parameters? Findings from a Real-Life, Cross-Sectional Study in Italian Infertile Men. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:403-412. [PMID: 35791299 PMCID: PMC10042647 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210240] [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: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In industrialized countries, air pollutants levels have been monitored closely for environmental and research issues. Using Italian data, we aimed to investigate the association between air pollutants levels and semen parameters in a cohort of non-Finnish white-European men presenting for couple's infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Complete demographic and laboratory data from 1,152 infertile men consecutively assessed between January 2015 and January 2018 were analyzed. Semen analyses were based on the 2010 World Health Organization reference criteria. Health-significant comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). We analyzed the annual average level of the three main markers of air pollution (Pm10, Pm2.5, and NO2) between 2014 and 2018. Descriptive statistics, linear and logistic regression analyses tested the association between air pollutants levels and semen parameters. RESULTS Of 1,152 men, 87 (7.55%) had normal sperm parameters at first semen analysis. Of 1,065 patients with abnormal semen analyses, 237 (22.25%), 324 (30.42%), and 287 (26.95%) patients presented 1, 2 or 3 abnormalities, respectively, and 217 (20.38%) were azoospermic. At linear regression analysis, Pm10, Pm2.5, and NO2 were negatively associated with sperm morphology (Pm10: β=-0.5288 µg/m3, p=0.001; Pm2.5: β=-0.5240 µg/m3, p=0.019; NO2: β=-0.4396 µg/m3, p<0.0001). Furthermore, the adjusted odds of normal sperm morphology <4% were 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.09; p=0.007) for Pm10, 1.07 (95% CI, 1.03-1.11; p=0.007) for Pm 2.5, and 1.03 (95% CI, 1.02-1.05; p=0.001) for NO2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In a large homogenous cohort of infertile men, Pm10, Pm 2.5, and NO2 levels were negatively associated with sperm morphology. Conversely, no clear association was observed with other macroscopic sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Belladelli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Corsini
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pozzi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Raffo
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fallara
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Costa
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Cignoli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Boeri
- Department of Urology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ventimiglia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Department of Urology, Circolo & Fondazione Macchi Hospital - ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Montorsi
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, Urological Research Institute (URI), IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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Marcu D, Keyser S, Petrik L, Fuhrimann S, Maree L. Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Male Reproductive Health: Challenging the Future with a Double-Edged Sword. TOXICS 2023; 11:330. [PMID: 37112557 PMCID: PMC10141735 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 9% of couples are infertile, with half of these cases relating to male factors. While many cases of male infertility are associated with genetic and lifestyle factors, approximately 30% of cases are still idiopathic. Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) denote substances identified in the environment for the first time or detected at low concentrations during water quality analysis. Since CEC production and use have increased in recent decades, CECs are now ubiquitous in surface and groundwater. CECs are increasingly observed in human tissues, and parallel reports indicate that semen quality is continuously declining, supporting the notion that CECs may play a role in infertility. This narrative review focuses on several CECs (including pesticides and pharmaceuticals) detected in the nearshore marine environment of False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, and deliberates their potential effects on male fertility and the offspring of exposed parents, as well as the use of spermatozoa in toxicological studies. Collective findings report that chronic in vivo exposure to pesticides, including atrazine, simazine, and chlorpyrifos, is likely to be detrimental to the reproduction of many organisms, as well as to sperm performance in vitro. Similarly, exposure to pharmaceuticals such as diclofenac and naproxen impairs sperm motility both in vivo and in vitro. These contaminants are also likely to play a key role in health and disease in offspring sired by parents exposed to CECs. On the other side of the double-edged sword, we propose that due to its sensitivity to environmental conditions, spermatozoa could be used as a bioindicator in eco- and repro-toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Marcu
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Shannen Keyser
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
| | - Leslie Petrik
- Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Samuel Fuhrimann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Liana Maree
- Comparative Spermatology Laboratory, Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
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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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Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Environment: Occupational and Exposure Events, Effects on Human Health and Fertility. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10070365. [PMID: 35878270 PMCID: PMC9323099 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10070365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade or so, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) garnered renewed attention in the scientific community due to new evidence pointing at their continued presence in the environment and workplaces and the potential human risks related to their presence. PCBs move from the environment to humans through different routes; the dominant pathway is the ingestion of contaminated foods (fish, seafood and dairy products), followed by inhalation (both indoor and outdoor air), and, to a lesser extent, dust ingestion and dermal contact. Numerous studies reported the environmental and occupational exposure to these pollutants, deriving from building materials (flame-retardants, plasticizers, paints, caulking compounds, sealants, fluorescent light ballasts, etc.) and electrical equipment. The highest PCBs contaminations were detected in e-waste recycling sites, suggesting the need for the implementation of remediation strategies of such polluted areas to safeguard the health of workers and local populations. Furthermore, a significant correlation between PCB exposure and increased blood PCB concentrations was observed in people working in PCB-contaminated workplaces. Several epidemiological studies suggest that environmental and occupational exposure to high concentrations of PCBs is associated with different health outcomes, such as neuropsychological and neurobehavioral deficits, dementia, immune system dysfunctions, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In addition, recent studies indicate that PCBs bioaccumulation can reduce fertility, with harmful effects on the reproductive system that can be passed to offspring. In the near future, further studies are needed to assess the real effects of PCBs exposure at low concentrations for prolonged exposure in workplaces and specific indoor environments.
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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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Xiong F, Zhou B, Wu NX, Deng LJ, Xie JY, Li XJ, Chen YJ, Wang YX, Zeng Q, Yang P. The Association of Certain Seminal Phthalate Metabolites on Spermatozoa Apoptosis: An Exploratory Mediation Analysis via Sperm Protamine. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118969. [PMID: 35157934 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118969] [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: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Earlier studies have suggested that exposure to phthalates (PAEs) may induce spermatozoa apoptosis. Sperm protamine as a molecular biomarker during spermatozoa apoptotic processes may mediate the association between PAE exposure and spermatozoa apoptosis. This study aimed to explore whether sperm protamine mediates the association of PAE exposure with spermatozoa apoptosis. We determined sperm protamine levels, 8 PAE metabolite concentrations in seminal plasma, and 3 spermatozoa apoptosis parameters among 111 men from an infertility clinic. The associations of PAEs as individual chemicals and mixtures with sperm protamine were determined. The mediating roles of protamine in the associations between PAEs and spermatozoa apoptosis parameters were examined by mediation analysis. After adjusting for confounders, we observed positive correlations between seminal plasma concentrations of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and sperm protamine-1 and protamine ratio. Estimates comparing highest vs. lowest quartiles of MEHP concentration were 4.65% (95% CI: 1.47%, 7.82%) for protamine-1 and 25.86% (95% CI: 3.05%, 53.73%) for protamine ratio. The quantile g-computation models showed that the adjusted protamine-1 per quartile increase in PAE mixture was 9.42% (95% CI: 1.00, 20.92) with MEHP being the major contributor. Although the joint association between PAE mixture and protamine ratio was negligible, MEHP was still identified as the main contributor. Furthermore, we found that protamine-2 and protamine ratio levels in the highest quartiles exhibited a decrease of 43.45% (95% CI: 60.54%, -19.75%) and an increase of 122.55% (95% CI: 60.00%, 209.57%) in Annexin V+/PI- spermatozoa relative to the lowest quartiles, respectively. Mediation analysis revealed that protamine ratio significantly mediated 55.6% of the association between MEHP and Annexin V+/PI- spermatozoa elevation (5.13%; 95% CI: 0.04%, 10.52%). Our findings provided evidence that human exposure to PAEs was associated with increased protamine levels which may mediate the process of spermatozoa apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiong
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Nan-Xin Wu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lang-Jing Deng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jin-Ying Xie
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jie Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430000, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.
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Fors M, Ballaz S, Ramírez H, Mora FX, Pulgar-Sánchez M, Chamorro K, Fernández-Moreira E. Sex-Dependent Performance of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte, Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte and Mean Platelet Volume-to-Platelet Ratios in Discriminating COVID-19 Severity. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:822556. [PMID: 35463770 PMCID: PMC9023889 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.822556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and mean platelet volume-to-platelet ratio (MPR) are combined hematology tests that predict COVID-19 severity, although with different cut-off values. Because sex significantly impacts immune responses and the course of COVID-19, the ratios could be biased by sex. Purpose This study aims to evaluate sex-dependent differences in the contribution of NLR, PLR, MLR, and MPR to COVID-19 severity and mortality upon hospital admission using a sample of pneumonia patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods This single-center observational cross-sectional study included 3,280 confirmed COVID-19 cases (CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus real-time RT-PCR Diagnostic) from Quito (Ecuador). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to identify optimal cut-offs of the above parameters when discriminating severe COVID-19 pneumonia and mortality risks after segregation by sex. Severe COVID-19 pneumonia was defined as having PaO2 < 60 mmHg and SpO2 < 94%, whereas non-severe COVID-19 pneumonia was defined as having PaO2 ≥ 60 mmHg and SpO2 ≥ 94%. Results The mortality rate of COVID-19 among men was double that in women. Severe COVID-19 pneumonia and non-surviving patients had a higher level of NLR, MLR, PLR, and MPR. The medians of NLR, MLR, and MPR in men were significantly higher, but PLR was not different between men and women. In men, these ratios had lower cut-offs than in women (NLR: 2.42 vs. 3.31, MLR: 0.24 vs. 0.35, and PLR: 83.9 vs. 151.9). The sensitivity of NLR, MLR, and PLR to predict pneumonia severity was better in men (69–77%), whereas their specificity was enhanced in women compared to men (70–76% vs. 23–48%). Conclusion These ratios may represent widely available biomarkers in COVID-19 since they were significant predictors for disease severity and mortality although with different performances in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Fors
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de las Américas-UDLA, Quito, Ecuador
- *Correspondence: Martha Fors,
| | - Santiago Ballaz
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Universidad Yachay Tech, Ibarra, Ecuador
- Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondón, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Mary Pulgar-Sánchez
- School of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Universidad Yachay Tech, Urcuquí, Ecuador
| | - Kevin Chamorro
- School of Mathematics and Computational Sciences, Universidad Yachay Tech, Urcuquí, Ecuador
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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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Reprotoxic Impact of Environment, Diet, and Behavior. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031303. [PMID: 35162326 PMCID: PMC8834893 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive health is progressively declining due to multiples endogenous and exogenous factors, such as environmental contaminants, diet and behavior. Accumulated evidences confirm that fertility and reproductive function have been adversely affected by exposure to chemical contaminants released in the environment. Today, the impact of diet and behavior on reproductive processes is also receiving special attention from the scientific community. Indeed, a close relationship between diet and fertility has been proven. Furthermore, a combination of unhealthy behavior, such as exposure to hazardous compounds and stress factors, poses living organisms at higher risk of reprotoxic effects. In particular, it has been described that poor life behaviors are associated with reduced male and female fertility due to decreased gamete quality and function. Most of the erroneous behaviors are, furthermore, a source of oxidative stress that, leading to epigenetic alterations, results in an impaired reproductive fitness. This review reports the detrimental impact of the most common environmental chemical stressors, diet, and behavior on reproductive functionality and success. Although clear evidences are still scarce, reassuring data are provided that a healthy diet and reverting unhealthy lifestyles may be of help to recover physiological reproductive conditions.
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Processing and Quality Control of Masks: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14020291. [PMID: 35054695 PMCID: PMC8778442 DOI: 10.3390/polym14020291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is clear that viruses, especially COVID-19, can cause infection and injure the human body. These viruses can transfer in different ways, such as in air transfer, which face masks can prevent and reduce. Face masks can protect humans through their filtration function. They include different types and mechanisms of filtration whose performance depends on the texture of the fabric, the latter of which is strongly related to the manufacturing method. Thus, scientists should enrich the information on mask production and quality control by applying a wide variety of tests, such as leakage, dynamic respiratory resistance (DBR), etc. In addition, the primary manufacturing methods (meltblown, spunlaid, drylaid, wetlaid and airlaid) and new additive manufacturing (AM) methods (such as FDM) should be considered. These methods are covered in this study.
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Marquès M, Domingo JL. Positive association between outdoor air pollution and the incidence and severity of COVID-19. A review of the recent scientific evidences. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111930. [PMID: 34425111 PMCID: PMC8378989 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In June 2020, we published a review focused on assessing the influence of various air pollutants on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and the severity of COVID-19 in patients infected by the coronavirus. The results of most of those reviewed studies suggested that chronic exposure to certain air pollutants might lead to more severe and lethal forms of COVID-19, as well as delays/complications in the recovery of the patients. Since then, a notable number of studies on this topic have been published, including also various reviews. Given the importance of this issue, we have updated the information published since our previous review. Taking together the previous results and those of most investigations now reviewed, we have concluded that there is a significant association between chronic exposure to various outdoor air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2 and CO, and the incidence/risk of COVID-19 cases, as well as the severity/mortality of the disease. Unfortunately, studies on the potential influence of other important air pollutants such as VOCs, dioxins and furans, or metals, are not available in the scientific literature. In relation to the influence of outdoor air pollutants on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, although the scientific evidence is much more limited, some studies point to PM2.5 and PM10 as potential airborne transmitters of the virus. Anyhow, it is clear that environmental air pollution plays an important negative role in COVID-19, increasing its incidence and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Liang X, Chen Y, Fan Y. Bioinformatics approach to identify common gene signatures of patients with coronavirus 2019 and lung adenocarcinoma. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 29:22012-22030. [PMID: 34775559 PMCID: PMC8590527 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17321-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues as a global pandemic. Patients with lung cancer infected with COVID-19 may develop severe disease or die. Treating such patients severely burdens overwhelmed healthcare systems. Here, we identified potential pathological mechanisms shared between patients with COVID-19 and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Co-expressed, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patients with COVID-19 and LUAD were identified and used to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and to perform enrichment analysis. We used the NetworkAnalyst platform to establish a co-regulatory of the co-expressed DEGs, and we used Spearman’s correlation to evaluate the significance of associations of hub genes with immune infiltration and immune checkpoints. Analysis of three datasets identified 112 shared DEGs, which were used to construct a protein-PPI network. Subsequent enrichment analysis revealed co-expressed genes related to biological process (BP), molecular function (MF), and cellular component (CC) as well as to pathways, specific organs, cells, and diseases. Ten co-expressed hub genes were employed to construct a gene-miRNA, transcription factor (TF)-gene, and TF-miRNA network. Hub genes were significantly associated with immune infiltration and immune checkpoints. Finally, methylation level of hub genes in LUAD was obtained via UALCAN database. The present multi-dimensional study reveals commonality in specific gene expression by patients with COVID-19 and LUAD. These findings provide insights into developing strategies for optimising the management and treatment of patients with LUAD with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yali Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuchao Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Cancer Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No.55, Section 4, Renmin South Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
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Kontsevaya GV, Gerlinskaya LA, Moshkin YM, Anisimova MV, Stanova AK, Babochkina TI, Moshkin MP. The Effects of Sperm and Seminal Fluid of Immunized Male Mice on In Vitro Fertilization and Surrogate Mother-Embryo Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910650. [PMID: 34638989 PMCID: PMC8508670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The latest vaccination campaign has actualized the potential impact of antigenic stimuli on reproductive functions. To address this, we mimicked vaccination’s effects by administering keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH ) to CD1 male mice and used their sperm for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Two-cell embryos after IVF with spermatozoa from control (C) or KLH-treated (Im) male mice were transferred to surrogate mothers mated with vasectomized control (C) or KLH-treated (Im) male mice, resulting in four experimental groups: C–C, Im–C, C–Im, and Im–Im. The pre-implantation losses were significantly lower in the Im–C group than in the C–Im group. At the same time, the resorption rates reduced markedly in the C–Im compared to the Im–C group. Embryo and placenta weights were significantly higher in the Im–Im group. Although the GM-CSF levels were lower in the amniotic fluid of the gestating surrogate mothers in the Im–Im group, they were strongly correlated with embryo mass. The number–size trade-off was only significant in the Im–Im group. This suggests a positive, cooperative effect of spermatozoa and seminal fluid from immune-primed males on embryo growth and the optimal distribution of surrogate mother maternal resources despite the negative impact of males’ antigenic challenge on the IVF success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Vladimirovna Kontsevaya
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Ludmila Alekseevna Gerlinskaya
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.G.); (T.I.B.)
| | - Yury Mikhailovich Moshkin
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Margarita Vladimirovna Anisimova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Aliya Konstantinovna Stanova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Tatyana Ivanovna Babochkina
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
- Correspondence: (L.A.G.); (T.I.B.)
| | - Mikhail Pavlovich Moshkin
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (G.V.K.); (Y.M.M.); (M.V.A.); (A.K.S.); (M.P.M.)
- Biological Institute at Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
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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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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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