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Martínez MÁ, Salas-Huetos A, Fernández de la Puente M, Valle-Hita C, Marquès M, Del Egido-González C, Davila-Cordova E, Mestres C, Petersen MS, Babio N, Salas-Salvadó J. Exploring the association between urinary bisphenol A, S, and F levels and semen quality parameters: Findings from Led-Fertyl cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 263:120086. [PMID: 39353529 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Infertility is recognized as a multifaceted condition affecting approximately 15% of couples globally, influenced by various factors including genetic predisposition and environmental exposures. Among these environmental factors, bisphenol A (BPA) emerges as a prominent Endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDCs) widely distributed, leading to chronic human exposure in daily life. As regulations on BPA became more stringent, alternative substances such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) have emerged. Animal studies have demonstrated a dose-dependent decline in fertility and embryotoxicity following chronic exposure to BPA. However, literature data on human studies are limited and heterogeneous. Additionally, even less is known about the relationship between exposure to the BPA analogues (BPS and BPF) and sperm quality. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the association between urinary concentrations of BPA, BPF, and BPS and semen quality parameters among 195 adult Spanish men from the Led-Fertyl study cohort using multiple linear regression models adjusted by potential confounding variables. Our results revealed an inverse association between log-transformed creatinine-adjusted concentration (ng/mg) of BPA and BPF levels and the percentage of sperm vitality (β: 3.56 %; 95%CI: 6.48 to -0.63 and β: 4.14 %; 95%CI: 6.97 to -1.31; respectively). Furthermore, participants in the highest quartile of BPA and BPF urinary concentration exhibited lower sperm vitality compared to those in the lowest quartile (β: 6.90 %; 95%CI: 11.60 to -2.15 and β: 9.68 %; 95%CI: 14.43 to -4.94; respectively). These results supply epidemiological evidence establishing a relationship between bisphenols urine exposure and sperm quality, suggesting that a re-evaluation of the overall safety of BPA alternatives is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Martínez
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, therapeutics and Toxicology, Faculty of veterinary. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mediques Bàsiques, Unitat de Medicina Preventiva, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - María Fernández de la Puente
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Valle-Hita
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montse Marquès
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Laboratori de Toxicologia i Salut Ambiental. Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology-TecnATox. Reus, Spain
| | - Claudia Del Egido-González
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
| | - Estefanía Davila-Cordova
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Mestres
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPV, Alimentaciò, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
| | - Maria Skaalum Petersen
- University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; Department of Research, the National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Nancy Babio
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Nowak K, Oluwayiose OA, Houle E, Maxwell DL, Sawant S, Paskavitz A, Ford JB, Minguez-Alarcon L, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Pilsner JR. Urinary concentrations of phthalate and phthalate alternative metabolites and sperm DNA methylation: A multi-cohort and meta-analysis of men in preconception studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 192:109049. [PMID: 39393261 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.109049] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
Phthalates are ubiquitous pollutants in the environment; however, the mechanisms of phthalate-associated reproductive disorders in men are not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and sperm DNA methylation. The study was conducted on 697 men from three prospective pregnancy cohorts: Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study, Sperm Environmental Epigenetics and Development Study (SEEDS), and Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study. Eighteen phthalate and two phthalate alternative metabolites were quantified by mass spectrometry in preconception urinary samples and sperm DNA methylation was measured via Illumina EPIC Array (v1). Regional methylation analyses were conducted to identify cohort-specific loci associated with urinary phthalate metabolites. Models were adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), race, smoking status, urinary creatinine/specific gravity, and analytical batch for phthalate measurements. The cohort-specific results were meta-analyzed using METAL. Participants had an average age of 30 years, most (79.6 %) of whom had BMI>25 kg/m2 and were non-smokers (90.1 %). A total of 7,979 differentially methylated regions (DMRs; 7,979 LIFE-specific DMRs, 72 SEEDS-specific DMRs, and 23 EARTH-specific DMRs) were associated with urinary MBzP, MiBP, MMP, MCNP, MCPP, MBP, and MCOCH. Meta-analysis identified fewer DMRs than cohort-specific models: 946 DMRs were associated with MBzP, 27 DMRs associated with MiBP, and 1 DMR associated with MEHP. The majority of cohort-specific and meta-analysis-derived DMRs displayed a positive association with phthalate metabolite concentrations and were enriched in genes associated with spermatogenesis, response to hormones and their metabolism, embryonic organ development and developmental growth. In conclusion, several preconception urinary phthalate metabolites were associated with increased DNA methylation patterns in sperm. These findings provide an epigenetic pathway by which environmental phthalate exposures can impact couples' reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Nowak
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Oladele A Oluwayiose
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - DruAnne L Maxwell
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Savni Sawant
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Amanda Paskavitz
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lidia Minguez-Alarcon
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Cao H, Xie Q, Luo P, Chen J, Xia K, Ma L, Chen D, Deng C, Wan Z. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure induces premature testicular senescence by disrupting mitochondrial respiratory chain through STAT5B-mitoSTAT3 in Leydig cell. GeroScience 2024; 46:4373-4396. [PMID: 38499958 PMCID: PMC11336147 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01119-x] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a prevalent plasticizer, is known to have endocrine-disrupting effects on males and cause reproductive toxicity. There were causal effects of DEHP on testosterone levels in the real world by Mendelian randomization analysis. Exposure to DEHP during the preadult stage might lead to premature testicular senescence, but the mechanisms responsible for this have yet to be determined. In this study, we administered DEHP (300 mg/kg/day) to male C57BL/6 mice from postnatal days 21 to 49. The mice were kept for 6 months without DEHP. RNA sequencing was conducted on testicular tissue at PNM6. The results indicated that DEHP hindered testicular development, lowered serum testosterone levels in male mice, and induced premature testicular senescence. TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 300 μM of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), the bioactive metabolite of DEHP, for 72 h. The results also found that DEHP/MEHP induced senescence in vivo and in vitro. The mitochondrial respiratory chain was disrupted in Leydig cells. The expression and stability of STAT5B were elevated by MEHP treatment in TM3 cells. Furthermore, p-ERK1/2 was significantly decreased by STAT5B, and mitochondria-STAT3 (p-STAT3 ser727) was significantly decreased due to the decrease of p-ERK1/2. Additionally, the senescence level of TM3 cells was decreased and treated with 5 mM NAC for 1 h after MEHP treatment. In conclusion, these findings provided a novel mechanistic understanding of Leydig cells by disrupting the mitochondrial respiratory chain through STAT5B-mitoSTAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiming Cao
- The Andrology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- The Reproductive Andrology Clinic, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 628 Zhenyuan Road, 518000, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qigen Xie
- The Andrology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- The Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Peng Luo
- The Andrology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- The Urology Department, Affiliated Sanming First Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Sanming, 365000, Fujian, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Ma
- The Reproductive Center, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Translational Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunhua Deng
- The Andrology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Zi Wan
- The Andrology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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Amir S, Arowolo O, Mironova E, McGaunn J, Oluwayiose O, Sergeyev O, Pilsner JR, Suvorov A. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in Sertoli cells regulates age-dependent changes in sperm DNA methylation. eLife 2024; 13:RP90992. [PMID: 39283662 PMCID: PMC11405012 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, a trend toward delayed childbirth has led to increases in parental age at the time of conception. Sperm epigenome undergoes age-dependent changes increasing risks of adverse conditions in offspring conceived by fathers of advanced age. The mechanism(s) linking paternal age with epigenetic changes in sperm remain unknown. The sperm epigenome is shaped in a compartment protected by the blood-testes barrier (BTB) known to deteriorate with age. Permeability of the BTB is regulated by the balance of two mTOR complexes in Sertoli cells where mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) promotes the opening of the BTB and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) promotes its integrity. We hypothesized that this balance is also responsible for age-dependent changes in the sperm epigenome. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed reproductive outcomes, including sperm DNA methylation in transgenic mice with Sertoli cell-specific suppression of mTORC1 (Rptor KO) or mTORC2 (Rictor KO). mTORC2 suppression accelerated aging of the sperm DNA methylome and resulted in a reproductive phenotype concordant with older age, including decreased testes weight and sperm counts, and increased percent of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and mitochondrial DNA copy number. Suppression of mTORC1 resulted in the shift of DNA methylome in sperm opposite to the shift associated with physiological aging - sperm DNA methylome rejuvenation and mild changes in sperm parameters. These results demonstrate for the first time that the balance of mTOR complexes in Sertoli cells regulates the rate of sperm epigenetic aging. Thus, mTOR pathway in Sertoli cells may be used as a novel target of therapeutic interventions to rejuvenate the sperm epigenome in advanced-age fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira Amir
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Olatunbosun Arowolo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Ekaterina Mironova
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Joseph McGaunn
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
| | - Oladele Oluwayiose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State UniversityDetroitUnited States
| | - Oleg Sergeyev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State UniversityDetroitUnited States
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of MassachusettsAmherstUnited States
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Chen LW, Mo HY, Shan CH, Chen X, Han C, Tao FB, Gao H. Health hazards of preconception phthalate exposure: A scoping review of epidemiology studies. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 282:116763. [PMID: 39047367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
There is a close relationship between preconception health and maternal and child health outcomes, and the consequences may be passed down from generation to generation. In 2018, Lancet published three consecutive articles emphasizing the importance of the preconception period. Phthalic acid ester (PAE) exposure during this period may affect gametogenesis and epigenetic information in gametophytes, thereby affecting embryonic development and offspring health. Therefore, this article reviews the effects of parental preconception PAE exposure on reproductive/birth outcomes and offspring health, to provide new evidence on this topic. We searched Web of Science, MEDLINE (through PubMed), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), ScienceDirect, and the VIP Journal Library from the date of database establishment to July 3, 2024. Finally, 12 articles were included. Three studies investigated the health hazards (effects on birth weight, abortion, etc.) of women's preconception PAE exposure. Nine studies involved both parents. Nine studies considered the impacts of PAE preconception exposure on reproductive/birth outcomes, focusing on birth weight, pregnancy loss, preterm birth, embryo quality, and placental weight. Three studies considered the impacts of preconception PAE exposure on offspring behavior. The results of this review suggested that parental preconception PAE exposure may have an impact on reproductive/birth outcomes and offspring behavior, including birth weight, child behavior, and dietary behavior. However, studies on the health hazards of preconception PAE exposure are relatively scarce, and the outcomes of current studies are varied. It is necessary to use systematic reviews to verify an accurate research question to provide recommendations for public health policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Wen Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Hua-Yan Mo
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Chun-Han Shan
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Chen Han
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
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6
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Caroppo E, Skinner MK. Could the sperm epigenome become a diagnostic tool for evaluation of the infertile man? Hum Reprod 2024; 39:478-485. [PMID: 38148019 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead266] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although male infertility is currently diagnosed when abnormal sperm parameters are found, the poor predictive ability of sperm parameters on natural fecundity and medically assisted reproduction outcome poses the need for improved diagnostic techniques for male infertility. The accumulating evidence about the role played by the sperm epigenome in modulation of the early phases of embryonic development has led researchers to focus on the epigenetic mechanisms within the sperm epigenome to find new molecular markers of male infertility. Indeed, sperm epigenome abnormalities could explain some cases of unexplained male infertility in men showing normal sperm parameters and were found to be associated with poor embryo development in IVF cycles. The present mini-review summarizes the current knowledge about this interesting topic, starting from a description of the epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression regulation (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs' activity). We also discuss possible mechanisms by which environmental factors might cause epigenetic changes in the human germline and affect embryonic development, as well as subsequent generations' phenotypes. Studies demonstrating sperm epigenome abnormalities in men with male infertility are reviewed, with particular emphasis on those with the more severe form of spermatogenic dysfunction. Observations demonstrate that the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of sperm epigenome evaluation will help facilitate the management of men with male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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7
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Kimmins S, Anderson RA, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Catford SR, De Jonge CJ, Delbes G, Eisenberg ML, Garrido N, Houston BJ, Jørgensen N, Krausz C, Lismer A, McLachlan RI, Minhas S, Moss T, Pacey A, Priskorn L, Schlatt S, Trasler J, Trasande L, Tüttelmann F, Vazquez-Levin MH, Veltman JA, Zhang F, O'Bryan MK. Frequency, morbidity and equity - the case for increased research on male fertility. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:102-124. [PMID: 37828407 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, most men with infertility cannot be given an aetiology, which reflects a lack of knowledge around gamete production and how it is affected by genetics and the environment. A failure to recognize the burden of male infertility and its potential as a biomarker for systemic illness exists. The absence of such knowledge results in patients generally being treated as a uniform group, for whom the strategy is to bypass the causality using medically assisted reproduction (MAR) techniques. In doing so, opportunities to prevent co-morbidity are missed and the burden of MAR is shifted to the woman. To advance understanding of men's reproductive health, longitudinal and multi-national centres for data and sample collection are essential. Such programmes must enable an integrated view of the consequences of genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors on fertility and offspring health. Definition and possible amelioration of the consequences of MAR for conceived children are needed. Inherent in this statement is the necessity to promote fertility restoration and/or use the least invasive MAR strategy available. To achieve this aim, protocols must be rigorously tested and the move towards personalized medicine encouraged. Equally, education of the public, governments and clinicians on the frequency and consequences of infertility is needed. Health options, including male contraceptives, must be expanded, and the opportunities encompassed in such investment understood. The pressing questions related to male reproductive health, spanning the spectrum of andrology are identified in the Expert Recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brendan J Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, University Hospital of Careggi Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Imperial, London, UK
| | - Tim Moss
- Healthy Male and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allan Pacey
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Departments of Paediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, Department of Paediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Fundación IBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
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Zurub RE, Cariaco Y, Wade MG, Bainbridge SA. Microplastics exposure: implications for human fertility, pregnancy and child health. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1330396. [PMID: 38239985 PMCID: PMC10794604 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1330396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Plastics found in our everyday environment are becoming an increasing concern for individual and population-level health, and the extent of exposure and potential toxic effects of these contaminants on numerous human organ systems are becoming clear. Microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles, appear to have many of the same biological effects as their plastic precursors and have the compounded effect of potential accumulation in different organs. Recently, microplastic accumulation was observed in the human placenta, raising important questions related to the biological effects of these contaminants on the health of pregnancies and offspring. These concerns are particularly heightened considering the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework, which postulates that in utero exposure can programme the lifelong health of the offspring. The current review examines the state of knowledge on this topic and highlights important avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rewa E. Zurub
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yusmaris Cariaco
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Wade
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon A. Bainbridge
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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9
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Tian W, Liao H, Li N, Yao W, Li Y, Guo N, Yuan X, Du Y, Teng X, Li Y, Deng T. Monomethyl Phthalate Causes Early Embryo Development Delay, Apoptosis, and Energy Metabolism Disruptions Through Inducing Redox Imbalance. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:139-149. [PMID: 37624571 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01309-6] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are a class of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals which can cause reproductive system damages. However, data about reproductive toxicity spectrum of phthalate metabolites among Chinese women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments are scarce yet. Previous studies regarding underlying embryo toxicities focused on oxidative stress and apoptosis, while energy metabolism abnormality might be another key cause for embryo developmental disruptions. Here, we found that among the measured eight phthalate metabolites, monomethyl phthalate (MMP) had the second highest urinary concentration in women receiving IVF. Compare to the lowest exposure level group, MMP in tertile 3 was associated with fewer counts of oocyte retrieved and good-quality embryos, and MMP in tertile 2 was correlated with reduced good-quality embryo rate. The direct embryo toxicities of MMP were studied using mouse 2-cell embryos. Consistent to results found in human populations, exposure to MMP induced mouse early embryo developmental delay. Furthermore, MMP exposure led to excessive reactive oxygen species production in early embryos, and antioxidant can partially rescue the early embryo development slow down. Embryo apoptosis could also be caused by oxidative stress. To be noted, elevated apoptosis level was not found in live "slow" embryos but dead embryos, which suggested that apoptosis was not related to early embryo developmental delay. Additionally, MMP exposure depleted adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis of early embryos, which could be reversed by antioxidant. In conclusion, MMP, as the newly found embryonic toxicant in Chinese women, resulted in early embryo development delay, apoptosis, and energy metabolism disruptions via inducing redox imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqu Tian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongmei Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nijie Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Yao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuying Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Yuan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaoyao Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuemei Teng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yufeng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Taoran Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Leader J, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Williams PL, Ford JB, Dadd R, Chagnon O, Bellinger DC, Oken E, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Braun JM. Paternal and maternal preconception and maternal pregnancy urinary phthalate metabolite and BPA concentrations in relation to child behavior. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108337. [PMID: 38088019 PMCID: PMC10868726 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies on health effects of parental preconception exposures are limited despite emerging evidence from toxicological studies suggesting that such exposures, including to environmental chemicals, may affect offspring health. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether maternal and paternal preconception and maternal pregnancy urinary phthalate metabolite and bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations were associated with child behavior. METHODS We analyzed data from the Preconception Environmental exposure And Childhood health Effects (PEACE) Study, an ongoing prospective cohort study of children aged 6-11 years whose parent(s) previously enrolled in the prospective preconception Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study. Using linear mixed models, we estimated covariate-adjusted associations of 11 urinary phthalate metabolite and BPA concentrations collected prior to conception and during pregnancy with Behavioral Assessment System for Children-3 (BASC-3) T-scores (higher scores indicate more problem behaviors). RESULTS This analysis included 134 mothers, 87 fathers and 157 children (24 sets of twins); parents were predominantly non-Hispanic white (mothers and fathers86%). Higher maternal preconception or pregnancy monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations were related to higher mean externalizing problems T-scores in their children (β = 1.3 per 1-loge unit increase; 95 % CI: -0.2, 2.4 and β = 2.1, 95 % CI: 0.7, 3.6, respectively). Higher maternal preconception monocarboxyoctyl phthalate (MCOP) was suggested to be related to lower mean externalizing problems T-scores (β = -0.9; 95 % CI: -1.8, 0.0). Higher paternal preconception MCOP was suggestively associated with lower internalizing problems (β = -0.9; 95 %CI:-1.9, 0.1) and lower Behavioral Symptoms Index (BSI) T-scores (β = -1.3; 95 % CI: -2.1, -0.4). CONCLUSION In this cohort, higher maternal preconception and pregnancy MBzP were associated with worse parent-reported child behavior, while higher maternal and paternal preconception MCOP concentrations were related to lower BASC-3 scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana Leader
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ramace Dadd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olivia Chagnon
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David C Bellinger
- Research Director Emeritus, Cardiac Neurodevelopment Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Professor of Neurology and Psychology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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11
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Dutta S, Goodrich JM, Dolinoy DC, Ruden DM. Biological Aging Acceleration Due to Environmental Exposures: An Exciting New Direction in Toxicogenomics Research. Genes (Basel) 2023; 15:16. [PMID: 38275598 PMCID: PMC10815440 DOI: 10.3390/genes15010016] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Biological clock technologies are designed to assess the acceleration of biological age (B-age) in diverse cell types, offering a distinctive opportunity in toxicogenomic research to explore the impact of environmental stressors, social challenges, and unhealthy lifestyles on health impairment. These clocks also play a role in identifying factors that can hinder aging and promote a healthy lifestyle. Over the past decade, researchers in epigenetics have developed testing methods that predict the chronological and biological age of organisms. These methods rely on assessing DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at specific CpG sites, RNA levels, and various biomolecules across multiple cell types, tissues, and entire organisms. Commonly known as 'biological clocks' (B-clocks), these estimators hold promise for gaining deeper insights into the pathways contributing to the development of age-related disorders. They also provide a foundation for devising biomedical or social interventions to prevent, reverse, or mitigate these disorders. This review article provides a concise overview of various epigenetic clocks and explores their susceptibility to environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudipta Dutta
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Jaclyn M. Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.G.); (D.C.D.)
| | - Dana C. Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.G.); (D.C.D.)
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Douglas M. Ruden
- C. S. Mott Center for Human Health and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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12
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Yang P, Xie J, Huang S, Li X, Deng L, Zhang J, Chen L, Wu N, Huang G, Zhou C, Xiao L, Shen X. "Cocktail" of environmental chemicals and early reproductive outcomes of IVF: The insight from paternal and maternal exposure. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119462. [PMID: 37925986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are exposed to various chemicals, including organophosphate esters (OPEs), phthalates (PAEs), and phenols. The effects on early reproductive outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) remain unclear. METHODS We recruited 192 women and 157 men who underwent IVF treatment. A total of forty-nine urinary chemicals were detected, including six OPEs, fifteen PAEs, six parabens, two chlorophenols, nine bisphenols, five benzophenones, and six synthetic phenolic antioxidants. We examined the individual and joint effects of parental chemical exposure on early reproductive outcomes. RESULTS We found that certain chemicals were associated with early reproductive outcomes in Poisson regression models. For example, urinary diphenyl phosphate was negatively associated with high-quality embryos in both female (β: -0.12, 95%CI: -0.17, -0.07) and male partners (β: -0.09, 95%CI: -0.15, -0.03). A negative association was found between mixed chemicals and high-quality embryos in Bayesian kernel machine regression, weighted quantile sum regression (β: -0.34, 95%CI: -0.60, -0.07), and quantile-based g-computation model (β: -0.69, 95%CI: -1.34, -0.05) among female partners. Paternal mixture exposure was not associated with early reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that increased exposure to environmental chemicals was associated with adverse early reproductive outcomes of IVF, especially female partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Yang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jinying Xie
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Songyi Huang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Langjing Deng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jinglei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Nanxin Wu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; China Greater Bay Area Research Center of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Guangtong Huang
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Xiaoting Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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13
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Mohanty G, Tourzani DA, Gervasi MG, Houle E, Oluwayiose O, Suvorov A, Richard Pilsner J, Visconti PE. Effects of preconception exposure to phthalates on mouse sperm capacitation parameters. Andrology 2023; 11:1484-1494. [PMID: 36891737 PMCID: PMC11004914 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates have been linked to adverse male reproductive health, including poor sperm quality and embryo quality as well as a longer time to pregnancy (months of unprotected intercourse before conception occurs). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of preconception exposure to two ubiquitous phthalate chemicals, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and their mixture on sperm function, fertilization, and embryo development in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult male C57BL/6J mice aged 8-9 weeks were exposed to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, or their mixture (di-n-butyl phthalate + di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) at 2.5 mg/kg/day or vehicle for 40 days (equivalent to one spermatogenic cycle) via surgically implanted osmotic pumps. Caudal epididymal spermatozoa were extracted and analyzed for motility using computer-assisted sperm analyses. Sperm phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates and tyrosine phosphorylation, markers of early and late capacitation events, respectively, were analyzed by Western blots. In vitro fertilization was used to evaluate the sperm fertilizing capacity. RESULTS While the study did not reveal any significant differences in sperm motility and fertilization potential, abnormal sperm morphology was observed in all phthalate exposures, particularly in the phthalate mixture group. In addition, the study revealed significant differences in sperm concentration between control and exposed groups. Moreover, protein phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates was decreased in the di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and mixture exposure groups, while no significant changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation were observed in any of the groups. Assessment of the reproductive functionality did not reveal significant effects on in vitro fertilization and early embryo development rates but showed wide variability in the phthalate mixture group. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that preconception phthalate exposure affects sperm numbers and phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates involved in capacitation. Future research is warranted to examine the associations between phthalate exposure and capacitation in human spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - Darya A. Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - María G. Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Oladele Oluwayiose
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - J. Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
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14
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Oluwayiose OA, Houle E, Whitcomb BW, Suvorov A, Rahil T, Sites CK, Krawetz SA, Visconti PE, Pilsner JR. Urinary phthalate metabolites and small non-coding RNAs from seminal plasma extracellular vesicles among men undergoing infertility treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 329:121529. [PMID: 37003585 PMCID: PMC11881107 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the male reproductive tract play critical roles in semen quality and emerging evidence suggests their susceptibility to environmental factors. Male phthalate exposures have been linked to poor semen quality, sperm DNA methylation profiles and embryo development; however, there is limited evidence on their potential impact on EV ncRNAs profiles. We evaluated the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and small ncRNAs (sncRNAs) of seminal plasma EVs (spEV) among men receiving clinical infertility care. We conducted sncRNA sequencing of EVs in 96 seminal plasma samples collected from the Sperm Environmental Epigenetics and Development Study (SEEDS). Sequencing reads were mapped to human transcriptome databases using STAR. Urinary metabolite concentrations of thirteen phthalates and two DiNCH, a phthalate alternative, were measured via tandem mass spectrometry. Associations with normalized counts were assessed using EdgeR (FDR<0.05) adjusting for urinary dilution via specific gravity, age, BMI, batch, and biotype-specific total counts. Select metabolites, MEOHP, MECPP, ∑DEHP, MCPP, MCNP, MCOP, were negatively (p < 0.05) correlated with miRNA relative abundance. Similarly, nine metabolites including MEOHP, MECPP, MEHP, MCPP, MHBP, MHiNCH, MiBP, MEHHP, MCOP and ∑DEHP were associated (q < 0.05) with normalized counts from 23 unique ncRNA transcripts (7 miRNAs (pre & mature); 6 tRFs; and 10 piRNAs), most (78%) of which displayed increased expression patterns. miRNA and tRFs gene targets were enriched in vesicle-mediated transport and developmental-related ontology terms, such as tyrosine kinase, head development, and cell morphogenesis. Six genes (MAPK1, BMPR1A/2, PTEN, TGFBR2, TP53 and APP) were present in all the ontology terms and predicted to form protein association networks. piRNAs were annotated to pseudogenes of genes important in EV cargo transfer and embryonic development. This is the first study to associate phthalate exposures to altered spEV sncRNA profiles. Future studies are needed to determine their impact on reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A Oluwayiose
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Brian W Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Tayyab Rahil
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan-Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia K Sites
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan-Baystate, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State School of Medicine, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 661 N. Pleasant St, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA; Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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Maitre L, Jedynak P, Gallego M, Ciaran L, Audouze K, Casas M, Vrijheid M. Integrating -omics approaches into population-based studies of endocrine disrupting chemicals: A scoping review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115788. [PMID: 37004856 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are challenging to detect in the general population. Omics technologies become increasingly common to identify early biological changes before the apparition of clinical symptoms, to explore toxic mechanisms and to increase biological plausibility of epidemiological associations. This scoping review systematically summarises the application of omics in epidemiological studies assessing EDCs-associated biological effects to identify potential gaps and priorities for future research. Ninety-eight human studies (2004-2021) were identified through database searches (PubMed, Scopus) and citation chaining and focused on phthalates (34 studies), phenols (19) and PFASs (17), while PAHs (12) and recently-used pesticides (3) were less studied. The sample sizes ranged from 10 to 12,476 (median = 159), involving non-pregnant adults (38), pregnant women (11), children/adolescents (15) or both latter populations studied together (23). Several studies included occupational workers (10) and/or highly exposed groups (11) focusing on PAHs, PFASs and pesticides, while studies on phenols and phthalates were performed in the general population only. Analysed omics layers included metabolic profiles (30, including 14 targeted analyses), miRNA (13), gene expression (11), DNA methylation (8), microbiome (5) and proteins (3). Twenty-one studies implemented targeted multi-assays focusing on clinical routine blood lipid traits, oxidative stress or hormones. Overall, DNA methylation and gene expression associations with EDCs did not overlap across studies, while some EDC-associated metabolite groups, such as carnitines, nucleotides and amino acids in untargeted metabolomic studies, and oxidative stress markers in targeted studies, were consistent across studies. Studies had common limitations such as small sample sizes, cross-sectional designs and single sampling for exposure biomonitoring. In conclusion, there is a growing body of evidence evaluating the early biological responses to exposure to EDCs. This review points to a need for larger longitudinal studies, wider coverage of exposures and biomarkers, replication studies and standardisation of research methods and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Maitre
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Paulina Jedynak
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team of Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Marta Gallego
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Ciaran
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karine Audouze
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 Rue des Saints Pères, Paris, France
| | - Maribel Casas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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16
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Oluwayiose OA, Houle E, Whitcomb BW, Suvorov A, Rahil T, Sites CK, Krawetz SA, Visconti PE, Pilsner JR. Non-coding RNAs from seminal plasma extracellular vesicles and success of live birth among couples undergoing fertility treatment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1174211. [PMID: 37427387 PMCID: PMC10323426 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1174211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Infertility remains a global health problem with male-factor infertility accounting for around 50% of cases. Understanding the molecular markers for the male contribution of live birth success has been limited. Here, we evaluated the expression levels of seminal plasma extracellular vesicle (spEV) non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in men of couples in relation with those with and without a successful live birth after infertility treatment. Method: Sperm-free spEV small RNA profiles were generated from 91 semen samples collected from male participants of couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. Couples were classified into two groups based on successful live birth (yes, n = 28) and (no, n = 63). Mapping of reads to human transcriptomes followed the order: miRNA > tRNA > piRNA > rRNA> "other" RNA > circRNA > lncRNA. Differential expression analysis of biotype-specific normalized read counts between groups were assessed using EdgeR (FDR<0.05). Result: We found a total of 12 differentially expressed spEV ncRNAs which included 10 circRNAs and two piRNAs between the live birth groups. Most (n = 8) of the identified circRNAs were downregulated in the no live birth group and targeted genes related to ontology terms such as negative reproductive system and head development, tissue morphogenesis, embryo development ending in birth or egg hatching, and vesicle-mediated transport. The differentially upregulated piRNAs overlapped with genomic regions including coding PID1 genes previously known to play a role in mitochondrion morphogenesis, signal transduction and cellular proliferation. Conclusion: This study identified novel ncRNAs profiles of spEVs differentiating men of couples with and without live birth and emphasizes the role of the male partner for ART success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A. Oluwayiose
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Emily Houle
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Brian W. Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Tayyab Rahil
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - Cynthia K. Sites
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Springfield, MA, United States
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - J. Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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Landrigan PJ, Raps H, Cropper M, Bald C, Brunner M, Canonizado EM, Charles D, Chiles TC, Donohue MJ, Enck J, Fenichel P, Fleming LE, Ferrier-Pages C, Fordham R, Gozt A, Griffin C, Hahn ME, Haryanto B, Hixson R, Ianelli H, James BD, Kumar P, Laborde A, Law KL, Martin K, Mu J, Mulders Y, Mustapha A, Niu J, Pahl S, Park Y, Pedrotti ML, Pitt JA, Ruchirawat M, Seewoo BJ, Spring M, Stegeman JJ, Suk W, Symeonides C, Takada H, Thompson RC, Vicini A, Wang Z, Whitman E, Wirth D, Wolff M, Yousuf AK, Dunlop S. The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:23. [PMID: 36969097 PMCID: PMC10038118 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plastics have conveyed great benefits to humanity and made possible some of the most significant advances of modern civilization in fields as diverse as medicine, electronics, aerospace, construction, food packaging, and sports. It is now clear, however, that plastics are also responsible for significant harms to human health, the economy, and the earth's environment. These harms occur at every stage of the plastic life cycle, from extraction of the coal, oil, and gas that are its main feedstocks through to ultimate disposal into the environment. The extent of these harms not been systematically assessed, their magnitude not fully quantified, and their economic costs not comprehensively counted. Goals The goals of this Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health are to comprehensively examine plastics' impacts across their life cycle on: (1) human health and well-being; (2) the global environment, especially the ocean; (3) the economy; and (4) vulnerable populations-the poor, minorities, and the world's children. On the basis of this examination, the Commission offers science-based recommendations designed to support development of a Global Plastics Treaty, protect human health, and save lives. Report Structure This Commission report contains seven Sections. Following an Introduction, Section 2 presents a narrative review of the processes involved in plastic production, use, and disposal and notes the hazards to human health and the environment associated with each of these stages. Section 3 describes plastics' impacts on the ocean and notes the potential for plastic in the ocean to enter the marine food web and result in human exposure. Section 4 details plastics' impacts on human health. Section 5 presents a first-order estimate of plastics' health-related economic costs. Section 6 examines the intersection between plastic, social inequity, and environmental injustice. Section 7 presents the Commission's findings and recommendations. Plastics Plastics are complex, highly heterogeneous, synthetic chemical materials. Over 98% of plastics are produced from fossil carbon- coal, oil and gas. Plastics are comprised of a carbon-based polymer backbone and thousands of additional chemicals that are incorporated into polymers to convey specific properties such as color, flexibility, stability, water repellence, flame retardation, and ultraviolet resistance. Many of these added chemicals are highly toxic. They include carcinogens, neurotoxicants and endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bisphenols, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants, and organophosphate flame retardants. They are integral components of plastic and are responsible for many of plastics' harms to human health and the environment.Global plastic production has increased almost exponentially since World War II, and in this time more than 8,300 megatons (Mt) of plastic have been manufactured. Annual production volume has grown from under 2 Mt in 1950 to 460 Mt in 2019, a 230-fold increase, and is on track to triple by 2060. More than half of all plastic ever made has been produced since 2002. Single-use plastics account for 35-40% of current plastic production and represent the most rapidly growing segment of plastic manufacture.Explosive recent growth in plastics production reflects a deliberate pivot by the integrated multinational fossil-carbon corporations that produce coal, oil and gas and that also manufacture plastics. These corporations are reducing their production of fossil fuels and increasing plastics manufacture. The two principal factors responsible for this pivot are decreasing global demand for carbon-based fuels due to increases in 'green' energy, and massive expansion of oil and gas production due to fracking.Plastic manufacture is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. At present, plastic production is responsible for an estimated 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the contribution of Brazil. This fraction is projected to increase to 4.5% by 2060 if current trends continue unchecked. Plastic Life Cycle The plastic life cycle has three phases: production, use, and disposal. In production, carbon feedstocks-coal, gas, and oil-are transformed through energy-intensive, catalytic processes into a vast array of products. Plastic use occurs in every aspect of modern life and results in widespread human exposure to the chemicals contained in plastic. Single-use plastics constitute the largest portion of current use, followed by synthetic fibers and construction.Plastic disposal is highly inefficient, with recovery and recycling rates below 10% globally. The result is that an estimated 22 Mt of plastic waste enters the environment each year, much of it single-use plastic and are added to the more than 6 gigatons of plastic waste that have accumulated since 1950. Strategies for disposal of plastic waste include controlled and uncontrolled landfilling, open burning, thermal conversion, and export. Vast quantities of plastic waste are exported each year from high-income to low-income countries, where it accumulates in landfills, pollutes air and water, degrades vital ecosystems, befouls beaches and estuaries, and harms human health-environmental injustice on a global scale. Plastic-laden e-waste is particularly problematic. Environmental Findings Plastics and plastic-associated chemicals are responsible for widespread pollution. They contaminate aquatic (marine and freshwater), terrestrial, and atmospheric environments globally. The ocean is the ultimate destination for much plastic, and plastics are found throughout the ocean, including coastal regions, the sea surface, the deep sea, and polar sea ice. Many plastics appear to resist breakdown in the ocean and could persist in the global environment for decades. Macro- and micro-plastic particles have been identified in hundreds of marine species in all major taxa, including species consumed by humans. Trophic transfer of microplastic particles and the chemicals within them has been demonstrated. Although microplastic particles themselves (>10 µm) appear not to undergo biomagnification, hydrophobic plastic-associated chemicals bioaccumulate in marine animals and biomagnify in marine food webs. The amounts and fates of smaller microplastic and nanoplastic particles (MNPs <10 µm) in aquatic environments are poorly understood, but the potential for harm is worrying given their mobility in biological systems. Adverse environmental impacts of plastic pollution occur at multiple levels from molecular and biochemical to population and ecosystem. MNP contamination of seafood results in direct, though not well quantified, human exposure to plastics and plastic-associated chemicals. Marine plastic pollution endangers the ocean ecosystems upon which all humanity depends for food, oxygen, livelihood, and well-being. Human Health Findings Coal miners, oil workers and gas field workers who extract fossil carbon feedstocks for plastic production suffer increased mortality from traumatic injury, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, hepatic angiosarcoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, neurotoxic injury, and decreased fertility. Workers producing plastic textiles die of bladder cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and interstitial lung disease at increased rates. Plastic recycling workers have increased rates of cardiovascular disease, toxic metal poisoning, neuropathy, and lung cancer. Residents of "fenceline" communities adjacent to plastic production and waste disposal sites experience increased risks of premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, childhood leukemia, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.During use and also in disposal, plastics release toxic chemicals including additives and residual monomers into the environment and into people. National biomonitoring surveys in the USA document population-wide exposures to these chemicals. Plastic additives disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for premature births, neurodevelopmental disorders, male reproductive birth defects, infertility, obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and cancers. Chemical-laden MNPs formed through the environmental degradation of plastic waste can enter living organisms, including humans. Emerging, albeit still incomplete evidence indicates that MNPs may cause toxicity due to their physical and toxicological effects as well as by acting as vectors that transport toxic chemicals and bacterial pathogens into tissues and cells.Infants in the womb and young children are two populations at particularly high risk of plastic-related health effects. Because of the exquisite sensitivity of early development to hazardous chemicals and children's unique patterns of exposure, plastic-associated exposures are linked to increased risks of prematurity, stillbirth, low birth weight, birth defects of the reproductive organs, neurodevelopmental impairment, impaired lung growth, and childhood cancer. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Economic Findings Plastic's harms to human health result in significant economic costs. We estimate that in 2015 the health-related costs of plastic production exceeded $250 billion (2015 Int$) globally, and that in the USA alone the health costs of disease and disability caused by the plastic-associated chemicals PBDE, BPA and DEHP exceeded $920 billion (2015 Int$). Plastic production results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions equivalent to 1.96 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually. Using the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) social cost of carbon metric, we estimate the annual costs of these GHG emissions to be $341 billion (2015 Int$).These costs, large as they are, almost certainly underestimate the full economic losses resulting from plastics' negative impacts on human health and the global environment. All of plastics' economic costs-and also its social costs-are externalized by the petrochemical and plastic manufacturing industry and are borne by citizens, taxpayers, and governments in countries around the world without compensation. Social Justice Findings The adverse effects of plastics and plastic pollution on human health, the economy and the environment are not evenly distributed. They disproportionately affect poor, disempowered, and marginalized populations such as workers, racial and ethnic minorities, "fenceline" communities, Indigenous groups, women, and children, all of whom had little to do with creating the current plastics crisis and lack the political influence or the resources to address it. Plastics' harmful impacts across its life cycle are most keenly felt in the Global South, in small island states, and in disenfranchised areas in the Global North. Social and environmental justice (SEJ) principles require reversal of these inequitable burdens to ensure that no group bears a disproportionate share of plastics' negative impacts and that those who benefit economically from plastic bear their fair share of its currently externalized costs. Conclusions It is now clear that current patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal are not sustainable and are responsible for significant harms to human health, the environment, and the economy as well as for deep societal injustices.The main driver of these worsening harms is an almost exponential and still accelerating increase in global plastic production. Plastics' harms are further magnified by low rates of recovery and recycling and by the long persistence of plastic waste in the environment.The thousands of chemicals in plastics-monomers, additives, processing agents, and non-intentionally added substances-include amongst their number known human carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxicants, and persistent organic pollutants. These chemicals are responsible for many of plastics' known harms to human and planetary health. The chemicals leach out of plastics, enter the environment, cause pollution, and result in human exposure and disease. All efforts to reduce plastics' hazards must address the hazards of plastic-associated chemicals. Recommendations To protect human and planetary health, especially the health of vulnerable and at-risk populations, and put the world on track to end plastic pollution by 2040, this Commission supports urgent adoption by the world's nations of a strong and comprehensive Global Plastics Treaty in accord with the mandate set forth in the March 2022 resolution of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).International measures such as a Global Plastics Treaty are needed to curb plastic production and pollution, because the harms to human health and the environment caused by plastics, plastic-associated chemicals and plastic waste transcend national boundaries, are planetary in their scale, and have disproportionate impacts on the health and well-being of people in the world's poorest nations. Effective implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty will require that international action be coordinated and complemented by interventions at the national, regional, and local levels.This Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production with targets, timetables, and national contributions be a central provision of the Global Plastics Treaty. We recommend inclusion of the following additional provisions:The Treaty needs to extend beyond microplastics and marine litter to include all of the many thousands of chemicals incorporated into plastics.The Treaty needs to include a provision banning or severely restricting manufacture and use of unnecessary, avoidable, and problematic plastic items, especially single-use items such as manufactured plastic microbeads.The Treaty needs to include requirements on extended producer responsibility (EPR) that make fossil carbon producers, plastic producers, and the manufacturers of plastic products legally and financially responsible for the safety and end-of-life management of all the materials they produce and sell.The Treaty needs to mandate reductions in the chemical complexity of plastic products; health-protective standards for plastics and plastic additives; a requirement for use of sustainable non-toxic materials; full disclosure of all components; and traceability of components. International cooperation will be essential to implementing and enforcing these standards.The Treaty needs to include SEJ remedies at each stage of the plastic life cycle designed to fill gaps in community knowledge and advance both distributional and procedural equity.This Commission encourages inclusion in the Global Plastic Treaty of a provision calling for exploration of listing at least some plastic polymers as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.This Commission encourages a strong interface between the Global Plastics Treaty and the Basel and London Conventions to enhance management of hazardous plastic waste and slow current massive exports of plastic waste into the world's least-developed countries.This Commission recommends the creation of a Permanent Science Policy Advisory Body to guide the Treaty's implementation. The main priorities of this Body would be to guide Member States and other stakeholders in evaluating which solutions are most effective in reducing plastic consumption, enhancing plastic waste recovery and recycling, and curbing the generation of plastic waste. This Body could also assess trade-offs among these solutions and evaluate safer alternatives to current plastics. It could monitor the transnational export of plastic waste. It could coordinate robust oceanic-, land-, and air-based MNP monitoring programs.This Commission recommends urgent investment by national governments in research into solutions to the global plastic crisis. This research will need to determine which solutions are most effective and cost-effective in the context of particular countries and assess the risks and benefits of proposed solutions. Oceanographic and environmental research is needed to better measure concentrations and impacts of plastics <10 µm and understand their distribution and fate in the global environment. Biomedical research is needed to elucidate the human health impacts of plastics, especially MNPs. Summary This Commission finds that plastics are both a boon to humanity and a stealth threat to human and planetary health. Plastics convey enormous benefits, but current linear patterns of plastic production, use, and disposal that pay little attention to sustainable design or safe materials and a near absence of recovery, reuse, and recycling are responsible for grave harms to health, widespread environmental damage, great economic costs, and deep societal injustices. These harms are rapidly worsening.While there remain gaps in knowledge about plastics' harms and uncertainties about their full magnitude, the evidence available today demonstrates unequivocally that these impacts are great and that they will increase in severity in the absence of urgent and effective intervention at global scale. Manufacture and use of essential plastics may continue. However, reckless increases in plastic production, and especially increases in the manufacture of an ever-increasing array of unnecessary single-use plastic products, need to be curbed.Global intervention against the plastic crisis is needed now because the costs of failure to act will be immense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J. Landrigan
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Hervé Raps
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Medical Biology Department, MC
| | - Maureen Cropper
- Economics Department, University of Maryland, College Park, US
| | - Caroline Bald
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Fenichel
- Université Côte d’Azur
- Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Nice, FR
| | - Lora E. Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, UK
| | | | | | | | - Carly Griffin
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Mark E. Hahn
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
- Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, US
| | - Budi Haryanto
- Department of Environmental Health, Universitas Indonesia, ID
- Research Center for Climate Change, Universitas Indonesia, ID
| | - Richard Hixson
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Hannah Ianelli
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Bryan D. James
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | | | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, UY
| | | | - Keith Martin
- Consortium of Universities for Global Health, US
| | - Jenna Mu
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | - Adetoun Mustapha
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lead City University, NG
| | - Jia Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston College, US
| | - Sabine Pahl
- University of Vienna, Austria
- University of Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Maria-Luiza Pedrotti
- Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche sur mer (LOV), Sorbonne Université, FR
| | | | | | - Bhedita Jaya Seewoo
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
| | | | - John J. Stegeman
- Biology Department and Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, US
| | - William Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US
| | | | - Hideshige Takada
- Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry (LOG), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, JP
| | | | | | - Zhanyun Wang
- Technology and Society Laboratory, WEmpa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials and Technology, CH
| | - Ella Whitman
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | | | | | - Aroub K. Yousuf
- Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, US
| | - Sarah Dunlop
- Minderoo Foundation, AU
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, AU
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Guerra MT, Erthal RP, Punhagui-Umbelino APF, Trinque CM, Torres de Bari MA, Nunes TDM, Costa WF, Cleto PH, Fernandes GSA. Reproductive toxicity of maternal exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and butyl paraben (alone or in association) on both male and female Wistar offspring. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:242-261. [PMID: 35962557 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Parabens and phthalates are commonly found as contaminants in human fluids and are able to provoke reproductive toxicity, being considered endocrine disruptors. To evaluate the effects of phthalate and paraben, alone or in combination, on reproductive development of the offspring, female pregnant Wistar rats were allocated in six experimental groups: Three control groups (gavage [CG], subcutaneous [CS], and gavage + subcutaneous) received corn oil as vehicle, and the remaining groups were exposed to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) (500 mg/kg, gavage), butyl paraben (BP) (100 mg/kg, subcutaneously), or MIX (DEHP + BP), from Gestational Day 12 until Postnatal Day (PND) 21. The following parameters were assessed on the offspring: anogenital distance and weight at PND 1, nipple counting at PND 13, puberty onset, estrous cycle, weights of reproductive and detoxifying organs, histological evaluation of reproductive organs, and sperm evaluations (counts, morphology, and motility). Female pups from MIX group presented reduced body weight at PND 1, lower AGD, and decreased endometrium thickness. Male animals showed decreased body weight at PND 1 and lower number of Sertoli cells on DEHP and MIX groups, MIX group revealed increase of abnormal seminiferous tubules, DEHP animals presented delayed preputial separation and higher percentage of immotile sperms, and BP males presented diminished number of Leydig cells. In conclusion, the male offspring was more susceptible to DEHP toxicity; even when mixed to paraben, the main negative effects observed seem to be due to antiandrogenic phthalate action. On the other hand, DEHP seems to be necessary to improve the effects of BP on reducing estrogen-dependent and increasing androgen-dependent events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafaela Pires Erthal
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Moreira Trinque
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wagner Ferrari Costa
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Pedro Horácio Cleto
- Department of General Biology, Biological Sciences Center, State University of Londrina-UEL, Londrina, Brazil
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Swanson GM, Nassan FL, Ford JB, Hauser R, Pilsner JR, Krawetz SA. Phthalates impact on the epigenetic factors contributed specifically by the father at fertilization. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:3. [PMID: 36694265 PMCID: PMC9872317 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preconception exposure to phthalates such as the anti-androgenic dibutyl-phthalate (DBP) impacts both male and female reproduction, yet how this occurs largely remains unknown. Previously we defined a series of RNAs expressly provided by sperm at fertilization and separately, and in parallel, those that responded to high DBP exposure. Utilizing both populations of RNAs, we now begin to unravel the impact of high-DBP exposure on those RNAs specifically delivered by the father. RESULTS Enrichment of RNAs altered by DBP exposure within the Molecular Signature Database highlighted cellular stress, cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA damage response, and gene regulation pathways. Overlap within each of these five pathways identified those RNAs that were specifically (≥ fivefold enriched) or primarily (≥ twofold enriched) provided as part of the paternal contribution compared to the oocyte at fertilization. Key RNAs consistently altered by DBP, including CAMTA2 and PSME4, were delivered by sperm reflective of these pathways. The majority (64/103) of overlapping enriched gene sets were related to gene regulation. Many of these RNAs (45 RNAs) corresponded to key interconnected CRREWs (Chromatin remodeler cofactors, RNA interactors, Readers, Erasers, and Writers). Modeling suggests that CUL2, PHF10, and SMARCC1 may coordinate and mechanistically modulate the phthalate response. CONCLUSIONS Mediated through a CRREW regulatory network, the cell responded to exposure presenting stressed-induced changes in the cell cycle-DNA damage-apoptosis. Interestingly, the majority of these DBP-responsive epigenetic mediators' direct acetylation or deacetylation, impacting the sperm's cargo delivered at fertilization and that of the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Swanson
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - F L Nassan
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J B Ford
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J R Pilsner
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - S A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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Greeson KW, Crow KMS, Edenfield RC, Easley CA. Inheritance of paternal lifestyles and exposures through sperm DNA methylation. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-022-00708-9. [PMID: 36653672 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Many different lifestyle factors and chemicals present in the environment are a threat to the reproductive tracts of humans. The potential for parental preconception exposure to alter gametes and for these alterations to be passed on to offspring and negatively affect embryo growth and development is of concern. The connection between maternal exposures and offspring health is a frequent focus in epidemiological studies, but paternal preconception exposures are much less frequently considered and are also very important determinants of offspring health. Several environmental and lifestyle factors in men have been found to alter sperm epigenetics, which can regulate gene expression during early embryonic development. Epigenetic information is thought to be a mechanism that evolved for organisms to pass on information about their lived experiences to offspring. DNA methylation is a well-studied epigenetic regulator that is sensitive to environmental exposures in somatic cells and sperm. The continuous production of sperm from spermatogonial stem cells throughout a man's adult life and the presence of spermatogonial stem cells outside of the blood-testis barrier makes them susceptible to environmental insults. Furthermore, altered sperm DNA methylation patterns can be maintained throughout development and ultimately result in impairments, which could predispose offspring to disease. Innovations in human stem cell-based spermatogenic models can be used to elucidate the paternal origins of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Greeson
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Krista M S Crow
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - R Clayton Edenfield
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Charles A Easley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. .,Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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21
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Zang L, Lv H, Du J, Pan Y, Lin Y, Dai J. Association of phthalate exposure with low birth weight in couples conceiving naturally or via assisted reproductive technology in a prospective birth cohort. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158852. [PMID: 36122707 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated the adverse effects of preconception phthalate (PAE) exposure on birth weight in couples receiving assisted reproductive technology (ART) compared to naturally conceived newborns. OBJECTIVES We examined the association between parental preconception/prenatal urinary phthalate exposure and low birth weight (LBW) risk in couples who conceived using ART or naturally. METHODS From the Jiangsu Birth Cohort Study (China), we recruited 544 couples who conceived after infertility treatment and 940 couples who conceived naturally and gave birth to a singleton infant between November 2014 and December 2019. Seventeen metabolites of phthalate and three metabolites of phthalate alternatives were analyzed in parental spot urine samples. Clinical data were collected from medical records. We used generalized linear models, elastic net regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and quantile-based g-computation to examine the individual and joint effects of parental phthalate exposure on birth weight and LBW risk ratios (RR). RESULTS The relationship between parental phthalate exposure and birth weight was consistent between ART and natural conception. Maternal exposure to mono-ethyl phthalate and mono-carboxyisooctyl phthalate was associated with an increased risk of LBW in ART-conceived infants (RR = 1.27; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.56; and RR = 1.31; 95 % CI: 1.03, 1.67, respectively). In contrast, in the spontaneously conceived infants, higher paternal prenatal concentrations of mono-benzyl phthalate and mono-carboxyisononyl phthalate were associated with a 40 % and 53 % increase in LBW risk, respectively. Exposure to PAE mixtures was associated with LBW in ART-conceived infants, with the effects primarily driven by di-ethyl phthalate, benzylbutyl phthalate, and di-isononyl phthalate metabolites. Sex-specific LBW was observed, with females appearing to be more susceptible than males. CONCLUSIONS Maternal preconception and paternal prenatal exposure to phthalates were associated with increased risk of LBW in infants. Compared with natural conception, ART-conceived fetuses were more sensitive to PAE mixtures, which requires further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong Lv
- State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jiangbo Du
- State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215006, China.
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; State Keey Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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XueXia L, YaNan L, Zi T, YuSheng Z, ZeLin W, Peng Z, MeiNa X, FuJun L. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) exposure induces sperm quality and functional defects in mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137216. [PMID: 36372335 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137216] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) harms mammalian testis development, yet the specific mechanism of its effect on sperm quality and function is unclear. In this study, male mice were administrated DEHP (200 mg/kg/day) via intragastric (i.g.) injection for 35 days. The sperm quality and function of DEHP-exposed mice were evaluated. DEHP exposure reduced the relative testis weight and serum testosterone levels. In addition, sperm count and motility parameters decreased significantly, which led to reduced sperm fertility characterized by reduced acrosome reaction rate, sperm-egg binding capacity and blastocyte formation. DEHP exposure decreased anti-oxidant indicators and the expressions of Cat, Sod1, Prdx6 and Sirt1 in the testis. DEHP-exposure also resulted in decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in mice testis, as well as the dose-dependent inhibition of the proliferation of GC-1 and GC-2 cells. These phenotypes may be related to increased cell apoptosis characterized by BAX/BCL2 and P53 up-regulation. DEHP exposure resulted in the down-regulation of SIRT1 and p-AKT in mice testis and decreased levels of GC-1and GC-2 cells. DEHP co-incubation with sperm in vitro resulted in decreased tyrosine phosphorylation and progressive motility, as well as p-AKT expression in capacitated sperm. Differential sperm proteomics identified 495 differentially expressed proteins, including 257 proteins down-regulated in the DEHP-exposure group. Bioinformatics analysis showed that proteins involved in sperm-egg interaction and fertilization processes were significantly down-regulated. Pathway analysis demonstrated that the adhesion pathway was enriched in down-regulated proteins, while the pathway associated with ribosomes was enriched in up-regulated proteins. Conclusively, DEHP exposure impaired male fertility by affecting sperm quality and function, and a pathway mediating the DEHP-induced decline in sperm quality and function was identified. The study provides additional information for understanding the molecular mechanisms of DEHP exposure and its effects on male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu XueXia
- Shandong Stem Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China; School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Liu YaNan
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Teng Zi
- Shandong Stem Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhang YuSheng
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Wang ZeLin
- Shandong Stem Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Zhu Peng
- Shandong Stem Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Xie MeiNa
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Liu FuJun
- Shandong Stem Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China; School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
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23
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Caporossi L, Viganò P, Paci E, Capanna S, Alteri A, Pigini D, Tranfo G, Papaleo B. A Case-Control Study on the Effects of Plasticizers Exposure on Male Fertility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:235. [PMID: 36612557 PMCID: PMC9819081 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is a serious concern for public health, and the possible role of exposure to plasticizers such as phthalates and bisphenol A in contributing to the condition is widely debated. We have herein enrolled 155 infertility cases attending an infertility center and 211 controls (fathers of a spontaneously conceived newborn) to investigate this issue. The urinary levels of seven phthalates and BPA were analyzed through HPLC/MS/MS. All data were statistically elaborated considering information about clinical situation, life habits, occupational activity, and, for cases, semen parameters (volume, sperm concentration, total count of spermatozoa, and sperm motility). Results showed significantly higher urinary concentrations for all the phthalates in cases compared to controls, except for monoethylphthalate and BPA. In total, 90.07% of cases had sperm motility lower than the WHO reference value (2010), while 53.69%, 46.31%, and 16.56% had sperm total number, concentration, and volume, respectively, out of the reference range. Regarding the possible source of exposure, the use of scents seems to be a significant source of DEP (diethylphthalate). When considering occupational settings, industrial workers, dental technicians, artisans, and farmers using chemicals showed higher risk (OR = 2.766, 95% CI 1.236-6.185), particularly in relation to DnBP (di-n-butyl phthalate) and DEHP (di-ethyl-hexyl phthalate) exposure. No clear quantitative correlation between specific plasticizers and sperm parameters could be demonstrated but these findings call for future studies about the risks associated with exposure to their mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Caporossi
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Paci
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
| | - Silvia Capanna
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Pigini
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tranfo
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
| | - Bruno Papaleo
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
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New evidence for deleterious effects of environmental contaminants on the male gamete. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106886. [PMID: 34774338 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The decreasing trend in human and domestic animal fertility in recent decades has resulted in the question of whether reduced sperm quality is associated with changes in global climate and the environment. Proposed causes for reduced sperm quality include environmental contaminants, which enter into the body of animals through the food chain and are transported to the reproductive tract, where contaminating agents can have effects on fertilization capacities of gametes. In this review, there is a focus on various environmental contaminants and potential effects on male fertility. Human-derived contaminants, particularly endocrine-disrupting phthalates and the pesticide atrazine, are discussed. Naturally occurring toxins are also addressed, in particular mycotoxins such as aflatoxin which can be components in food consumed by humans and animals. Mechanisms by which environmental contaminants reduce male fertility are not clearly defined; however, are apparently multifactorial (i.e., direct and indirect effects) with there being diverse modes of action. Results from studies with humans, rodents and domestic animals indicate there are deleterious effects of contaminants on male gametes at various stages of spermatogenesis (i.e., in the testis) during passage through the epididymis, and in mature spermatozoa, after ejaculation and during capacitation. Considering there is never detection of a single contaminant, this review addresses synergistic or additive effects of combinations of contaminants. There is new evidence highlighted for the long-lasting effects of environmental contaminants on spermatozoa and developing embryos. Understanding the risk associated with environmental contaminants for animal reproduction may lead to new management strategies, thereby improving reproductive processes.
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Oluwayiose OA, Houle E, Wu H, Whitcomb BW, Mumford SL, Schisterman EF, Suvorov A, Balzer LB, Pilsner JR. Urinary phthalate metabolites and their mixtures are associated with advanced sperm epigenetic aging in a general population. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114115. [PMID: 35988832 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114115] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We have recently shown that sperm epigenetic age (SEA), a surrogate measure of biological aging in sperm, is associated with couples' time-to-pregnancy (TTP). Advanced SEA was also observed among smokers, suggesting its susceptibility to environmental exposures. Therefore, we assessed the association between urinary phthalate metabolites and SEA in male partners of couples planning to conceive among the general population. METHOD The Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study was a prospective multi-site and general population cohort study of couples who were interested in becoming pregnant. Among male partners (n = 333), eleven urinary phthalate metabolites were measured and SEA was previously developed using Super Learner ensemble algorithm. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate associations of SEA with individual metabolites. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), quantile g-computation (qgcomp) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) models were used for mixture analyses. Covariates included were BMI, cotinine, race and urinary creatinine. RESULT In the single metabolite multivariate analyses, nine (82%) phthalate metabolites displayed positive trends with SEA (range: 0.05-0.47 years). Of these metabolites, advanced SEA was significantly associated with interquartile range increases in exposure of three phthalates [MEHHP (β = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.43, p = 0.03), MMP (β = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.47, p = 0.04), and MiBP (β = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.81, p = 0.01)]. Additionally, in BKMR and qgcomp (p = 0.06), but not WQS models, phthalate mixtures showed an overall positive trend with SEA, with MiBP, MMP and MBzP as major drivers of the mixture effects. CONCLUSION This is the first study that combined single exposure and mixture models to associate male phthalate exposures with advanced epigenetic aging of sperm in men planning to conceive among the general population. Our findings suggest that phthalate exposure may contribute to the acceleration of biological aging of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A Oluwayiose
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Brian W Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Sunni L Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Enrique F Schisterman
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Laura B Balzer
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA; Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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Oluwayiose OA, Wu H, Gao F, Baccarelli AA, Sofer T, Pilsner JR. Aclust2.0: a revamped unsupervised R tool for Infinium methylation beadchips data analyses. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:4820-4822. [PMID: 36028931 PMCID: PMC9563687 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION A wide range of computational packages has been developed for regional DNA methylation analyses of Illumina's Infinium array data. Aclust, one of the first unsupervised algorithms, was originally designed to analyze regional methylation of Infinium's 27K and 450K arrays by clustering neighboring methylation sites prior to downstream analyses. However, Aclust relied on outdated packages that rendered it largely non-operational especially with the newer Infinium EPIC and mouse arrays. RESULTS We have created Aclust2.0, a streamlined pipeline that involves five steps for the analyses of human (450K and EPIC) and mouse array data. Aclust2.0 provides a user-friendly pipeline and versatile for regional DNA methylation analyses for molecular epidemiological and mouse studies. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Aclust2.0 is freely available on Github (https://github.com/OluwayioseOA/Alcust2.0.git).
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A Oluwayiose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tamar Sofer
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Virant-Klun I, Imamovic-Kumalic S, Pinter B. From Oxidative Stress to Male Infertility: Review of the Associations of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (Bisphenols, Phthalates, and Parabens) with Human Semen Quality. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1617. [PMID: 36009337 PMCID: PMC9405245 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may result in oxidative stress and endocrine system disturbance, which can have an impact on human reproduction and development. In male reproductive health, EDCs have been related to impaired reproductive function and male infertility, altered fetal development, and testicular germ-cell, prostate, and breast cancers. We conducted an electronic search using PubMed on endocrine disruptors related to oxidative stress and male infertility, and evaluated their association with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (bisphenols, phthalates, and parabens) in 25 articles. Higher levels of urinary bisphenols showed correlation with impaired semen quality and increased DNA damage. Considering phthalates and their metabolites, all studies found a positive association between urinary levels of phthalates and at least one semen parameter indicative of low semen quality; some studies also revealed sperm DNA damage. The studies on parabens less often revealed correlation of urinary parabens concentrations with a decrease in sperm count, as well as motility and DNA damage. Moreover, EDCs can elevate ROS production and lipid peroxidation, increase apoptosis, induce epigenetic modifications, and change the Y:X sperm chromosome ratio and sperm protein composition. Our review revealed detrimental effects of EDCs on semen quality and sperm DNA integrity-especially in BPA and phthalates, but also in parabens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Virant-Klun
- Clinical Research Centre, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Senka Imamovic-Kumalic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bojana Pinter
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Pilsner JR, Saddiki H, Whitcomb BW, Suvorov A, Buck Louis GM, Mumford SL, Schisterman EF, Oluwayiose OA, Balzer LB. Sperm epigenetic clock associates with pregnancy outcomes in the general population. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1581-1593. [PMID: 35552703 PMCID: PMC9247414 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is sperm epigenetic aging (SEA) associated with probability of pregnancy among couples in the general population? SUMMARY ANSWER We observed a 17% lower cumulative probability at 12 months for couples with male partners in the older compared to the younger SEA categories. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The strong relation between chronological age and DNA methylation profiles has enabled the estimation of biological age as epigenetic 'clock' metrics in most somatic tissue. Such clocks in male germ cells are less developed and lack clinical relevance in terms of their utility to predict reproductive outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a population-based prospective cohort study of couples discontinuing contraception to become pregnant recruited from 16 US counties from 2005 to 2009 and followed for up to 12 months. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sperm DNA methylation from 379 semen samples was assessed via a beadchip array. A state-of-the-art ensemble machine learning algorithm was employed to predict age from the sperm DNA methylation data. SEA was estimated from clocks derived from individual CpGs (SEACpG) and differentially methylated regions (SEADMR). Probability of pregnancy within 1 year was compared by SEA, and discrete-time proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the relations with time-to-pregnancy (TTP) with adjustment for covariates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Our SEACpG clock had the highest predictive performance with correlation between chronological and predicted age (r = 0.91). In adjusted discrete Cox models, SEACpG was negatively associated with TTP (fecundability odds ratios (FORs)=0.83; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.90; P = 1.2×10-5), indicating a longer TTP with advanced SEACpG. For subsequent birth outcomes, advanced SEACpG was associated with shorter gestational age (n = 192; -2.13 days; 95% CI: -3.67, -0.59; P = 0.007). Current smokers also displayed advanced SEACpG (P < 0.05). Finally, SEACpG showed a strong performance in an independent IVF cohort (n = 173; r = 0.83). SEADMR performance was comparable to SEACpG but with attenuated effect sizes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This prospective cohort study consisted primarily of Caucasian men and women, and thus analysis of large diverse cohorts is necessary to confirm the associations between SEA and couple pregnancy success in other races/ethnicities. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data suggest that our sperm epigenetic clocks may have utility as a novel biomarker to predict TTP among couples in the general population and underscore the importance of the male partner for reproductive success. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded in part by grants the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (R01 ES028298; PI: J.R.P. and P30 ES020957); Robert J. Sokol, MD Endowed Chair of Molecular Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.R.P.); and the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (Contracts N01-HD-3-3355, N01-HD-3-3356 and N01-HD-3-3358). S.L.M. was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hachem Saddiki
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Brian W Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Sunni L Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Enrique F Schisterman
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oladele A Oluwayiose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Laura B Balzer
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
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Kim S, Hollinger H, Radke EG. 'Omics in environmental epidemiological studies of chemical exposures: A systematic evidence map. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 164:107243. [PMID: 35551006 PMCID: PMC11515950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic evidence maps are increasingly used to develop chemical risk assessments. These maps can provide an overview of available studies and relevant study information to be used for various research objectives and applications. Environmental epidemiological studies that examine the impact of chemical exposures on various 'omic profiles in human populations provide relevant mechanistic information and can be used for benchmark dose modeling to derive potential human health reference values. OBJECTIVES To create a systematic evidence map of environmental epidemiological studies examining environmental contaminant exposures with 'omics in order to characterize the extent of available studies for future research needs. METHODS Systematic review methods were used to search and screen the literature and included the use of machine learning methods to facilitate screening studies. The Populations, Exposures, Comparators and Outcomes (PECO) criteria were developed to identify and screen relevant studies. Studies that met the PECO criteria after full-text review were summarized with information such as study population, study design, sample size, exposure measurement, and 'omics analysis. RESULTS Over 10,000 studies were identified from scientific databases. Screening processes were used to identify 84 studies considered PECO-relevant after full-text review. Various contaminants (e.g. phthalate, benzene, arsenic, etc.) were investigated in epidemiological studies that used one or more of the four 'omics of interest: epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics . The epidemiological study designs that were used to explore single or integrated 'omic research questions with contaminant exposures were cohort studies, controlled trials, cross-sectional, and case-control studies. An interactive web-based systematic evidence map was created to display more study-related information. CONCLUSIONS This systematic evidence map is a novel tool to visually characterize the available environmental epidemiological studies investigating contaminants and biological effects using 'omics technology and serves as a resource for investigators and allows for a range of applications in chemical research and risk assessment needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kim
- Superfund and Emergency Management Division, Region 2, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NY, USA.
| | - Hillary Hollinger
- Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth G Radke
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, D.C, USA.
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30
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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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31
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Pepin AS, Lafleur C, Lambrot R, Dumeaux V, Kimmins S. Sperm histone H3 lysine 4 tri-methylation serves as a metabolic sensor of paternal obesity and is associated with the inheritance of metabolic dysfunction. Mol Metab 2022; 59:101463. [PMID: 35183795 PMCID: PMC8931445 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parental environmental exposures can strongly influence descendant risks for adult disease. How paternal obesity changes the sperm chromatin leading to the acquisition of metabolic disease in offspring remains controversial and ill-defined. The objective of this study was to assess (1) whether obesity induced by a high-fat diet alters sperm histone methylation; (2) whether paternal obesity can induce metabolic disturbances across generations; (3) whether there could be cumulative damage to the sperm epigenome leading to enhanced metabolic dysfunction in descendants; and (4) whether obesity-sensitive regions associate with embryonic epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles. Using a genetic mouse model of epigenetic inheritance, we investigated the role of histone H3 lysine 4 methylation (H3K4me3) in the paternal transmission of metabolic dysfunction. This transgenic mouse overexpresses the histone demethylase enzyme KDM1A in the developing germline and has an altered sperm epigenome at the level of histone H3K4 methylation. We hypothesized that challenging transgenic sires with a high-fat diet would further erode the sperm epigenome and lead to enhanced metabolic disturbances in the next generations. METHODS To assess whether paternal obesity can have inter- or transgenerational impacts, and if so to identify potential mechanisms of this non-genetic inheritance, we used wild-type C57BL/6NCrl and transgenic males with a pre-existing altered sperm epigenome. To induce obesity, sires were fed either a control or high-fat diet (10% or 60% kcal fat, respectively) for 10-12 weeks, then bred to wild-type C57BL/6NCrl females fed a regular diet. F1 and F2 descendants were characterized for metabolic phenotypes by examining the effects of paternal obesity by sex, on body weight, fat mass distribution, the liver transcriptome, intraperitoneal glucose, and insulin tolerance tests. To determine whether obesity altered the F0 sperm chromatin, native chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing targeting H3K4me3 was performed. To gain insight into mechanisms of paternal transmission, we compared our sperm H3K4me3 profiles with embryonic and placental chromatin states, histone modification, and gene expression profiles. RESULTS Obesity-induced alterations in H3K4me3 occurred in genes implicated in metabolic, inflammatory, and developmental processes. These processes were associated with offspring metabolic dysfunction and corresponded to genes enriched for H3K4me3 in embryos and overlapped embryonic and placenta gene expression profiles. Transgenerational susceptibility to metabolic disease was only observed when obese F0 had a pre-existing modified sperm epigenome. This coincided with increased H3K4me3 alterations in sperm and more severe phenotypes affecting their offspring. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest sperm H3K4me3 might serve as a metabolic sensor that connects paternal diet with offspring phenotypes via the placenta. This non-DNA-based knowledge of inheritance has the potential to improve our understanding of how environment shapes heritability and may lead to novel routes for the prevention of disease. This study highlights the need to further study the connection between the sperm epigenome, placental development, and children's health. SUMMARY SENTENCE Paternal obesity impacts sperm H3K4me3 and is associated with placenta, embryonic and metabolic outcomes in descendants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Pepin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Christine Lafleur
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Romain Lambrot
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Vanessa Dumeaux
- Department of Biology, PERFORM Center, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
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32
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Skakkebæk NE, Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Levine H, Andersson AM, Jørgensen N, Main KM, Lidegaard Ø, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, Bräuner EV, Almstrup K, Franca LR, Znaor A, Kortenkamp A, Hart RJ, Juul A. Environmental factors in declining human fertility. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:139-157. [PMID: 34912078 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A severe decline in child births has occurred over the past half century, which will lead to considerable population declines, particularly in industrialized regions. A crucial question is whether this decline can be explained by economic and behavioural factors alone, as suggested by demographic reports, or to what degree biological factors are also involved. Here, we discuss data suggesting that human reproductive health is deteriorating in industrialized regions. Widespread infertility and the need for assisted reproduction due to poor semen quality and/or oocyte failure are now major health issues. Other indicators of declining reproductive health include a worldwide increasing incidence in testicular cancer among young men and alterations in twinning frequency. There is also evidence of a parallel decline in rates of legal abortions, revealing a deterioration in total conception rates. Subtle alterations in fertility rates were already visible around 1900, and most industrialized regions now have rates below levels required to sustain their populations. We hypothesize that these reproductive health problems are partially linked to increasing human exposures to chemicals originating directly or indirectly from fossil fuels. If the current infertility epidemic is indeed linked to such exposures, decisive regulatory action underpinned by unconventional, interdisciplinary research collaborations will be needed to reverse the trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Hagai Levine
- School of Public Health, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Øjvind Lidegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine A Holmboe
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elvira V Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luiz R Franca
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ariana Znaor
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Division of Environmental Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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33
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Lane MKM, Garedew M, Deary EC, Coleman CN, Ahrens-Víquez MM, Erythropel HC, Zimmerman JB, Anastas PT. What to Expect When Expecting in Lab: A Review of Unique Risks and Resources for Pregnant Researchers in the Chemical Laboratory. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:163-198. [PMID: 35130693 PMCID: PMC8864617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Pregnancy presents a unique risk
to chemical researchers due to
their occupational exposures to chemical, equipment, and physical
hazards in chemical research laboratories across science, engineering,
and technology disciplines. Understanding “risk” as
a function of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability, this review aims
to critically examine the state of the science for the risks and associated
recommendations (or lack thereof) for pregnant researchers in chemical
laboratories (labs). Commonly encountered hazards for pregnant lab
workers include chemical hazards (organic solvents, heavy metals,
engineered nanomaterials, and endocrine disruptors), radiation hazards
(ionizing radiation producing equipment and materials and nonionizing
radiation producing equipment), and other hazards related to the lab
environment (excessive noise, excessive heat, psychosocial stress,
strenuous physical work, and/or abnormal working hours). Lab relevant
doses and routes of exposure in the chemical lab environment along
with literature and governmental recommendations or resources for
exposure mitigation are critically assessed. The specific windows
of vulnerability based on stage of pregnancy are described for each
hazard, if available. Finally, policy gaps for further scientific
research are detailed to enhance future guidance to protect pregnant
lab workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kate M Lane
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Mahlet Garedew
- Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Emma C Deary
- Department of Anthropology, Wellesley College, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481, United States
| | - Cherish N Coleman
- Department of Biology, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Michigan 48221, United States
| | - Melissa M Ahrens-Víquez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Hanno C Erythropel
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Julie B Zimmerman
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Paul T Anastas
- Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
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34
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Vozdova M, Kubickova S, Kopecka V, Sipek J, Rubes J. Effects of the air pollution dynamics on semen quality and sperm DNA methylation in men living in urban industrial agglomeration. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2022; 63:76-83. [PMID: 35246879 DOI: 10.1002/em.22474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Human populations living in urban industrial regions of developed countries are exposed to high levels of environmental pollutants. The reproductive consequences of the exposure to air pollution can be monitored through semen analysis and molecular methods. In this study, we tested the possible impact of seasonal changes in the level of air pollution on the semen quality and sperm DNA methylation of 24 men living and working in the industrial agglomeration of Ostrava (Czech Republic). The study participants were healthy non-smokers. The study group was homogeneous regarding their profession, moderate alcohol consumption, no drug abuse and no additional exposure to chemical toxicants. We performed targeted methylation next generation sequencing (NGS) using Agilent SureSelect Human Methyl-Seq and Illumina NextSeq 500 platform to analyze semen samples collected repeatedly from the same men following the season of high (winter) and low (summer) air pollution exposure. We did not detect any adverse effects of the increased exposure on the semen quality; neither we found any difference in average sperm DNA methylation between the two sampling periods. Our search for differentially methylated CpG sites did not reveal any specific CpG methylation change. Our data indicate that the seasonal changes in the level of the air pollution probably do not have any substantial effect on sperm DNA methylation of men living in the highly polluted industrial agglomeration for a long period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miluse Vozdova
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Central European Institute of Technology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Svatava Kubickova
- 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
| | - Jaroslav Sipek
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Central European Institute of Technology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Rubes
- Department of Genetics and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Central European Institute of Technology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
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35
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Madhu NR, Sarkar B, Slama P, Jha NK, Ghorai SK, Jana SK, Govindasamy K, Massanyi P, Lukac N, Kumar D, Kalita JC, Kesari KK, Roychoudhury S. Effect of Environmental Stressors, Xenobiotics, and Oxidative Stress on Male Reproductive and Sexual Health. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1391:33-58. [PMID: 36472815 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12966-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This article examines the environmental factor-induced oxidative stress (OS) and their effects on male reproductive and sexual health. There are several factors that induce OS, i.e. radition, metal contamination, xenobiotic compounds, and cigarette smoke and lead to cause toxicity in the cells through metabolic or bioenergetic processes. These environmental factors may produce free radicals and enhance the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Free radicals are molecules that include oxygen and disbalance the amount of electrons that can create major chemical chains in the body and cause oxidation. Oxidative damage to cells may impair male fertility and lead to abnormal embryonic development. Moreover, it does not only cause a vast number of health issues such as ageing, cancer, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and neurodegenerative disorders but also decreases the motility of spermatozoa while increasing sperm DNA damage, impairing sperm mitochondrial membrane lipids and protein kinases. This chapter mainly focuses on the environmental stressors with further discussion on the mechanisms causing congenital impairments due to poor sexual health and transmitting altered signal transduction pathways in male gonadal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithar Ranjan Madhu
- Department of Zoology, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Bhanumati Sarkar
- Department of Botany, Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, New Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Petr Slama
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | | | - Sandip Kumar Jana
- Department of Zoology, Bajkul Milani Mahavidyalaya, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India
| | - Kadirvel Govindasamy
- Animal Production Division, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Peter Massanyi
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Norbert Lukac
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- School of Health Sciences & Technology, UPES University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jogen C Kalita
- Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, India
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36
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Zhao S, Xu J, Zhang W, Yan W, Li G. Paternal exposure to microcystin-LR triggers developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish offspring via an epigenetic mechanism involving MAPK pathway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148437. [PMID: 34153754 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) induced impairment to male reproductive system and revealed the effects of transgenerational toxicity on offspring. But very little is known about the inheritance of these effects to offspring and the mechanisms involved. Here, we used methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-Seq) and microarray to characterize whole-genome DNA methylation and mRNA expression patterns in zebrafish testis after 6-week exposure to 5 and 20 μg/L MCLR. Accompanied with these analyses it revealed that MAPK pathway and ER pathway significantly enriched in zebrafish testes. Apoptosis and testicular damage were also observed in testis. Next, we test the transmission of effects to compare control-father and MCLR exposure-father progenies. DNA methylation analyses (via reduced representation bisulfite sequencing) reveal that the enrichment of differentially methylated regions on neurodevelopment after paternal MCLR exposure. Meanwhile, several genes associated with neurodevelopment were markedly downregulated in zebrafish larvae, and swimming speed was also reduced in the larvae. Interestingly, paternal MCLR exposure also triggered activation the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway which is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. These results demonstrated the significant effect that paternal MCLR exposure may have on gene-specific DNA methylation patterns in testis. Inherited epigenetic alterations through the germline may be the mechanism leading to developmental neurotoxicity in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Weiyun Zhang
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards & Testing Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
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37
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Oluwayiose OA, Marcho C, Wu H, Houle E, Krawetz SA, Suvorov A, Mager J, Pilsner JR. Paternal preconception phthalate exposure alters sperm methylome and embryonic programming. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106693. [PMID: 34120004 PMCID: PMC8292217 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Preconception environmental conditions have been demonstrated to shape sperm epigenetics and subsequently offspring health and development. Our previous findings in humans showed that urinary anti-androgenic phthalate metabolites in males were associated with altered sperm methylation and blastocyst-stage embryo development. To corroborate this, we examined the effect of preconception exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression profiles in mice. Eight-week old C57BL/6J male mice were exposed to either a vehicle control, low, or high dose of DEHP (2.5 and 25 mg/kg/weight, respectively) for 67 days (~2 spermatogenic cycles) and were subsequently mated with unexposed females. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) of epididymal sperm was performed and gastrulation stage embryos were collected for RRBS and transcriptome analyses in both embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages. Male preconception DEHP exposure resulted in 704 differentially methylated regions (DMRs; q-value < 0.05; ≥10% methylation change) in sperm, 1,716 DMRs in embryonic, and 3,181 DMRs in extra-embryonic tissue. Of these, 29 DMRs overlapped between sperm and F1 tissues, half of which showed concordant methylation changes between F0 and F1 generations. F1 transcriptomes at E7.5 were also altered by male preconception DEHP exposure including developmental gene families such as Hox, Gata, and Sox. Additionally, gene ontology analyses of DMRs and differentially expressed genes showed enrichment of multiple developmental processes including embryonic development, pattern specification and morphogenesis. These data indicate that spermatogenesis in adult may represent a sensitive window in which exposure to DEHP alters the sperm methylome as well as DNA methylation and gene expression in the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A Oluwayiose
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Chelsea Marcho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jesse Mager
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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38
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Svanes C, Bertelsen RJ, Accordini S, Holloway JW, Júlíusson P, Boateng E, Krauss-Etchmann S, Schlünssen V, Gómez-Real F, Skulstad SM. Exposures during the prepuberty period and future offspring's health: evidence from human cohort studies†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:667-680. [PMID: 34416759 PMCID: PMC8444705 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that exposures in prepuberty, particularly in fathers-to-be, may impact the phenotype of future offspring. Analyses of the RHINESSA cohort find that offspring of father’s exposed to tobacco smoking or overweight that started in prepuberty demonstrate poorer respiratory health in terms of more asthma and lower lung function. A role of prepuberty onset smoking for offspring fat mass is suggested in the RHINESSA and ALSPAC cohorts, and historic studies suggest that ancestral nutrition during prepuberty plays a role for grand-offspring’s health and morbidity. Support for causal relationships between ancestral exposures and (grand-)offspring’s health in humans has been enhanced by advancements in statistical analyses that optimize the gain while accounting for the many complexities and deficiencies in human multigeneration data. The biological mechanisms underlying such observations have been explored in experimental models. A role of sperm small RNA in the transmission of paternal exposures to offspring phenotypes has been established, and chemical exposures and overweight have been shown to influence epigenetic programming in germ cells. For example, exposure of adolescent male mice to smoking led to differences in offspring weight and alterations in small RNAs in the spermatozoa of the exposed fathers. It is plausible that male prepuberty may be a time window of particular susceptibility, given the extensive epigenetic reprogramming taking place in the spermatocyte precursors at this age. In conclusion, epidemiological studies in humans, mechanistic research, and biological plausibility, all support the notion that exposures in the prepuberty of males may influence the phenotype of future offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Svanes
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Randi J Bertelsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Oral Health Centre of Expertise Western Norway, Bergen, Norway
| | - Simone Accordini
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - John W Holloway
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, UK.,Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Pétur Júlíusson
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Health Register Research and Development, National Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eistine Boateng
- Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Disease, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Susanne Krauss-Etchmann
- Early Life Origins of Chronic Lung Disease, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health-Work, Environment and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francisco Gómez-Real
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svein Magne Skulstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Ben Maamar M, Nilsson EE, Skinner MK. Epigenetic transgenerational inheritance, gametogenesis and germline development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:570-592. [PMID: 33929020 PMCID: PMC8444706 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most important developing cell types in any biological system is the gamete (sperm and egg). The transmission of phenotypes and optimally adapted physiology to subsequent generations is in large part controlled by gametogenesis. In contrast to genetics, the environment actively regulates epigenetics to impact the physiology and phenotype of cellular and biological systems. The integration of epigenetics and genetics is critical for all developmental biology systems at the cellular and organism level. The current review is focused on the role of epigenetics during gametogenesis for both the spermatogenesis system in the male and oogenesis system in the female. The developmental stages from the initial primordial germ cell through gametogenesis to the mature sperm and egg are presented. How environmental factors can influence the epigenetics of gametogenesis to impact the epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic and physiological change in subsequent generations is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millissia Ben Maamar
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Eric E Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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40
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Warner GR, Dettogni RS, Bagchi IC, Flaws JA, Graceli JB. Placental outcomes of phthalate exposure. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 103:1-17. [PMID: 34015474 PMCID: PMC8260441 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proper placental development and function relies on hormone receptors and signaling pathways that make the placenta susceptible to disruption by endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates. Here, we review relevant research on the associations between phthalate exposures and dysfunctions of the development and function of the placenta, including morphology, physiology, and genetic and epigenetic effects. This review covers in vitro studies, in vivo studies in mammals, and studies in humans. We also discuss important gaps in the literature. Overall, the evidence indicates that toxicity to the placental and maternal-fetal interface is associated with exposure to phthalates. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms through which phthalates act in the placenta as well as additional human studies that assess placental disruption through pregnancy with larger sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genoa R Warner
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Dept of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Jones B Graceli
- Dept of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Brazil
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41
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Lambrot R, Chan D, Shao X, Aarabi M, Kwan T, Bourque G, Moskovtsev S, Librach C, Trasler J, Dumeaux V, Kimmins S. Whole-genome sequencing of H3K4me3 and DNA methylation in human sperm reveals regions of overlap linked to fertility and development. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109418. [PMID: 34289352 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The paternal environment has been linked to infertility and negative outcomes. Such effects may be transmitted via sperm through histone modifications. To date, in-depth profiling of the sperm chromatin in men has been limited. Here, we use deep sequencing to characterize the sperm profiles of histone H3 lysine 4 tri-methylation (H3K4me3) and DNA methylation in a representative reference population of 37 men. Our analysis reveals that H3K4me3 is localized throughout the genome and at genes for fertility and development. Remarkably, enrichment is also found at regions that escape epigenetic reprogramming in primordial germ cells, embryonic enhancers, and short-interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs). There is significant overlap in H3K4me3 and DNA methylation throughout the genome, suggesting a potential interplay between these marks previously reported to be mutually exclusive in sperm. Comparisons made between H3K4me3 marked regions in sperm and the embryonic transcriptome suggest an influence of paternal chromatin on embryonic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Lambrot
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Donovan Chan
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xiaojian Shao
- Digital Technologies Research Centre, National Research Council, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mahmoud Aarabi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, North York General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tony Kwan
- Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sergey Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada; Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Vanessa Dumeaux
- PERFORM Center, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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42
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Åsenius F, Danson AF, Marzi SJ. DNA methylation in human sperm: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:841-873. [PMID: 32790874 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in non-human mammals suggest that environmental factors can influence spermatozoal DNA methylation, and some research suggests that spermatozoal DNA methylation is also implicated in conditions such as subfertility and imprinting disorders in the offspring. Together with an increased availability of cost-effective methods of interrogating DNA methylation, this premise has led to an increasing number of studies investigating the DNA methylation landscape of human spermatozoa. However, how the human spermatozoal DNA methylome is influenced by environmental factors is still unclear, as is the role of human spermatozoal DNA methylation in subfertility and in influencing offspring health. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the quality of the current body of literature on DNA methylation in human spermatozoa, summarize current knowledge and generate recommendations for future research. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases was conducted using the search terms 'semen' OR 'sperm' AND 'DNA methylation'. Publications from 1 January 2003 to 2 March 2020 that studied human sperm and were written in English were included. Studies that used sperm DNA methylation to develop methodologies or forensically identify semen were excluded, as were reviews, commentaries, meta-analyses or editorial texts. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria were used to objectively evaluate quality of evidence in each included publication. OUTCOMES The search identified 446 records, of which 135 were included in the systematic review. These 135 studies were divided into three groups according to area of research; 56 studies investigated the influence of spermatozoal DNA methylation on male fertility and abnormal semen parameters, 20 studies investigated spermatozoal DNA methylation in pregnancy outcomes including offspring health and 59 studies assessed the influence of environmental factors on spermatozoal DNA methylation. Findings from studies that scored as 'high' and 'moderate' quality of evidence according to GRADE criteria were summarized. We found that male subfertility and abnormal semen parameters, in particular oligozoospermia, appear to be associated with abnormal spermatozoal DNA methylation of imprinted regions. However, no specific DNA methylation signature of either subfertility or abnormal semen parameters has been convincingly replicated in genome-scale, unbiased analyses. Furthermore, although findings require independent replication, current evidence suggests that the spermatozoal DNA methylome is influenced by cigarette smoking, advanced age and environmental pollutants. Importantly however, from a clinical point of view, there is no convincing evidence that changes in spermatozoal DNA methylation influence pregnancy outcomes or offspring health. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Although it appears that the human sperm DNA methylome can be influenced by certain environmental and physiological traits, no findings have been robustly replicated between studies. We have generated a set of recommendations that would enhance the reliability and robustness of findings of future analyses of the human sperm methylome. Such studies will likely require multicentre collaborations to reach appropriate sample sizes, and should incorporate phenotype data in more complex statistical models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy F Danson
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah J Marzi
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.,Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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43
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Allotey JA, Boyle M, Sapkota A, Zhu L, Peng RD, Garza MA, Quirós-Alcalá L. Determinants of phthalate exposure among a U.S.-based group of Latino workers. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 234:113739. [PMID: 33836349 PMCID: PMC8096699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates are endocrine disrupting compounds linked to various adverse health effects. U.S. national biomonitoring data indicate that select minority subgroups may suffer disparate exposures to phthalates. Still, exposures and their respective determinants among these subgroups are not well characterized. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine determinants of phthalate exposure in a subsample of US-based Latino adults. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study on 94 Latino immigrant adults in Maryland. Participants were >18 years of age and working in a service-based industry. We administered an interviewer-administered questionnaire to capture information on potential exposure determinants (e.g., demographic characteristics, consumer product use, and workplace exposures and behaviors) and using HPLC/MS-MS we quantified concentrations of 9 urinary phthalate metabolites: monoethyl phthalate (MEP, diethyl phthalate metabolite); mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP, di-n-butyl phthalate metabolite); mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP, di-isobutyl phthalate metabolite; monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP, benzylbutyl phthalate metabolite); molar sum of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate or DEHP metabolites [mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECCP)]; and mono(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP, a non-specific metabolite of several phthalates including di-n-butyl phthalate and di-n-octyl phthalate). DEHP was analyzed as the molar sum of four metabolites (ΣDEHP = MEHP + MEHHP + MECPP + MEOHP). Spearman correlations, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted to assess bivariate associations between metabolite concentrations and potential exposure determinants. Covariates associated with metabolites at p < 0.10 in bivariate analyses were included in multivariable linear regression models to assess the independent effects of predictors on metabolite concentrations. RESULTS Uncorrected median phthalate metabolite concentrations were lower in our study population (50% of samples ranged between 1.4 and 23.6 μg/L. While we observed some significant associations with select predictors in our bivariate analysis, select associations were attenuated in multivariable regression models. In our final multivariable linear regression models, we found that use of bleach (β = 1.15, 95%CI:0.30, 2.00) and consumption pasta/rice/noodles (β = 0.87, 95%CI: 0.27, 1.46) was positively associated with MBzP concentrations. MEP concentrations were inversely associated with use of furniture polish (β = -1.17, 95%CI: 2.21, -0.12) and use of scented dryer sheets (β = -1.08, 95%CI: 2.01, -0.14). Lastly, ΣDEHP concentrations were inversely associated with use of degreaser (ßDEHP = -0.65, 95%CI: 1.25, -0.05). CONCLUSIONS In this predominantly U.S.-based Central American subsample of adults, we observed lower metabolite concentrations than those previously reported in other U.S. studies and other countries. Our findings could be due, in part, to temporal trends in phthalate exposures and cultural differences related to exposure-related behaviors. While some exposure determinants were identified in our bivariate analyses, results from multivariable regression models did not provide clear results as many associations were attenuated. Environmental exposures may vary within minority subgroups and should be explored further in future studies to further inform exposure mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice A Allotey
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Meleah Boyle
- Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Amir Sapkota
- Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Linyan Zhu
- Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Roger D Peng
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary A Garza
- California State University, Fresno, College of Health and Human Services, Department of Public Health, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; Maryland Institute of Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
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Wang WR, Chen NT, Hsu NY, Kuo IY, Chang HW, Wang JY, Su HJ. Associations among phthalate exposure, DNA methylation of TSLP, and childhood allergy. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:76. [PMID: 33836808 PMCID: PMC8035749 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01061-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) expressions is linked to asthma and allergic disease. Exposure to phthalate esters, a widely used plasticizer, is associated with respiratory and allergic morbidity. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) causes TSLP upregulation in the skin. In addition, phthalate exposure is associated with changes in environmentally induced DNA methylation, which might cause phenotypic heterogeneity. This study examined the DNA methylation of the TSLP gene to determine the potential mechanism between phthalate exposure and allergic diseases. RESULTS Among all evaluated, only benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP) in the settled dusts were negatively correlated with the methylation levels of TSLP and positively associated with children's respiratory symptoms. The results revealed that every unit increase in BBzP concentration in the settled dust was associated with a 1.75% decrease in the methylation level on upstream 775 bp from the transcription start site (TSS) of TSLP (β = - 1.75, p = 0.015) after adjustment for child's sex, age, BMI, parents' smoking status, allergic history, and education levels, PM2.5, formaldehyde, temperature; and relative humidity. Moreover, every percentage increase in the methylation level was associated with a 20% decrease in the risk of morning respiratory symptoms in the children (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to BBzP in settled dust might increase children's respiratory symptoms in the morning through decreasing TSLP methylation. Therefore, the exposure to BBzP should be reduced especially for the children already having allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ru Wang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Cheng-Hsing Campus, No. 1, University Road, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Tzu Chen
- Research Center of Environmental Trace Toxic Substances, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Yun Hsu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Cheng-Hsing Campus, No. 1, University Road, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - I-Ying Kuo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Wen Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Cheng-Hsing Campus, No. 1, University Road, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Jiu-Yao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Jen Su
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Cheng-Hsing Campus, No. 1, University Road, Tainan City, Taiwan.
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Oluwayiose OA, Wu H, Saddiki H, Whitcomb BW, Balzer LB, Brandon N, Suvorov A, Tayyab R, Sites CK, Hill L, Marcho C, Pilsner JR. Sperm DNA methylation mediates the association of male age on reproductive outcomes among couples undergoing infertility treatment. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3216. [PMID: 33547328 PMCID: PMC7864951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80857-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental age at time of offspring conception is increasing in developed countries. Advanced male age is associated with decreased reproductive success and increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Mechanisms for these male age effects remain unclear, but changes in sperm DNA methylation over time is one potential explanation. We assessed genome-wide methylation of sperm DNA from 47 semen samples collected from male participants of couples seeking infertility treatment. We report that higher male age was associated with lower likelihood of fertilization and live birth, and poor embryo development (p < 0.05). Furthermore, our multivariable linear models showed male age was associated with alterations in sperm methylation at 1698 CpGs and 1146 regions (q < 0.05), which were associated with > 750 genes enriched in embryonic development, behavior and neurodevelopment among others. High dimensional mediation analyses identified four genes (DEFB126, TPI1P3, PLCH2 and DLGAP2) with age-related sperm differential methylation that accounted for 64% (95% CI 0.42-0.86%; p < 0.05) of the effect of male age on lower fertilization rate. Our findings from this modest IVF population provide evidence for sperm methylation as a mechanism of age-induced poor reproductive outcomes and identifies possible candidate genes for mediating these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A Oluwayiose
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hachem Saddiki
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Brian W Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Laura B Balzer
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Brandon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Alexander Suvorov
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Rahil Tayyab
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia K Sites
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Hill
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Chelsea Marcho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 173A Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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Shi Y, Qi W, Xu Q, Wang Z, Cao X, Zhou L, Ye L. The role of epigenetics in the reproductive toxicity of environmental endocrine disruptors. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2021; 62:78-88. [PMID: 33217042 DOI: 10.1002/em.22414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) seriously endanger human health by interfering with the normal function of reproductive systems. In males, EEDs can affect sperm formation and semen quality as well spermatogenesis, ultimately reducing fertility. In females, EEDs can affect uterine development and the expression levels of reproduction-related genes, ultimately reducing female fertility and the normal development of the fetus. There are a large number of putative mechanisms by which EEDs can induce reproductive toxicity, and many studies have shown the involvement of epigenetics. In this review, we summarize the role of DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs, genomic imprinting, chromatin remodeling and histone modification in the reproductive toxicity of EEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbin Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wen Qi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaolian Cao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liting Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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47
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Mínguez-Alarcón L, Bellavia A, Gaskins AJ, Chavarro JE, Ford JB, Souter I, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Williams PL. Paternal mixtures of urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A and parabens in relation to pregnancy outcomes among couples attending a fertility center. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106171. [PMID: 33069985 PMCID: PMC7775891 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few epidemiologic studies have evaluated the impact of paternal environmental exposures, particularly as mixtures, on couples' pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether mixtures of paternal urinary bisphenol A (BPA), paraben, and phthalates were associated with pregnancy outcomes among couples attending a fertility center. METHODS We included 210 couples undergoing 300 in vitro fertilization (IVF) between 2004 and 2017 in this prospective analysis. We quantified paternal urinary biomarker concentrations in one sample per cycle using isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometry. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to identify correlations of biomarker concentrations and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models for discrete survival time to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for the associations between PCA-derived factor scores and probability of failing to achieve a live birth. Interactions were also included in the models to examine strength of associations over three vulnerable periods [embryo transfer to implantation, implantation to clinical pregnancy, and clinical pregnancy to live birth]. Models were adjusted for paternal and maternal ages and body mass indexes, urinary dilution (specific gravity) and year of collection, infertility diagnosis, and other PCA factor scores. Sensitivity analyses with further adjustment for maternal PCA factor scores were performed. RESULTS We identified three factors, representing di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites, BPA and non-DEHP metabolites, and parabens, accounting for 56%, 15% and 10%, respectively, of the total variance explained. An interquartile range (25th and 75th percentiles) increase in the DEHP-related factor score was associated with elevated probability of failing prior to live birth (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.81) and the association was stronger between implantation and clinical pregnancy as well as between clinical pregnancy and live birth compared to before implantation. The overall HRs of failure for the BPA/non-DEHP-related and paraben-related factor scores were HR = 1.24 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.59) and HR = 0.99 (95% CI: 0.80, 1.24). We found similar HRs when additionally adjusting for maternal PCA factor scores. CONCLUSION Paternal mixtures of urinary concentrations of DEHP metabolites were related to higher infertility treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States.
| | - Andrea Bellavia
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Departments of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Departments of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States
| | - Irene Souter
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and IVF, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Departments of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paige L Williams
- Departments of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States; Departments of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States
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Schjenken JE, Green ES, Overduin TS, Mah CY, Russell DL, Robertson SA. Endocrine Disruptor Compounds-A Cause of Impaired Immune Tolerance Driving Inflammatory Disorders of Pregnancy? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:607539. [PMID: 33912131 PMCID: PMC8072457 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.607539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are prevalent and ubiquitous in our environment and have substantial potential to compromise human and animal health. Amongst the chronic health conditions associated with EDC exposure, dysregulation of reproductive function in both females and males is prominent. Human epidemiological studies demonstrate links between EDC exposure and infertility, as well as gestational disorders including miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Animal experiments show EDCs administered during gestation, or to either parent prior to conception, can interfere with gamete quality, embryo implantation, and placental and fetal development, with consequences for offspring viability and health. It has been presumed that EDCs operate principally through disrupting hormone-regulated events in reproduction and fetal development, but EDC effects on maternal immune receptivity to pregnancy are also implicated. EDCs can modulate both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, to alter inflammatory responses, and interfere with generation of regulatory T (Treg) cells that are critical for pregnancy tolerance. Effects of EDCs on immune cells are complex and likely exerted by both steroid hormone-dependent and hormone-independent pathways. Thus, to better understand how EDCs impact reproduction and pregnancy, it is imperative to consider how immune-mediated mechanisms are affected by EDCs. This review will describe evidence that several EDCs modify elements of the immune response relevant to pregnancy, and will discuss the potential for EDCs to disrupt immune tolerance required for robust placentation and optimal fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Schjenken
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights and the University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ella S. Green
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Tenuis S. Overduin
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chui Yan Mah
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Darryl L. Russell
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Robertson
- Adelaide Medical School and The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Sarah A. Robertson,
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Oluwayiose OA, Josyula S, Houle E, Marcho C, Brian W Whitcomb, Rahil T, Sites CK, Pilsner JR. Association between sperm mitochondarial DNA copy number and nuclear DNA methylation. Epigenomics 2020; 12:2141-2153. [PMID: 33320694 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Accumulating evidence associates sperm mitochondria DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) with male infertility and reproductive success. However, the mechanism underlying mtDNAcn variation is largely unknown. Patients & methods: Sperm mtDNAcn and genome-wide DNA methylation were assessed using triplex probe-based quantitative PCR and Illumina's 450K array, respectively. Multivariable models assessed the association between sperm mtDNAcn and DNA methylation profiles of 47 men seeking infertility treatment. Results: A priori candidate-gene approach showed sperm mtDNAcn was associated with 16 CpGs located at/near POLG and TWNK genes. Unbiased genome-wide analysis revealed that sperm mtDNAcn was associated with 218 sperm differentially methylated regions (q < 0.05), which displayed predominantly (94%) increases in methylation. Conclusion: Findings suggest that DNA methylation may play a role in regulating sperm mtDNAcn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele A Oluwayiose
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Srinihaari Josyula
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Emily Houle
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Chelsea Marcho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Brian W Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Tayyab Rahil
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Cynthia K Sites
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Jawaid A, Jehle KL, Mansuy IM. Impact of Parental Exposure on Offspring Health in Humans. Trends Genet 2020; 37:373-388. [PMID: 33189388 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2020.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The possibility that parental life experiences and environmental exposures influence mental and physical health across generations is an important concept in biology and medicine. Evidence from animal models has established the existence of a non-genetic mode of inheritance. This form of heredity involves transmission of the effects of parental exposure to the offspring through epigenetic changes in the germline. Studying the mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance in humans is challenging because it is difficult to obtain multigeneration cohorts, to collect reproductive cells in exposed parents, and to exclude psychosocial and cultural confounders. Nonetheless, epidemiological studies in humans exposed to famine, stress/trauma, or toxicants have provided evidence that parental exposure can impact the health of descendants, in some cases, across several generations. A few studies have also started to reveal epigenetic changes in the periphery and sperm after certain exposures. This article reviews these studies and evaluates the current evidence for the potential contribution of epigenetic factors to heredity in humans. The challenges and limitations of this fundamental biological process, its implications, and its societal relevance are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jawaid
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich, Switzerland; BRAINCITY EMBL-Nencki Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, Medical Faculty of the University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland; Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich, Switzerland.
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