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Kaur M, Ghosal A, Kaur R, Chhabra K, Kapoor HS, Khetarpal P. Exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and the risk of male infertility- A Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2024; 53:102782. [PMID: 38554943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2024.102782] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility has been defined as a failure to conceive for at least 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. The male factors are responsible for about 50 % of cases. Various factors such as endocrine, immunological, genetic, exposure to toxicants, and idiopathic factors are involved in male infertility. Recently, the role of PTEs in reproductive performance has been explored by various studies. OBJECTIVES Current systematic review and meta-analysis have been carried out to compile and statistically analyze the findings of relevant studies and reach some conclusion. METHODOLOGY A literature search was done according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in three scientific literature databases; PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. The study's protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023465776). RESULTS Meta-analysis of lead in the blood of infertile cases and healthy controls indicated a significant association with male infertility, observed standard mean difference (SMD) was 0.67 at 95 % confidence interval (CI) (0.07, 1.28), and p = 0.03. In the case of lead analysis in semen, the values are as follows: SMD = 1.19 at 95 % CI (0.42, 1.96) with p = 0.002. Significant association appears for cadmium in semen with SMD 0.92 at 95 % CI (0.54, 1.29) and p < 0.00001. No significant association was observed for arsenic, barium, and mercury in blood. CONCLUSION Most of the studies focus on the detection of PTE in semen samples followed by blood as sample type. Lead and cadmium exposure is significantly associated with male infertility. However, non-significant results for arsenic, barium, and mercury are observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University Patiala, 147002, India
| | - Ahelee Ghosal
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151001, India
| | - Rajinder Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University Patiala, 147002, India
| | - Kiran Chhabra
- Chhabra Hospital & Test Tube Baby Centre, Bathinda, 151001, India
| | | | - Preeti Khetarpal
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151001, India.
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Wen J, Yao X, Lu R, Geng S, Wang J, Zhou J, Li Y, Hu L. Associations between seminal plasma metals/metalloids and semen quality: A cross-sectional study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116472. [PMID: 38761496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to metals/metalloids is reported to potentially influence semen quality. While most studies have focused on single metal impacts, the link between exposure to multiple metals and semen quality has remained less explored. The study aimed to investigate the effects of both individual and mixed metal/metalloid exposure on semen quality. A total of 330 men were recruited from three reproductive centers in eastern China. Seminal plasma levels of 25 metals/metalloids and sperm parameters were determined. We used the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) to assess the relationships between single metals/metalloids and semen quality. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) models were then applied to evaluate the combined effect of all these metals/metalloids. We observed positive associations of exposure to lithium (Li), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) with an increased risk of below reference values for progressive motility and total motility using a logistic regression model (P < 0.05). Additionally, our results also revealed a significant inverse relationship between aluminum (Al) and both sperm concentration and count, while cobalt (Co) demonstrated a positive association with sperm concentration (P < 0.05). Notably, the WQS model indicated a significant positive association between exposure to metal/metalloid mixtures and the risk of abnormal progressive motility (OR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.10, 2.24) and abnormal total motility (OR: 1.53; 95%CI: 1.06, 2.19), with this association primarily driven by Li, Mg, and Zn. In summary, our findings indicate that exposure to metal/metalloid mixtures might have an adverse effect on semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wen
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China.
| | - Xiaodie Yao
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Renjie Lu
- Changzhou Third People's Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Shijie Geng
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Junya Wang
- Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Reproduction, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, China
| | - Lingmin Hu
- Department of Reproduction, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China.
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3
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Sudhakaran G, Kesavan D, Kandaswamy K, Guru A, Arockiaraj J. Unravelling the epigenetic impact: Oxidative stress and its role in male infertility-associated sperm dysfunction. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108531. [PMID: 38176575 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108531] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by epigenetic regulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative stress-induced damage leads to epigenetic modifications, disrupting gene expression crucial for spermatogenesis and fertilization. Paternal exposure to oxidative stress induces transgenerational epigenetic alterations, potentially impacting male fertility in offspring. Mitochondrial dysfunction impairs sperm function, while leukocytospermia exacerbates oxidative stress-related sperm dysfunction. Therefore, this review focuses on understanding these mechanisms as vital for developing preventive strategies, including targeting oxidative stress-induced epigenetic changes and implementing lifestyle modifications to prevent male infertility. This study investigates how oxidative stress affects the epigenome and sperm production, function, and fertilization. Unravelling the molecular pathways provides valuable insights that can advance our scientific understanding. Additionally, these findings have clinical implications and can help to address the significant global health issue of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Sudhakaran
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D Kesavan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthikeyan Kandaswamy
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, SIMATS, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu District, Kattankulathur 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
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4
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Cheng Y, Zhu J, Tang Q, Wang J, Feng J, Zhou Y, Li J, Pan F, Han X, Lu C, Wang X, Langston ME, Chung BI, Wu W, Xia Y. Exposure to particulate matter may affect semen quality via trace metals: Evidence from a retrospective cohort study on fertile males. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140582. [PMID: 38303402 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140582] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) exposure may be associated with male semen quality. Besides, PM exposure induces up and down levels of trace metals in tissues or organs. The levels of trace metals in semen are critical for adverse male semen quality. This study aims to evaluate the concentrations of seminal-level trace metals in fertile men and assess its associations with PM exposure and to explore the mediation role of trace metals in seminal plasma plays in the relationship between PM exposure and semen quality. Total 1225 fertile men who participated in a cohort study from 2014 to 2016 were finally recruited. Multivariate linear regression was applied to explore associations between each two of PM exposure, trace metals and semen parameters. 1-year PM2.5 and PM10 exposure levels were positively associated with arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd) but negatively associated with vanadium (V), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba) in semen. It was also found that most of the elements were associated with total sperm number, followed by sperm concentration. Redundancy analysis (RDA) also determined several strong positive correlations or negative correlations between 1-year PM exposure and trace metals. Mediation analysis found that trace metals had a potentially compensatory or synergetic indirect effect on the total effect of the association between 1-year PM exposure and semen quality. The retrospective cohort study provides long-term PM exposure that may cause abnormal semen quality by affecting seminal plasma element levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jialin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Urology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiumei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuncheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Marvin E Langston
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Benjamin I Chung
- Department of Urology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Sengupta P, Dutta S, Liew FF, Dhawan V, Das B, Mottola F, Slama P, Rocco L, Roychoudhury S. Environmental and Genetic Traffic in the Journey from Sperm to Offspring. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1759. [PMID: 38136630 PMCID: PMC10741607 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in the understanding of how sperm develop into offspring have shown complex interactions between environmental influences and genetic factors. The past decade, marked by a research surge, has not only highlighted the profound impact of paternal contributions on fertility and reproductive outcomes but also revolutionized our comprehension by unveiling how parental factors sculpt traits in successive generations through mechanisms that extend beyond traditional inheritance patterns. Studies have shown that offspring are more susceptible to environmental factors, especially during critical phases of growth. While these factors are broadly detrimental to health, their effects are especially acute during these periods. Moving beyond the immutable nature of the genome, the epigenetic profile of cells emerges as a dynamic architecture. This flexibility renders it susceptible to environmental disruptions. The primary objective of this review is to shed light on the diverse processes through which environmental agents affect male reproductive capacity. Additionally, it explores the consequences of paternal environmental interactions, demonstrating how interactions can reverberate in the offspring. It encompasses direct genetic changes as well as a broad spectrum of epigenetic adaptations. By consolidating current empirically supported research, it offers an exhaustive perspective on the interwoven trajectories of the environment, genetics, and epigenetics in the elaborate transition from sperm to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sulagna Dutta
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai 345050, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fong Fong Liew
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vidhu Dhawan
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Biprojit Das
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar 788011, India
| | - Filomena Mottola
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Rocco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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Abu-Khudir R, Almutairi HH, Abd El-Rahman SS, El-Said KS. The Palliative and Antioxidant Effects of Hesperidin against Lead-Acetate-Induced Testicular Injury in Male Wistar Rats. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2390. [PMID: 37760831 PMCID: PMC10525152 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lead (Pb)-induced reprotoxicity is a detrimental consequence of Pb exposure, which results in abnormal spermatogenesis, testicular degeneration, and pathogenic sperm changes. The association between impaired male reproductive function and Pb-induced oxidative stress (OS) has been demonstrated, with consequent testicular antioxidant deficiency. The current study investigated the protective role of the natural antioxidant hesperidin (HSD) against lead-acetate (PbAc)-induced testicular toxicity. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Group I (negative control) received 2.0 mL/kg BW 0.9% saline; Group II received 100 mg/kg BW PbAc; Group III received 100 mg/kg BW HSD; and Group IV received HSD two hours before PbAc using the abovementioned doses. The treatments were administered daily for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that HSD treatment significantly restored PbAc-induced decrease in body, epididymal, and testicular weights as well as in semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and testicular markers of OS. Reduced MDA levels and improved testicular histopathological findings were also observed. Collectively, this study sheds light on the preventive role of HSD against PbAc-induced testicular injury, which is mediated via the suppression of OS and the modulation of reproductive hormones as well as the plausibility of HSD being used as a supplementary therapeutic option for recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Abu-Khudir
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box 380, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia;
- Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Branch, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt;
| | - Hayfa Habes Almutairi
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box 380, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sahar S. Abd El-Rahman
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt;
| | - Karim Samy El-Said
- Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Branch, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt;
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Wang Y, Xiao J, Lin X, Waheed A, Ravikumar A, Zhang Z, Zou Y, Chen C. A Self-Assembled G-Quadruplex/Hemin DNAzyme-Driven DNA Walker Strategy for Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Lead Ions Based on Rolling Circle Amplification. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:761. [PMID: 37622847 PMCID: PMC10452914 DOI: 10.3390/bios13080761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Herein, a sensitive biosensor is constructed based on a novel rolling circle amplification (RCA) for colorimetric quantification of lead ion (Pb2+). At the detection system, GR5 DNAzymes are modified on the surface of an immunomagnetic bead, and Pb2+ is captured by the aptamer, inducing the disintegration of the GR5 DNAzyme and the release of the DNA walker. After the introduction of the template DNA, T4 DNA ligase, and phi29 DNA polymerase, an RCA is initiated for the sensitivity improvement of this method. Moreover, a G4-hemin DNAzyme is formed as a colorimetric signal, owing to its peroxide-like activity to catalyze the TMB-H2O2 substrate. Under the optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) of this fabricated biosensor could reach 3.3 pM for Pb2+ with a concentration in the range of 0.01-1000 nM. Furthermore, the results of real samples analysis demonstrate its satisfactory accuracy, implying its great potential in the rapid detection of heavy metals in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Wang
- School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jiaxuan Xiao
- School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xiaona Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Amira Waheed
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Ayyanu Ravikumar
- School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yanmin Zou
- School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Chengshui Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Engelsman M, Banks APW, He C, Nilsson S, Blake D, Jayarthne A, Ishaq Z, Toms LML, Wang X. An Exploratory Analysis of Firefighter Reproduction through Survey Data and Biomonitoring. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085472. [PMID: 37107753 PMCID: PMC10138572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are occupationally exposed to chemicals that may affect fertility. To investigate this effect, firefighters were recruited to contribute blood, urine, breast milk or semen samples to (1) evaluate chemical concentrations and semen parameters against fertility standards and the general population; (2) assess correlations between chemical concentrations and demographics, fire exposure and reproductive history; and (3) consider how occupational exposures may affect reproduction. A total of 774 firefighters completed the online survey, and 97 firefighters produced 125 urine samples, 113 plasma samples, 46 breast milk samples and 23 semen samples. Blood, urine and breast milk samples were analysed for chemical concentrations (semivolatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds, metals). Semen samples were analysed for quality (volume, count, motility, morphology). Firefighter semen parameters were below WHO reference values across multiple parameters. Self-reported rates of miscarriage were higher than the general population (22% vs. 12-15%) and in line with prior firefighter studies. Estimated daily intake for infants was above reference values for multiple chemicals in breast milk. More frequent fire incident exposure (more than once per fortnight), longer duration of employment (≥15 years) or not always using a breathing apparatus demonstrated significantly higher concentrations across a range of investigated chemicals. Findings of this study warrant further research surrounding the risk occupational exposure has on reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Engelsman
- Fire and Rescue NSW, Greenacre, NSW 2190, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrew P. W. Banks
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Chang He
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - Ayomi Jayarthne
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zubaria Ishaq
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree L. Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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Lee YM, Kim Y, Park H, Hong YC, Ha M, Kim YJ, Ha EH. Association of paternal cadmium and other heavy metal exposure to birth outcomes using propensity score matching. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:136792. [PMID: 36272631 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136792] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human exposure to cadmium has various effects on health, especially on male reproductive organs. Although it is widely known that prenatal maternal cadmium exposure can affect birth outcomes, the effect of paternal exposure to cadmium remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the effect of paternal cadmium exposure on fetal growth by considering maternal cadmium exposure and exposure to other heavy metals, namely mercury and lead. METHODS The Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study is a prospective birth cohort study in Korea. Overall, 1313 families (father-mother-child triple) without child abnormalities and who completed paternal whole blood cadmium assessments were included in this study. Families were divided into two subgroups based on the blood sampling periods, namely early and late pregnancy. Subjects were selected as follows: one family triple with a high level of paternal cadmium and two triples with low levels of paternal cadmium, using the method of propensity score matching. And linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS The group with high paternal cadmium exposure (80% or more; 1.93 μg/L) had lower birth weight infants compared to the group with low cadmium concentrations (β(se) = -0.21(0.10); p-value = 0.0283). After stratification by infant sex, prenatal paternal cadmium exposure significantly reduced the birth weight of females in subgroups of different sampling times, namely early pregnancy (β(se) = -0.52 (0.22); p-value = 0.0170) and late pregnancy (β(se) = -0.43 (0.18); p-value = 0.0160). Finally, after performing propensity score matching in the early pregnancy measurement group, it was found that the prenatal exposure of father to cadmium significantly reduced birth weight in females (β(se) = -0.72(0.25); p-value = 0.0047). CONCLUSION This study assessed the effect of paternal cadmium exposure on birth outcomes in family units consisting of a father, mother, and child. Prenatal paternal cadmium exposure negatively affected birth weight, especially that of female, considering covariates and other heavy metals exposure, namely mercury and lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Min Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ju Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hee Ha
- Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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10
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Eddie-Amadi BF, Ezejiofor AN, Orish CN, Orisakwe OE. Zn and Se abrogate heavy metal mixture induced ovarian and thyroid oxido-inflammatory effects mediated by activation of NRF2-HMOX-1 in female albino rats. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 4:100098. [PMID: 36624872 PMCID: PMC9823124 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The thyroid is vital for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system since it regulates the metabolism and development of ovary. This is an evaluation of the essential trace elements ETE on the heavy metals mixture HMM mediated oxido-inflammatory effects in the ovary and thyroid of female albino rats. Eight groups (5 female rats /group) were treated as follows for 60 days: Group 1: Deionized water only; Group 2: (Pb, Hg, Mn and Al); Group 3: HMM + ZnCl2, 0.80 mg/kg; Group 4: HMM + Na2SeO3, 1.50 mg/kg; Group 5: HMM + ZnCl2, 0.80 mg/kg and Na2SeO3, 1.50 mg/kg combined. On day 60 animals were euthanized, ovary and thyroid were harvested and used for, MDA, NO, antioxidants, TNF-α, IL-6, HMOX-1, Caspase-3, NF-KB, NRF2, HM and histopathology. There was significant bioaccumulation of Pb, Al, Hg and MN; elevated IL-6 and TNF-α, MDA and NO, caspase-3 and NRF2, NFKB and HMOX-1 with significant decrease in antioxidants in the HMM only group in comparison to the control. Co-treatment with ETE reversed most of these effects. ETE may ameliorate HMM -induced ovarian and thyrotoxicity in female albino rats by blunting oxido-inflammatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boma F. Eddie-Amadi
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323 Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - Anthonet N. Ezejiofor
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323 Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - Chinna N. Orish
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323 Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria
| | - Orish E. Orisakwe
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (ACE-CEFOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323 Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria,Corresponding author at: African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323 Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
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11
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Abdoli S, Masoumi SZ, Kazemi F. Environmental and occupational factors and higher risk of couple infertility: a systematic review study. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43043-022-00124-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Infertility is a global health problem that represents an increasing trend due to new lifestyles following technological advances since individuals are facing more risk factors than before. The present systematic review study aimed to investigate the impact of environmental and occupational factors on reproductive parameters and increased risk of couple infertility.
Main body
Scopus, PubMed, SID, and Web of Science databases were searched for the available observational (i.e., cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional) systematic review, meta-analysis, and clinical trial studies between 2007 and 2019. To this end, keywords such as ‘Environmental exposure’, ‘Occupational exposure’, ‘Environmental pollutants’, ‘Environmental pollution’, ‘Couple infertility’, ‘Sterility’, and ‘Sub-fertility’ were used. The retrieved investigations examined the impact of environmental and occupational risk factors on reproductive indices and increased infertility risk. Totally, 66 out of 9519 papers were evaluated after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The reported risk factors in the reviewed studies were heavy metals, cigarette smoking, and exposure to chemicals through consumer goods, urban life, and proximity to main roads. In addition, occupational factors included heavy physical activity, prolonged sitting, exposure to a hot environment, contact with formaldehyde, pesticides, insecticides, mechanical vibration, and contact with ionizing radiation, all of which affected the reproductive parameters. However, some researchers found no significant associations in this regard.
Short conclusion
In general, individuals with known impairments in reproductive parameters were more exposed to risk factors. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to determine the risk of infertility in the population.
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12
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Karabulut S, Korkmaz S, Güneş E, Kabil E, Keskin İ, Usta M, Omurtag GZ. Seminal trace elements and their relationship with sperm parameters. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14610. [PMID: 36175375 DOI: 10.1111/and.14610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Male reproductive problems may derive from many reasons including the environmental toxicants which may either intaken by occupational exposure, nutrition or bad air quality. The increased exposure to these substances due to rapid industrial development and technology has raised the questions: Is there a relationship between sperm parameters and these substances, and if so, in what extent? Results of studies on the subject reported conflicting results, many of which were not investigated in the seminal plasma. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between 23 metals and trace elements in human seminal plasma and semen parameters many of which were not investigated before. Levels of 23 metals in human seminal plasma were assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We examined the differences between subjects with normal ejaculate (normozoospermia) and pathologic ejaculate (with at least one abnormal semen parameter) according to the WHO criteria. The only significant difference was detected for Se while the other element's difference was not statistically significant. Se was statistically significantly increased in normal semen group suggesting the positive effect of this element on semen parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda Karabulut
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Health Science and Technologies Research Institute (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serol Korkmaz
- Doping Control Laboratory, Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ertuğrul Güneş
- Doping Control Laboratory, Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erol Kabil
- Doping Control Laboratory, Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İlknur Keskin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Health Science and Technologies Research Institute (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melek Usta
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Health Science and Technologies Research Institute (SABITA), Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülden Zehra Omurtag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
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13
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Maciejewski R, Radzikowska-Büchner E, Flieger W, Kulczycka K, Baj J, Forma A, Flieger J. An Overview of Essential Microelements and Common Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Male Fertility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191711066. [PMID: 36078782 PMCID: PMC9518444 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Numerous factors affect reproduction, including stress, diet, obesity, the use of stimulants, or exposure to toxins, along with heavy elements (lead, silver, cadmium, uranium, vanadium, mercury, arsenic). Metals, like other xenotoxins, can cause infertility through, e.g., impairment of endocrine function and gametogenesis or excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The advancement of nanotechnology has created another hazard to human safety through exposure to metals in the form of nanomaterials (NMs). Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a specific ability to penetrate cell membranes and biological barriers in the human body. These ultra-fine particles (<100 nm) can enter the human body through the respiratory tract, food, skin, injection, or implantation. Once absorbed, NPs are transported to various organs through the blood or lymph. Absorbed NPs, thanks to ultrahigh reactivity compared to bulk materials in microscale size, disrupt the homeostasis of the body as a result of interaction with biological molecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins; interfering with the functioning of cells, organs, and physiological systems; and leading to severe pathological dysfunctions. Over the past decades, much research has been performed on the reproductive effects of essential trace elements. The research hypothesis that disturbances in the metabolism of trace elements are one of the many causes of infertility has been unquestionably confirmed. This review examines the complex reproductive risks for men regarding the exposure to potentially harmless xenobiotics based on a series of 298 articles over the past 30 years. The research was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases searching for papers devoted to in vivo and in vitro studies related to the influence of essential elements (iron, selenium, manganese, cobalt, zinc, copper, and molybdenum) and widely used metallic NPs on male reproduction potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wojciech Flieger
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Kulczycka
- Institute of Health Sciences, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, ul. Jaczewskiego 8B, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81448-7182
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14
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Cargnelutti F, Di Nisio A, Pallotti F, Spaziani M, Tarsitano MG, Paoli D, Foresta C. Risk factors on testicular function in adolescents. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1625-1639. [PMID: 35286610 PMCID: PMC9360118 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01769-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adolescence represents an important window for gonadal development. The aim of this review is to carry out a critical excursus of the most recent literature on endogenous and exogenous risk factors related to testicular function, focusing the research on adolescence period. METHODS A comprehensive literature search within PubMed was performed to provide a summary of currently available evidence regarding the impact on adolescence of varicocele, cryptorchidism, cancer, diabetes, lifestyle factors, endocrine disruptors, obesity and sexually transmitted diseases. We focused on human studies that evaluated a possible impact of these factors on puberty timing and their effects on andrological health. RESULTS Evidence collected seems to suggest that andrological health in adolescence may be impaired by several factors, as varicocele, cryptorchidism, and childhood cancer. Despite an early diagnosis and treatment, many adolescents might still have symptoms and sign of a testicular dysfunction in their adult life and at the current time it is not possible to predict which of them will experience andrological problems. Lifestyle factors might have a role in these discrepancies. Most studies point out towards a correlation between obesity, insulin resistance, alcohol, smoking, use of illegal drugs and testicular function in pubertal boys. Also, endocrine disruptors and sexually transmitted diseases might contribute to impair reproductive health, but more studies in adolescents are needed. CONCLUSION According to currently available evidence, there is an emerging global adverse trend of high-risk and unhealthy behaviors in male adolescents. A significant proportion of young men with unsuspected and undiagnosed andrological disorders engage in behaviors that could impair testicular development and function, with an increased risk for later male infertility and/or hypogonadism during the adult life. Therefore, adolescence should be considered a key time for intervention and prevention of later andrological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cargnelutti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - F Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M G Tarsitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - D Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
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15
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Could metal exposure affect sperm parameters of domestic ruminants? a meta-analysis. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 244:107050. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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16
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Jeng HA, Sikdar S, Huang YL, Pan CH. Mixture analysis of associations between exposure to low levels of multiple metals and semen quality and sperm DNA integrity. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2022; 57:318-326. [PMID: 35389820 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2022.2061256] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the association of exposure to metal mixtures with semen quality and sperm DNA integrity of coke oven workers (n = 96). Urinary six metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, zinc, selenium, and copper) were quantified using inductively coupled-mass spectrometry. Semen quality parameters included sperm concentration, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm viability. Sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) adducts served as biomarkers for assessing sperm DNA integrity. Bayesian kernel machine regression with the hierarchical variable selection process was used for analyzing both individual and joint effects of the metal mixture on the outcomes of semen samples, while adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, job length, and body mass index. The metal mixture was associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, viability, and normal morphology. It was novel that a dose-response relationship was observed between exposure of the metal mixture and semen quality. Among the metals tested, cadmium had a reverse relationship with sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology, and a non-linear relationship with sperm viability and sperm motility. The metal mixture and individual metals were not associated with sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxodGuo. In conclusion, exposure to metal mixtures and cadmium may exert an association with semen quality and had no association with sperm DNA breakages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueiwang Anna Jeng
- School of Community and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Sinjini Sikdar
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Yeou-Lih Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hon Pan
- Institute of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Labor, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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17
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Xiong L, Zhou B, Young JL, Xu J, Wintergerst K, Cai L. Effects of whole-life exposure to low-dose cadmium with post-weaning high-fat diet on offspring testes in a male mouse model. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 353:109797. [PMID: 34998821 PMCID: PMC8862595 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Although several studies have reported testicular impairments caused by cadmium (Cd) or obesity alone, the combined effect of Cd and obesity on the testes and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. We examined the combined effect of whole-life exposure to low-dose Cd started at preconception and post-weaning high-fat diet (HFD) on the testes of offspring mice. At weaning, male offspring parented with and without exposure to low-dose Cd were continued on the same drinking water regimen as their parents and fed with either a normal diet (ND) or HFD for 10 or 24 weeks. Whole-life exposure to Cd resulted in its accumulation in testes, and HFD induced obesity and lipid metabolism disorder. Exposure to Cd or HFD alone significantly decreased Johnsen scores, disrupted testicular structure, and increased germ cell apoptosis at both 10 and 24 weeks. However, co-exposure to Cd and HFD did not induce the toxic effects that were induced by either alone, as revealed by preserved testicular structure and spermatogenesis, lack of significant apoptosis, and increased cell proliferation. Mechanistically, the combined effects of low-dose Cd and HFD consumption were associated with the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. These findings suggest that co-exposure to low-dose Cd and HFD did not cause Cd- or HFD-induced testicular injury, probably because of the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway to prevent germ cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Xiong
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA,Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Children’s Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China,Corresponding author: Dr. Lu Cai, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, 570 S. Preston Street, Baxter I Building, Rm: 304F, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA, , Dr. Lijuan Xiong, Department of Emergency, Jiangxi Provincial Children’s Hospital, 122 Yang Ming Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China,
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Genetics, The Affiliated Children’s Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jamie L. Young
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA,Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jianxiang Xu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Kupper Wintergerst
- Wendy Novak Diabetes Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Lu Cai
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA,Wendy Novak Diabetes Center, Louisville, KY 40202, USA,Radiation Oncology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA,Corresponding author: Dr. Lu Cai, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, 570 S. Preston Street, Baxter I Building, Rm: 304F, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA, , Dr. Lijuan Xiong, Department of Emergency, Jiangxi Provincial Children’s Hospital, 122 Yang Ming Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China,
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18
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Williams PL, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Korrick SA, Lee MM, Plaku-Alakbarova B, Burns JS, Smigulina L, Dikov Y, Abou Ghayda R, Hauser R, Sergeyev O. Association of peripubertal blood lead levels with reproductive hormones and semen parameters in a longitudinal cohort of Russian men. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:848-858. [PMID: 35038334 PMCID: PMC8971649 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are peripubertal blood lead levels (BLLs) associated with semen parameters and serum reproductive hormones among young Russian men? SUMMARY ANSWER We observed a suggestion of lower ejaculate volume with higher peripubertal BLL but no associations of BLLs with reproductive hormones measured throughout adolescence or with other sperm parameters measured at adulthood. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Lead is a known reproductive toxicant and endocrine disruptor. Previous literature has shown associations between high lead exposure and poorer semen quality both in occupationally and environmentally exposed men. However, to our knowledge, no longitudinal studies have explored the association of childhood lead exposure with semen parameters and reproductive hormones in young men. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The Russian Children's Study is a prospective cohort study that enrolled 516 boys at age 8-9 years in 2003-2005 and followed them annually for 10 years. BLLs were measured at entry and lifestyle and health questionnaires were completed. Reproductive hormones were measured in blood samples collected every 2 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Among the 516 boys enrolled, 481 had BLLs measured at entry. Of these, 453 had at least one measurement of serum testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or luteinizing hormone (LH) (median = 5 samples per boy) and 223 had semen samples collected ∼10 years after enrolment. Semen assessment included ejaculated volume, sperm concentration, progressive motility and total sperm count, and parameters were categorized using published andrology standards for low semen quality based on sperm count and motility. Linear mixed models were used to examine the associations of log-transformed BLLs (and BLL categories) with reproductive hormones and semen parameters, adjusting for potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Among the 223 young men with peripubertal BLLs and at least one semen sample (total samples = 438), the median (interquartile range) BLL was 3 (2, 5) µg/dl and 27% had BLL ≥5 µg/dl. Overall, 49% of the semen samples fell below reference levels for sperm count and/or motility. Men with peripubertal BLL ≥5 µg/dl had significantly lower ejaculated volume than those with BLL <5 µg/dl (mean = 2.42 vs 2.89 ml, P = 0.02), but this difference was attenuated in adjusted models (mean = 2.60 vs 2.83 ml, P = 0.25). No associations were observed between BLL measured at age 8-9 years and reproductive hormone levels or sperm parameters, including sperm concentration, total count, progressive motility and total progressive motile sperm count, or with the probability of having low semen quality based on sperm count/motility. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Only a subset of the original cohort participated in the semen quality portion of the study, although inverse probability weighting was used to account for possible selection bias. BLLs were only measured at a single time in peripuberty, and other exposure time periods, including later or longer-term childhood exposure, may be more predictive of semen quality. The young men were also exposed to other chemical contaminants before and during pubertal development. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS While semen volume often receives less attention than other sperm parameters, it is an important component of male fertility. Additional prospective studies covering different exposure windows and including other seminal plasma biomarkers are warranted to explore our finding of potentially lower ejaculated volume with higher BLLs and to confirm the lack of associations for other semen parameters among youth exposed to environmental BLLs. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding was provided through grants R01ES0014370 and P30ES000002 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, grant R82943701 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and grant 18-15-00202 from the Russian Science Foundation (O.S and Y.D.). All authors report no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Correspondence address. Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Building II, Room 443, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Tel: +1-617-432-3872; E-mail: (P.L.W.) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7160-574X; Group of Epigenetic Epidemiology, Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory, House 1, Building 40, Room 322, Moscow 119234, Russia. E-mail: (O.S.) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5745-3348
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan A Korrick
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary M Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Nemours Children’s Health, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Bora Plaku-Alakbarova
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jane S Burns
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Luidmila Smigulina
- Group of Epigenetic Epidemiology, Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia,Chapaevsk Medical Association, Chapaevsk, Russia
| | - Yury Dikov
- Group of Epigenetic Epidemiology, Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia,Chapaevsk Medical Association, Chapaevsk, Russia
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oleg Sergeyev
- Group of Epigenetic Epidemiology, Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia,Chapaevsk Medical Association, Chapaevsk, Russia,Correspondence address. Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Building II, Room 443, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Tel: +1-617-432-3872; E-mail: (P.L.W.) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7160-574X; Group of Epigenetic Epidemiology, Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory, House 1, Building 40, Room 322, Moscow 119234, Russia. E-mail: (O.S.) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5745-3348
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19
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Olszak-Wasik K, Tukiendorf A, Kasperczyk A, Wdowiak A, Horak S. Environmental exposure to cadmium but not lead is associated with decreased semen quality parameters: quality regionalism of sperm properties. Asian J Androl 2022; 24:26-31. [PMID: 34259199 PMCID: PMC8788611 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_57_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors may negatively contribute to a progressive worsening of semen quality, and differences in semen quality may result from different environmental exposures (regional differences) or lifestyle differences. Heavy metals are factors with a confirmed negative influence on male fertility. Among them, lead and cadmium are commonly found in human surroundings. Thus, we analyzed semen parameters (according to the World Health Organization 2010 recommendations) and semen lead and cadmium concentrations in 188 men from two different regions in Poland, a typical agricultural area and an industrial area, in couples that had been diagnosed with infertility. The assays were performed using flameless electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. In the statistical analysis, regional comparisons and then taxonomic comparisons based on three parameters (age, semen concentration, and sperm morphology) were applied. We showed that more cadmium than lead accumulated in semen, a higher cadmium concentration was observed in semen obtained from men from the agricultural region, and better semen quality and lower cadmium concentrations were found in the semen of men from the industrial, more polluted region. We thus showed an existing regionalism in the sperm quality properties. However, semen parameters such as morphology and progressive and nonprogressive motility followed the same trends, regardless of the patient's age, region, or class. We could conclude that the environment has a minor impact on sperm morphology and progressive and nonprogressive motility and that other existing factors could have an indirect influence on semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Olszak-Wasik
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Oncological Gynecology in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine and Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Batorego 15, Bytom 41-902, Poland
| | - Andrzej Tukiendorf
- Department of Public Health, Wroclaw Medical University, Bartla 5, Wroclaw 51-618, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kasperczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine and Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Jordana 19, Zabrze 41-808, Poland
| | - Artur Wdowiak
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Diagnostic Techniques Unit, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 4/6, Lublin 20-081, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Horak
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Oncological Gynecology in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine and Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Batorego 15, Bytom 41-902, Poland
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Concentrations and determinants of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in pooled donor breast milk in Spain. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 240:113914. [PMID: 34974272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To measure concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in longitudinally collected donor breast milk samples and to determine associated factors. METHODS Pb, Hg, Cd, and As concentrations were measured in 242 pooled breast milk samples from 83 donors to a Human Milk Bank in Spain, in 2015-2018, determining their association with the donors' sociodemographic profile, dietary and lifestyle habits, and post-partum time, among other factors, and with the nutritional characteristics of samples. Mixed-effect linear regression was used to identify predictors of Hg and As concentrations in breast milk and mixed-effect logistic regression to identify predictors of the presence of Pb and Cd. RESULTS As was the element most frequently detected in milk samples (97.1%), followed by Hg (81.2%), Pb (50.6%), and Cd (38.0%). Their median breast milk concentrations were 1.49 μg/L, 0.26 μg/L, 0.14 μg/L, and <0.04 μg/L, respectively. Concentrations of As were higher in breast milk from primiparous donors, while Hg was higher in donors with a greater intake of fatty fish and meat and lower in samples collected after a longer post-partum time and with higher lactose content. Detection of Pb was higher among multiparous donors, those gaining weight since before pregnancy, and ex-smokers and was lower in samples collected more recently and from donors with greater intake of red meat and eggs. Cd detection was higher for donors with university education and those with greater intake of fried and canned food and more frequent use of hand cream and was lower for donors with greater bread intake. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal relatively high As concentrations, moderate Hg concentrations, and low Pb and Cd concentrations in pooled donor breast milk. Several factors including post-partum time, parity, smoking habit, and the intake of certain food items were associated with the metal content of milk samples.
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Evidence for Ovarian and Testicular Toxicities of Cadmium and Detoxification by Natural Substances. STRESSES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/stresses2010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental toxicant, capable of reducing mitochondrial ATP production and promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with resultant oxidative stress conditions. The ovary and testis are the primary gonads in which female gametes (oocytes) and male gametes (spermatozoa), estrogen and testosterone are produced. These organs are particularly susceptible to Cd cytotoxicity due to their high metabolic activities and high energy demands. In this review, epidemiological and experimental studies examining Cd toxicities in gonads are highlighted together with studies using zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and natural substances to reduce the effects of Cd on follicular genesis and spermatogenesis. Higher blood concentrations of Cd ([Cd]b) were associated with longer time-to-pregnancy in a prospective cohort study. Cd excretion rate (ECd) as low as 0.8 μg/g creatinine was associated with reduced spermatozoa vitality, while Zn and Se may protect against spermatozoa quality decline accompanying Cd exposure. ECd > 0.68 µg/g creatinine were associated with an increased risk of premature ovarian failure by 2.5-fold, while [Cd]b ≥ 0.34 µg/L were associated with a 2.5-fold increase in the risk of infertility in women. Of concern, urinary excretion of Cd at 0.68 and 0.8 μg/g creatinine found to be associated with fecundity are respectively 13% and 15% of the conventional threshold limit for Cd-induced kidney tubular effects of 5.24 μg/g creatinine. These findings suggest that toxicity of Cd in primary reproductive organs occurs at relatively low body burden, thereby arguing for minimization of exposure and environmental pollution by Cd and its transfer to the food web.
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Rodríguez-Díaz R, Alcaide-Ruggiero L, Rodríguez-Fiestas S, Hess-Medler S, González-Pérez J, Gutiérrez ÁJ, Hardisson A, Rubio C, Paz S, González-Weller D, Blanes-Zamora R. Associations of Semen Quality with Seminal Non-essential Heavy Metals in Males from the Canary Islands. Biol Trace Elem Res 2021; 199:4525-4534. [PMID: 33565020 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Semen quality and levels of non-essential metals such as strontium (Sr), aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V) were measured. Metals were determined by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry) in semen samples from 102 men who were recruited in a Reproduction Unit in the Canary Islands. The presence of each metal was as follows: Sr: 56.9%, Al: 73.5%, Pb: 45.1%, Ni: 15.7%, and V: 79.4% of the samples. No significant differences were found in the relationship between the spermiogram, the sperm motility, and the concentration of spermatozoa levels of non-essential metals. It is noteworthy that Ni levels tend to be lower in patients with oligozoospermia (t (46.4) = 1.84; p = 0.070). Between lifestyle and non-essential metals, there was a significant relationship between the level of occupational exposure to metals and Ni (χ2(2) = 13.91; p = 0.001). We did not find significant differences in non-essential seminal metal content and smoking status but, there were differences between drinkers and the concentration of V in semen (t (100) = -1.99; p = 0.050). The occupational exposure to metals and place of residence have effects on Al and V levels in semen. Regarding obesity, significant differences were found in Pb levels (t (18.0) = 2.34; p = 0.031). Obese patients have a lower Pb level, and the percentage of progressive sperm motility was lower in obese men (t (98) = 2.14; p = 0.035). The detection of metals in semen opens a new field in the study of male infertility with the possibility of performing treatments aimed at correcting these possible anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubí Rodríguez-Díaz
- Human Reproduction Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Lourdes Alcaide-Ruggiero
- Human Reproduction Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Rodríguez-Fiestas
- Human Reproduction Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Stephany Hess-Medler
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jonay González-Pérez
- Human Reproduction Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | | | - Carmen Rubio
- Toxicology, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Soraya Paz
- Toxicology, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Blanes-Zamora
- Human Reproduction Unit, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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Milić D, Bubanja N, Ninkov J, Milić S, Vasin J, Luković J. Phytoremediation potential of the naturally occurring wetland species in protected Long Beach in Ulcinj, Montenegro. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 797:148995. [PMID: 34303239 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Long Beach, situated in southern Montenegro, is subject to considerable biogenic and abiogenic influences. Thus, analyzing total heavy metal content in soil and plants in this region is, while challenging, highly important in order to assess the level for determining the soil degradation level and the phytoremediation potential of naturally growing salt marsh species. This area together with a Bojana river and backshore forms a real vegetation mosaic where habitats of various types coexist. Therefore, it represents good model system. In the present study, the levels of As, Al, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn in coastal soils as well as in eight salt marsh plants: Bolboschoenus maritimus, Juncus acutus, Juncus anceps, Juncus articulatus, Juncus gerardii, Juncus maritimus, Scirpus holoschoenus and Schoenus nigricans, were investigated in order to identify the plant species that can be used for the remediation of polluted sites, especially those located along the coastline. The obtained results show that species J. gerardii, J. articulatus and B. maritimus can be clearly separated from J. acutus, J. anceps, J. maritimus, S. holoschoenus and Sh. nigricans based on the degree of heavy metal accumulation in various organs. Moreover, analyses revealed that the bioaccumulation factor of underground organs is significantly higher relative to that of the aboveground parts for almost all investigated metals and species. The bioaccumulation factor had the highest value in the underground organs of J. gerardii and B. maritimus, where a value of 3.37 was measured for B and 2.54 for Hg, respectively. Hence, as all investigated species are "underground accumulators" for most of the analyzed metals, they could be useful for phytostabilization and phytoremediation of B and Hg in particular. Moreover, each plant species can be used in the phytoremediation process targeting specific heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka Milić
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 2, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia.
| | - Nada Bubanja
- Natural History Museum of Montenegro, Trg Vojvode Bećir Bega Osmanagića 16, Podgorica, Montenegro.
| | - Jordana Ninkov
- Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Stanko Milić
- Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Jovica Vasin
- Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Jadranka Luković
- University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 2, Novi Sad 21000, Serbia.
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Branch FM, Perry MJ, Chen Z, Louis GMB. Metal(loid)s and human semen quality: The LIFE Study. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 106:94-102. [PMID: 34637914 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Multiple studies have demonstrated a global population-wide decline in semen quality, with sperm concentrations having fallen 50 % over the past 50 years. Several metal and metalloid ("metal(loid)") compounds are known to have testicular toxicity, raising concerns about their contribution to rising infertility. In the male reproductive tract, metal(loid)s can reduce semen quality and disturb function both directly, by inducing tissue damage, and indirectly, by disrupting hormone production and secretion. This study assessed associations between 15 creatinine-adjusted metal(loid)s and 7 measures of semen quality among 413 reproductive-aged men recruited from 16 U.S. counties between 2005-2009. Multi-metal(loid) multivariable linear regression models estimated associations between semen quality endpoints and urinary concentrations of chromium, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, lead, thallium, tin, tungsten, and uranium. LASSO regression was employed to select model variables and account for multicollinearity of the metal(loid)s. A positive association was observed between tin and sperm morphology (β = 4.92 p = 0.045). Chromium (β = 1.87, p = 0.003) and copper (β= -1.30, p = 0.028) were positively and negatively associated with total sperm count, respectively. With respect to DNA fragmentation, cadmium (β = 12.73, p = 0.036) was positively associated and chromium was negatively associated (β = -5.08, p = 0.001). In this cohort of U.S. population-based men, there was evidence of both positive and negative associations between specific metal(loid)s and semen quality. Additional research is needed to determine interactions between metal(loid)s within a mixture, consistent with typical human exposure, and identify sperm effects resulting from cumulative metal(loid) exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M Branch
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, United States.
| | - Melissa J Perry
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, United States.
| | - Zhen Chen
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS 2G7, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States.
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López-Botella A, Velasco I, Acién M, Sáez-Espinosa P, Todolí-Torró JL, Sánchez-Romero R, Gómez-Torres MJ. Impact of Heavy Metals on Human Male Fertility-An Overview. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091473. [PMID: 34573104 PMCID: PMC8468047 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 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: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals are endocrine disruptors which interfere with processes mediated by endogenous hormones of the organism, negatively affecting endocrine functions. Some studies have correlated heavy metal exposure with male infertility. However, the number of studies conducted on humans are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on how heavy metals influence human male fertility. Hence, three distinct databases were consulted—PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—using single keywords and combinations of them. The total number of identified articles was 636. Nevertheless, by using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 144 articles were finally included in this work. Results display that the development of adequate instruments for heavy metal assessment may play an important function in human male fertility diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, clinical trials could be useful to confirm the role of heavy metals in human male fertility diagnosis. Overall, further research is required to fully understand the molecular and cellular basis of the influence of environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals on human male infertility and reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea López-Botella
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Human Reproduction, FISABIO—San Juan University Hospital, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.L.-B.); (I.V.); (M.A.)
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
| | - Irene Velasco
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Human Reproduction, FISABIO—San Juan University Hospital, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.L.-B.); (I.V.); (M.A.)
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
| | - Maribel Acién
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Human Reproduction, FISABIO—San Juan University Hospital, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (A.L.-B.); (I.V.); (M.A.)
- Gynecology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, Carretera Alicante-Valencia s/n, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
| | - José-Luis Todolí-Torró
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; (J.-L.T.-T.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Romero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain; (J.-L.T.-T.); (R.S.-R.)
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Ashrap P, Watkins DJ, Mukherjee B, Rosario-Pabón Z, Vélez-Vega CM, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Performance of urine, blood, and integrated metal biomarkers in relation to birth outcomes in a mixture setting. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111435. [PMID: 34097892 PMCID: PMC8403638 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on the health effects of metal mixtures typically utilize biomarkers measured in a single biological medium, such as blood or urine. However, the ability to evaluate mixture effects are limited by the uncertainty whether a unified medium can fully capture exposure for each metal. Therefore, it is important to compare and assess metal mixtures measured in different media in epidemiology studies. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the mixture predictive performance of urine and blood metal biomarkers and integrated multi-media biomarkers in association with birth outcomes. METHODS In our analysis of 847 women from the Puerto Rico PROTECT Cohort, we measured 10 essential and non-essential metals in repeated and paired samples of urine and blood during pregnancy. For each metal, we integrated exposure estimates from paired urine and blood biomarkers into multi-media biomarkers (MMBs), using intraclass-correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) approaches. Using Ridge regressions, four separate Environmental risk scores (ERSs) for metals in urine, blood, MMBICC, and MMBWQS were computed as a weighted sum of the 10 metal concentrations. We then examined associations between urine, blood, and multi-media biomarker ERSs and birth outcomes using linear and logistic regressions, adjusting for maternal age, maternal education, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and second-hand smoke exposure. The performance of each ERS was evaluated with continuous and tertile estimates and 95% confidence intervals of the odds ratio of preterm birth using area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS Pb was the most important contributor of blood ERS as well as the two integrated multi-media biomarker ERSs. Individuals with high ERS (3rd tertile) showed increased odds of preterm birth compared to individuals with low ERS (1st tertile), with 2.8-fold (95% CI, 1.49 to 5.40) for urine (specific gravity corrected); 3.2- fold (95% CI, 1.68 to 6.25) for blood; 3.9-fold (95% CI, 1.72 to 8.66) for multi-media biomarkers composed using ICC; and 5.2-fold (95% CI, 2.34 to 11.42) for multi-media biomarkers composed using WQS. The four ERSs had comparable predictive performances (AUC ranging from 0.64 to 0.68) when urine is examined with specific gravity corrected concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Within a practical metal panel, measuring metals in either urine or blood may be an equally good approach to evaluate the metals as a mixture. Applications in practical study design require validation of these methods with other cohorts, larger panels of metals and within the context of other adverse health effects of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Zaira Rosario-Pabón
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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Chabchoub I, Nouioui MA, Araoud M, Mabrouk M, Amira D, Ben Aribia MH, Mahmoud K, Zhioua F, Merdassi G, Hedhili A. Effects of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc levels on the male reproductive function. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14181. [PMID: 34219269 DOI: 10.1111/and.14181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of heavy metals on measures of male fertility. One hundred and two infertile men with occupational exposure and thirty fertile men were included in this study. Blood and urinary levels of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Semen parameters and a motile sperm organelle morphology examination were also performed. Measures of hormonal levels, oxidation-reduction potential, DNA fragmentation index and chromatin condensation were assessed for all participants. Heavy metals levels, oxidative stress and DNA quality were significantly higher in the infertile group compared to controls. FSH and testosterone levels were lower in the infertile group. A urinary cadmium level was positively associated with abnormal sperm morphology (r = .225, p < .05). Normal morphology was inversely correlated with the duration of the exposure (r = -.227, p = .022). The blood lead level was positively related to the level of testosterone (r = .223, p = .031). Cadmium and lead blood levels were positively correlated with the level of chromatin decondensation (r = .528, p < .001; r = .280, p = .017). Our study showed that occupational exposure to heavy metals is very harmful to reproductive health. DNA quality and oxidative stress investigations must be recommended for reprotoxic exposed patients prior to in vitro fertilisation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Chabchoub
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environment, Medical and Emergency Assistance Center, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Genetics, The Faculty of Pharmacy Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Anouar Nouioui
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environment, Medical and Emergency Assistance Center, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Manel Araoud
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environment, Medical and Emergency Assistance Center, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mahmoud Mabrouk
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environment, Medical and Emergency Assistance Center, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dorra Amira
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environment, Medical and Emergency Assistance Center, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Habib Ben Aribia
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Khaled Mahmoud
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Center of Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fethi Zhioua
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aziza Othmana Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Abderrazek Hedhili
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environment, Medical and Emergency Assistance Center, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Genetics, The Faculty of Pharmacy Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Calogero AE, Fiore M, Giacone F, Altomare M, Asero P, Ledda C, Romeo G, Mongioì LM, Copat C, Giuffrida M, Vicari E, Sciacca S, Ferrante M. Exposure to multiple metals/metalloids and human semen quality: A cross-sectional study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 215:112165. [PMID: 33773149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to metals/metalloids, including essential and nonessential elements, has been associated to male reproductive health in animals. However, findings from human studies are inconsistent. OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of exposure to multiple metals/metalloids at environmental levels on the conventional human semen-quality parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS Men living in rural or industrial areas were recruited by personalized letters. No exclusion criteria were applied. Each man provided one semen sample and one blood sample. We analyzed the semen sample both to determine conventional sperm parameters (concentration, progressive motility and normal forms) and to quantify lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V) and selenium (Se) levels. The levels of these metals/metalloids were also quantified in venous blood and spermatozoa samples. Associations between the blood/seminal plasma metal/metalloid levels and semen quality parameters were assessed using confounder adjusted logistic regression models. Correlation and interactions between blood/seminal plasma and semen metal/metalloid levels were investigated using the Spearman's correlation. RESULTS We found a positive association of seminal plasma cadmium level with lower Total count (OR = 4.48, 95%CI 0.25-80); whereas lead (OR = 4.51, 95%CI 0.86-23) and cadmium (OR = 3.45, 95%CI 0.77-16) seminal plasma levels had a positive association with progressive sperm motility. Overall, these associations remained suggestive after adjustment, though statistically unstable risks. Finally, we found weak interactions between beneficial effects of Se and detrimental ones only for Cd and Pb blood level on sperm concentration, total sperm count and progressive sperm motility. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that environmental exposure to Pb and Cd contributes to a decline in human semen quality, whereas Se can have beneficial effects. Measurements of metals/metalloids in the seminal fluid may be more predictable of semen quality than conventional blood measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Fiore
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Filippo Giacone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Altomare
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Asero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Caterina Ledda
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giulietta Romeo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura M Mongioì
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Copat
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Giuffrida
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Enzo Vicari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sciacca
- Cancer Registry of Catania, Messina, Syracuse and Enna, Via Santa Sofia 87, Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Bhardwaj JK, Paliwal A, Saraf P. Effects of heavy metals on reproduction owing to infertility. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22823. [PMID: 34051019 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive performance of most of the species is adversely affected by hazardous heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, zinc, and copper. Heavy metals are liberated in the environment by natural sources like rock weathering, volcanic eruption, and other human activities like industrial discharge, mineral mining, automobile exhaust, and so forth. Heavy metals alter several reproductive functions in both males and females like a decrease in sperm count, motility, viability, spermatogenesis, hormonal imbalance, follicular atresia, and delay in oocyte maturation, and so forth, and thus, forms an important aspect of reproductive toxicology. The present review compiles toxicity aspects of various heavy metals and their efficacy and mechanism of action in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender K Bhardwaj
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Aakansha Paliwal
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Priyanka Saraf
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
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Shi X, Chan CPS, Man GKY, Chan DYL, Wong MH, Li TC. Associations between blood metal/ metalloid concentration and human semen quality and sperm function: A cross-sectional study in Hong Kong. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2021; 65:126735. [PMID: 33647736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between metal/metalloid exposure on human sperm quality is still inconclusive. There is a lack of data on the effect of metal/metalloid on sperm function. METHODS The aim of this study was to clarify the association between blood metal/metalloid concentration and traditional and functional sperm parameters, the blood concentration of Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Ni, Mo, Zn, Cu, Se, Fe, Mg, Cr and Ca of 288 men in Hong Kong were assessed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and sperm parameters including sperm concentration, motility, morphology, vitality, total sperm count, total motile sperm count, sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm acrosome reaction were measured. Demographic and lifestyle questionnaires were also provided for all participants. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to test the association between blood metal/ metalloid concentration and semen parameters after adjusting for relevant confounding variables. RESULTS The results showed that moderate to high level of blood Pb concentration (>27.19 μg/L) appeared to be negatively associated with sperm morphology (P < 0.05); high level of blood Cd concentration (>1.44 μg/L) was negatively associated with sperm acrosome reaction (P < 0.05); Mo was positively associated with semen volume (P < 0.05), however, high level of blood Mo concentration (>13.52 μg/L) was negatively associated with sperm vitality (P < 0.05); high level of blood Zn concentration (>6.20 mg/L) was positively associated with sperm vitality (P < 0.05); moderate level of blood Fe concentration (526.89-566.63 mg/L) was positively associated with sperm acrosome reaction (P < 0.05); moderate level of blood Ca concentration (55.92-66.10 mg/L) was positively associated with semen volume (P < 0.05); however, lower level of blood Ca concentration (45.90-55.92 mg/L) was negatively associated with sperm morphology (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that the sperm function could be affected by blood Cd and Fe concentration and traditional sperm parameters could be affected by blood concentration of Mo, Zn, Pb and Ca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Shi
- Assisted Conception Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, People's Republic of China
| | - Carol Pui Shan Chan
- Assisted Conception Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Grace Ka Yan Man
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Assisted Conception Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tin-Chiu Li
- Assisted Conception Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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Ashrap P, Aker A, Watkins DJ, Mukherjee B, Rosario-Pabón Z, Vélez-Vega CM, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Psychosocial status modifies the effect of maternal blood metal and metalloid concentrations on birth outcomes. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 149:106418. [PMID: 33548848 PMCID: PMC7897320 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metal exposure and psychosocial stress in pregnancy have each been associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight, but no study has examined the potential interaction between them. OBJECTIVES We examined the modifying effect of psychosocial stress on the association between metals and birth outcomes among pregnant women in Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT) birth cohort study. METHODS In our analysis of 682 women from the PROTECT study, we measured 16 essential and non-essential metals in blood samples at two time points. We administered questionnaires to collect information on depression, perceived stress, social support, and life experience during pregnancy. Using K-means clustering, we categorized pregnant women into one of two groups: "good" and "poor" psychosocial status. We then evaluated whether the effect of blood metals (geometric average) on adverse birth outcomes (gestational age, preterm birth [overall and spontaneous], birth weight z-score, small for gestation [SGA], large for gestation [LGA]) vary between two clusters of women, adjusting for maternal age, maternal education, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and second-hand smoke exposure. RESULTS Blood manganese (Mn) was associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) of overall preterm birth (OR/interquartile range [IQR] = 2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25, 6.12) and spontaneous preterm birth (OR/IQR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.20, 6.57) only among women with "poor" psychosocial status. The association between copper (Cu) and SGA was also statistically significant only among women having "poor" psychosocial status (OR/IQR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.20, 6.57). We also observed associations between nickel (Ni) and preterm birth and SGA that were modified by psychosocial status during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Presence of "poor" psychosocial status intensified the adverse associations between Mn and preterm birth, Cu and SGA, and protective effects of Ni on preterm. This provides evidence that prenatal psychosocial stress may modify vulnerability to metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Amira Aker
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Zaira Rosario-Pabón
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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Ashrap P, Watkins DJ, Milne GL, Ferguson KK, Loch-Caruso R, Fernandez J, Rosario Z, Vélez-Vega CM, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Maternal Urinary Metal and Metalloid Concentrations in Association with Oxidative Stress Biomarkers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010114. [PMID: 33467519 PMCID: PMC7830802 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Metal exposure has been associated with a wide range of adverse birth outcomes and oxidative stress is a leading hypothesis of the mechanism of action of metal toxicity. We assessed the relationship between maternal exposure to essential and non-essential metals and metalloids in pregnancy and oxidative stress markers, and sought to identify windows of vulnerability and effect modification by fetal sex. In our analysis of 215 women from the PROTECT birth cohort study, we measured 14 essential and non-essential metals in urine samples at three time points during pregnancy. The oxidative stress marker 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and its metabolite 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-15-F2t-IsoP, as well as prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), were also measured in the same urine samples. Using linear mixed models, we examined the main effects of metals on markers of oxidative stress as well as the visit-specific and fetal sex-specific effects. After adjustment for covariates, we found that a few urinary metal concentrations, most notably cesium (Cs) and copper (Cu), were associated with higher 8-iso-PGF2α with effect estimates ranging from 7.3 to 14.9% for each interquartile range, increase in the metal concentration. The effect estimates were generally in the same direction at the three visits and a few were significant only among women carrying a male fetus. Our data show that higher urinary metal concentrations were associated with elevated biomarkers of oxidative stress. Our results also indicate a potential vulnerability of women carrying a male fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (P.A.); (D.J.W.); (R.L.-C.); (J.F.)
| | - Deborah J. Watkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (P.A.); (D.J.W.); (R.L.-C.); (J.F.)
| | - Ginger L. Milne
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (P.A.); (D.J.W.); (R.L.-C.); (J.F.)
| | - Jennifer Fernandez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (P.A.); (D.J.W.); (R.L.-C.); (J.F.)
| | - Zaira Rosario
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (Z.R.); (J.F.C.)
| | - Carmen M. Vélez-Vega
- UPR Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, San Juan, PR 00921, USA;
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - José F. Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (Z.R.); (J.F.C.)
| | - John D. Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (P.A.); (D.J.W.); (R.L.-C.); (J.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-734-764-7184
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Collapsed mitochondrial cristae in goat spermatozoa due to mercury result in lethality and compromised motility along with altered kinematic patterns. Sci Rep 2021; 11:646. [PMID: 33436823 PMCID: PMC7804962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80235-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Earlier we have reported mercury-induced alterations in functional dynamics of buck spermatozoa through free radicals-mediated oxidative stress and spontaneous acrosome reaction. Based on our earlier findings, we aimed to investigate the effect of mercury exposure on motility, kinematic patterns, DNA damage, apoptosis and ultra-structural alterations in goat spermatozoa following in vitro exposure to different concentrations (0.031-1.25 µg/ml) of mercuric chloride for 15 min and 3 h. Following exposure of sperm cells to 0.031 µg/ml of mercuric chloride for 3 h, livability and motility of sperms was significantly reduced along with altered kinematic patterns, significant increase in per cent necrotic sperm cells and number of cells showing DNA damage; and this effect was dose- and time-dependent. Contrary to up-regulation of Bax gene after 3 h in control group, there was significant increase in expression of Bcl-2 in mercury-treated groups. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed rifts and nicks in plasma and acrosomal membrane, mitochondrial sheath, and collapsed mitochondria with loss of helical organization of mitochondria in the middle piece of spermatozoa. Our findings evidently suggest that mercury induces necrosis instead of apoptosis and targets the membrane, acrosome, mid piece of sperms; and the damage to mitochondria seems to be responsible for alterations in functional and kinematic attributes of spermatozoa.
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Rehman AU, Nazir S, Irshad R, Tahir K, ur Rehman K, Islam RU, Wahab Z. Toxicity of heavy metals in plants and animals and their uptake by magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2020.114455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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35
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Xiong L, Zhou B, Liu H, Cai L. Comprehensive Review of Cadmium Toxicity Mechanisms in Male Reproduction and Therapeutic Strategies. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 258:151-193. [PMID: 34618232 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) has been widely studied as an environmental pollutant for many years. Numerous studies have reported that Cd exposure causes damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and thyroid in vivo. The emerging evidence suggests that Cd exposure induces damage on male reproductive system, which is related to oxidative stress, inflammation, steroidogenesis disruption, and epigenetics. Current preclinical animal studies have confirmed a large number of proteins and intracellular signaling pathways involved in the pathological process of Cd-induced male reproductive damage and potential measures for prophylaxis and treatment, which primarily include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and essential ion supplement. However, explicit pathogenesis and effective treatments remain uncertain. This review collects data from the literatures, discusses the underlying mechanisms of Cd-induced toxicity on male reproductive function, and summarizes evidence that may provide guidance for the treatment and prevention of Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Xiong
- Department of Emergency, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Emergency, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Emergency, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lu Cai
- Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
- Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Dcunha R, Hussein RS, Ananda H, Kumari S, Adiga SK, Kannan N, Zhao Y, Kalthur G. Current Insights and Latest Updates in Sperm Motility and Associated Applications in Assisted Reproduction. Reprod Sci 2020; 29:7-25. [PMID: 33289064 PMCID: PMC7721202 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00408-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoon is a motile cell with a special ability to travel through the woman’s reproductive tract and fertilize an oocyte. To reach and penetrate the oocyte, spermatozoa should possess progressive motility. Therefore, motility is an important parameter during both natural and assisted conception. The global trend of progressive reduction in the number and motility of healthy spermatozoa in the ejaculate is associated with increased risk of infertility. Therefore, developing approaches for maintaining or enhancing human sperm motility has been an important area of investigation. In this review we discuss the physiology of sperm, molecular pathways regulating sperm motility, risk factors affecting sperm motility, and the role of sperm motility in fertility outcomes. In addition, we discuss various pharmacological agents and biomolecules that can enhance sperm motility in vitro and in vivo conditions to improve assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. This article opens dialogs to help toxicologists, clinicians, andrologists, and embryologists in understanding the mechanism of factors influencing sperm motility and various management strategies to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyon Dcunha
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Reda S Hussein
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assiut University, Assiut City, Egypt
| | - Hanumappa Ananda
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Sandhya Kumari
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Nagarajan Kannan
- Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India. .,Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Dolati P, Khodabandeh Z, Zamiri MJ, Jamhiri I, Mehrabani D. The Effect of Lead Acetate and Quercetin on the Tight and Gap Junctions in the Mouse Testis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:535-543. [PMID: 32232643 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02079-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Environmental pollutant effects on fertility sometime are irretrievable. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lead acetate and quercetin on tight (claudin 11 and occludin) and gap junctional (connexin 43) proteins and the integrity of the blood-testis barrier status. Experimental groups, including the lead acetate (Pb), quercetin (QE), lead acetate with quercetin (Pb + QE), and control mice, were treated at least one spermatogenic cycle. Gene expression of claudin 11 and occludin decreased in Pb + QE, Pb, and QE compared with the control group. Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in the control and Pb groups was lower than in Pb + QE and QE. The immunohistochemical data were generally in line with these findings. In conclusion, the results showed that Pb exposure led to disorders in cellular interactions that affect testicular function; however, simultaneous treatment with quercetin did not alleviate these effects. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Dolati
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Khodabandeh
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Javad Zamiri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Jamhiri
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Davood Mehrabani
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
- Li Ka Shing Center for Health Research and Innovation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Kushawaha B, Yadav RS, Swain DK, Rai PK, Garg SK. Mercury-Induced Inhibition of Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Sperm Proteins and Altered Functional Dynamics of Buck Spermatozoa: an In Vitro Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:478-492. [PMID: 32064576 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02077-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Present study was undertaken on buck spermatozoa to investigate the effect of mercuric chloride on functional dynamics of buck spermatozoa. Four different concentrations (0.031, 0.125, 0.25 and 1.25 μg/mL) of mercuric chloride, which were 1/40th, 1/10th, 1/5th and equivalent to the LC50 value of HgCl2, were selected for studying their effect following in vitro exposure for 15 min and 3 h. Exposure of spermatozoa to 0.031 μg/mL mercuric chloride for 3 h resulted in significant (p < 0.05) decrease in sperm motility, sperm having intact membrane, intact acrosome and high mitochondrial trans-membrane potential. However, following exposure to higher concentrations (0.25, 1.25 μg/mL), similar results were observed even after 15 min of exposure. HgCl2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species and significantly (p < 0.05) decreased total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity in spermatozoa within 15 min of exposure. Mercuric chloride-treated spermatozoa did not show capacitation, rather exhibited spontaneous acrosome reaction along with significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ and cAMP levels. Immuno-blotting of semen samples of control and 0.031 μg/mL mercury-treated groups showed low intensity bands of p55, p70, p80, p105 and p190 kDa tyrosine phosphorylation proteins while higher concentration-treated groups showed no such bands. Our findings evidently suggest that mercuric chloride even at 0.031 μg/mL adversely affected sperm functions, inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation proteins and capacitation due to oxidative stress. Spontaneous acrosome reaction (AR) in mercury-treated spermatozoa may possibly be due to increase in intracellular Ca2+ and cAMP levels, and capacitation failure may be due to inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhawna Kushawaha
- College of Biotechnology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India.
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India.
| | - Rajkumar Singh Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
| | | | - Satish Kumar Garg
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India
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Ashrap P, Meeker JD, Sánchez BN, Basu N, Tamayo-Ortiz M, Solano-González M, Mercado-García A, Téllez-Rojo MM, Peterson KE, Watkins DJ. In utero and peripubertal metals exposure in relation to reproductive hormones and sexual maturation and progression among boys in Mexico City. Environ Health 2020; 19:124. [PMID: 33239073 PMCID: PMC7688001 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00672-0] [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: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as metals have been reported to alter circulating reproductive hormone concentrations and pubertal development in animals. However, the relationship has rarely been investigated among humans, with the exception of heavy metals, such as Pb and Cd. Our aim was to investigate measures of in utero and peripubertal metal exposure in relation to reproductive hormone concentrations and sexual maturation and progression among boys from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohorts. METHODS Our analysis included 118 pregnant women and their male children from the ELEMENT study. Essential and non-essential metals were measured in urine collected from the mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy and their male children at 8-14 years. Reproductive hormone concentrations [serum testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), inhibin B, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)] were measured in blood samples from the children at 8-14 years. We also assessed Tanner stages for sexual maturation (genital, pubic hair development, and testicular volume), at two time points (8-14, 10-18 years). We used linear regression to independently examine urinary metal concentrations in relation to each peripubertal reproductive hormones adjusting for child age and BMI. Generalized estimation equations (GEEs) were used to evaluate the association of in utero and peripubertal metal exposures with sexual maturation and progression during follow-up based on Tanner staging and testicular volume. RESULTS In utero and prepubertal concentrations of some urinary metals were associated with increased concentrations of peripubertal reproductive hormones, especially non-essential metal(loid)s As and Cd (in utero), and Ba (peripubertal) as well as essential metal Mo (in utero) in association with testosterone. More advanced pubic hair developmental stage and higher testicular volume at the early teen visit was observed for boys with higher non-essential metal concentrations, including in utero Al and peripubertal Ba, and essential metal Zn concentration (peripubertal). These metals were also associated with slower pubertal progression between the two visits. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that male reproductive development may be associated with both essential and non-essential metal exposure during in utero and peripubertal windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - John D. Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Brisa N. Sánchez
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
- Mexican Council for Science and Technology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maritsa Solano-González
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Adriana Mercado-García
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Martha M. Téllez-Rojo
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Karen E. Peterson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Deborah J. Watkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
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Tuncay G, Karaer A, Tanrikut E, Ozgul O. The effect of seminal plasma cadmium and lead levels on semen parameters in male subjects of infertile couples: a prospective cohort study. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2020; 41:946-950. [PMID: 33226271 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2020.1820459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between seminal plasma cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels and semen parameters in male partners of infertile couples. Two hundred fifty one (251) men recruited with no history of occupational exposure to toxic metals. After semen analysis, seminal Cd and Pb levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Cadmium levels in men with hypospermia was significantly higher than men with normal semen volume (p = .049). In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in median seminal Pb levels between men with hypospermia and men with normal semen volume (p = .13). There was no statistically significant association between seminal plasma Cd and Pb levels sperm concentration, motility, morphology and total progressively motile sperm count. These findings suggest that environmental Cd exposure may contribute to low semen volume in male partners of infertile couples.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Toxic metals may adversely affect both male and female reproductive system.What the results of this study add? Seminal plasma cadmium levels in men with hypospermia were statistically significantly higher than men with normal semen volume.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patients should be informed about possible adverse effects of toxic metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorkem Tuncay
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Karaer
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Emrullah Tanrikut
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Malatya State Hospital, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Onur Ozgul
- Laboratory of Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Scientific and Technological Research Center, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
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Huang L, Huang S, Luo X, Li L, Chen X, Zan G, Tan Y, Liu C, Hou Q, Ge X, Chen C, Hong X, Tian Y, Yang A, Chen P, Li M, Mo Z, Yang X. Associations of prenatal exposure to multiple metals with testicular volume and anogenital distance in infant boys: A longitudinal cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 143:105900. [PMID: 32653800 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human are widely exposed to multiple metals, some of which have suspected reproductive toxicity, but no human studies have investigated the developmental effects of prenatal metal exposure. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the associations between prenatal multiple metal exposure and reproductive development in boys at 2-3 years using multi-pollutant approach. METHODS This prospective study used data of 564 mother-child pairs recruited from the Guangxi Birth Cohort Study. Twenty serum metal concentrations were measured. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression was used to identify independent associations between prenatal multiple metal exposure and testicular volume (TV), and anogenital distance (AGD). Adjusted estimates were then obtained using multiple linear regression analysis, and the regression tree method was used to explore the interactions. RESULTS Boys in the highest quartile of prenatal lead exposure had a 0.064 mL (95% CI: -0.124, -0.004) smaller ln-transformed TV, 0.060 cm (95% CI: -0.110, -0.011) shorter ln-transformed anopenile distance (AGDap), and 0.115 cm (95% CI: -0.190, -0.039) shorter ln-transformed anoscrotal distance (AGDas) than boys in the lowest quartile (all Ptrend < 0.05). Chromium was inversely with ln-transformed AGDap (β = -0.078, 95% CI: -0.127, -0.030) and ln-transformed AGDas (β = -0.113, 95% CI: -0.188, -0.038), while stibium was positivity associated with ln-transformed AGDap (β = 0.091, 95% CI: 0.046, 0.136) and strontium was positivity associated with ln-transformed AGDas (β = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.051, 0.189) (all Ptrend < 0.05). And the critical window of vulnerability may be the late pregnancy (the second and third trimester). Moreover, we detected interaction effects between lead, chromium and stibium on AGDap; lead, chromium and strontium on AGDas. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that prenatal exposure to lead, chromium, stibium and strontium may affect TV and/or AGD in infant boys. Potential mechanisms for the complex metal interactive effects during vulnerable periods are worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Huang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Sifang Huang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoyu Luo
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Longman Li
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Gaohui Zan
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanli Tan
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chaoqun Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qingzhi Hou
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoting Ge
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chunfei Chen
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Eco-Environmental Monitoring Center, Nanning, China
| | - Xin Hong
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Eco-Environmental Monitoring Center, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Eco-Environmental Monitoring Center, Nanning, China
| | - Aimin Yang
- Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pan Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Mujun Li
- Department of Reproductive Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Department of Urology and Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China; Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
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Shi Y, Gaurab P, Wang W, Yan J, Sun Z, Zhang Y, Liu J, Liu X, Zheng D. Interaction effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and cadmium on semen quality in nonsmokers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:33990-33997. [PMID: 32557064 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09617-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Both cadmium (Cd) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known reproductive toxicants, but their co-exposure and interaction effect on semen quality particularly in nonsmokers remain unknown. We included 333 nonsmoking men and analyzed their urine and semen samples for heavy metals and PAH metabolites. Restricted cubic spline models were used to explore the dose-response relationship between each OH-PAHs, Cd, and semen quality parameters; the generalized linear model was performed to examine the interaction of each urinary OH-PAH metabolite and Cd concentration on semen quality. Also, stratified analysis was applied to further illustrate the independent effect of PAHs on semen quality parameters in low and high concentration Cd subgroups. The dose-response and interaction effect of PAHs and Cd on male semen quality was observed. Stratified analysis in the high concentration Cd subgroup showed a negative association of 1-OHPyr concentration with semen motility. Our findings indicate that Cd not only modifies the association between PAHs and semen quality but can also exacerbate the toxic effect of pyrene on semen quality parameters. However, further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Pokhrel Gaurab
- Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Wangcheng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jianqiao Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongyang Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yucong Zhang
- Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaming Liu
- Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Dan Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Ekhoye EI, Olerimi SE, Ehebha SE. Comparison of the deleterious effects of yaji and cadmium chloride on testicular physiomorphological and oxidative stress status: The gonadoprotective effects of an omega-3 fatty acid. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2020; 47:168-179. [PMID: 32861239 PMCID: PMC7482946 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2019.03517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigated testicular oxidative stress status and physiomorphological function in Wistar rats fed with yaji and cadmium chloride (CdCl2). Methods Sixty male albino Wistar rats (12 per group) were randomly assigned to five groups: group I (control), group II (300 mg/kg.bw of yaji), group III (500 mg/kg.bw of yaji), group IV (2.5 mg/kg.bw of CdCl2), and group V (2.5 mg/kg.bw of yaji+4 mg/kg.bw omega-3). Each group was evenly subdivided into two subgroups and treatment was administered for 14 days and 42 days, respectively. Semen quality (sperm count, progressive motility, normal morphology, and gonadosomatic index), hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone), testicular oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malonaldehyde) and testicular histomorphological features were examined. Results Yaji caused significant (p< 0.05) dose- and duration-dependent reductions in semen quality, the gonadosomatic index, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Yaji also caused significant (p< 0.05) dose- and duration-dependent decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as increased testicular malonaldehyde levels. Yaji induced distortions in the testicular histological architecture. CdCl2 damaged testicular function by significantly (p< 0.05) reducing semen quality, reproductive hormone levels, and oxidative stress markers in albino Wistar rats. CdCl2 also altered the histology of the testis. Conclusion This study shows that yaji sauce has similar anti-fertility effects to those of CdCl2, as it adversely interferes with male reproduction by impairing oxidative stress markers and the function and morphological features of the testis.
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Anyanwu BO, Orisakwe OE. Current mechanistic perspectives on male reproductive toxicity induced by heavy metals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2020; 38:204-244. [PMID: 32648503 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1782116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposures to heavy metals have led to various deleterious damages to the biological system of which infertility is one of them. Infertility is a global public health concern, affecting 15% of all couples of reproductive age. Out of the 100% cases of reported infertility among couples, 40% of the cases are related to male factors; including decreased semen quality. This review focuses on the recent mechanistic perspectives of heavy metal-induced male reproductive toxicity. The associated toxic metal-mediated mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity include ion mimicry, disruption of cell signaling pathways, oxidative stress, altered gene expression, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, apoptosis, disruption of testis/blood barrier, inflammation and endocrine disruption. The current literature suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) mediate paternal intergenerational epigenetic inheritance and thus has a direct functional importance, as well as possess novel biomarker potential, for male reproductive toxicity. To identify the specific ncRNAs with the most profound impacts on heavy metal-induced male reproductive toxicity should be thrust of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brilliance Onyinyechi Anyanwu
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (CEFOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
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Ruslee SS, Zaid SSM, Bakrin IH, Goh YM, Mustapha NM. Protective effect of Tualang honey against cadmium-induced morphological abnormalities and oxidative stress in the ovary of rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2020; 20:160. [PMID: 32471398 PMCID: PMC7260854 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-02960-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the protective effects of Tualang honey against the toxicity effects induced by cadmium (Cd) on the ovary. METHODS A total of 32 female Sprague Dawley rats were taken and randomly divided into four groups (n = 8). Throughout the experimental period of 6 weeks, negative control-NC (vehicle deionized water), positive control-CD (Cd at 5 mg/kg), Tualang honey followed by Cd exposure-TH (Tualang honey at 200 mg/kg and Cd at 5 mg/kg) and Tualang honey control-THC (Tualang honey at 200 mg/kg) groups, were administered orally on a daily basis. RESULTS Rats exposed to Cd were significantly higher in ovarian weight, number of antral and atretic follicles as compared to the NC group. The disruptive effects of Cd on ovarian follicles were associated with a disruption in gonadotropin hormones and decreases in follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Moreover, a significant formation of oxidative stress in ovarian Cd-exposed rats has been proven by increasing the level of lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde) and decreasing the levels of enzymatic antioxidant (catalase). Interestingly, a daily supplementation of high antioxidant agents such as Tualang honey in these animals, caused significant improvements in the histological changes. Additionally, less atretic follicles were observed, restoring the normal level of LH and FSH (P < 0.001), and normalizing the ovarian malondialdehyde (P < 0.05) and catalase levels in comparison with CD group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Tualang honey has protective effects against Cd-induced ovarian toxicity by reducing morphological abnormalities, restoring the normal levels of gonadotropin hormones and stabilizing equilibrium levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme in ovaries of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Suraya Ruslee
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Sarah Mohamad Zaid
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Ikmal Hisyam Bakrin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yong Meng Goh
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noordin Mohamed Mustapha
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Ashrap P, Watkins DJ, Mukherjee B, Boss J, Richards MJ, Rosario Z, Vélez-Vega CM, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Maternal blood metal and metalloid concentrations in association with birth outcomes in Northern Puerto Rico. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 138:105606. [PMID: 32179314 PMCID: PMC7198231 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In previous studies, exposures to heavy metals such as Pb and Cd have been associated with adverse birth outcomes; however, knowledge on effects at low levels of exposure and of other elements remain limited. METHOD We examined individual and mixture effects of metals and metalloids on birth outcomes among 812 pregnant women in the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT) cohort. We measured 16 essential and non-essential metal(loid)s in maternal blood collected at 16-20 and 24-28 weeks gestation. We used linear and logistic regression to independently examine associations between geometric mean (GM) concentrations of each metal across visits and gestational age, birthweight z-scores, preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). We evaluated effect modification with infant sex*metal interaction terms. To identify critical windows of susceptibility, birth outcomes were regressed on visit-specific metal concentrations. Furthermore, average metal concentrations were divided into tertiles to examine the potential for non-linear relationships. We used elastic net (ENET) regularization to construct Environmental Risk Score (ERS) as a metal risk score and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to identify individual metals most critical to each outcome, accounting for correlated exposures. RESULTS In adjusted models, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in GM lead (Pb) was associated with 1.63 higher odds of preterm birth (95%CI = 1.17, 2.28) and 2 days shorter gestational age (95% CI = -3.1, -0.5). Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were also associated with higher odds of preterm birth and shorter gestational age; the associations were strongest among the highest tertile for Mn and among females for Zn. Mercury (Hg) was associated with higher risk of preterm birth at the later window of pregnancy. Ni measured later in pregnancy was associated with lower odds of SGA. ENET and BKMR models selected similar metals as "important" predictors of birth outcomes. The association between ERS and preterm birth was assessed and the third tertile of ERS was significantly associated with an elevated odds ratio of 2.13 (95% CI = 1.12, 5.49) for preterm birth compared to the first tertile. CONCLUSION As the PROTECT cohort has lower Pb concentrations (GM = 0.33 μg/dL) compared to the mainland US, our findings suggest that low-level prenatal lead exposure, as well as elevated Mn and Zn exposure, may adversely affect birth outcomes. Improved understanding on environmental factors contributing to preterm birth, together with sustainable technologies to remove contamination, will have a direct impact in Puerto Rico and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan Boss
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Zaira Rosario
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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Li X, Yao Z, Yang D, Jiang X, Sun J, Tian L, Hu J, Wu B, Bai W. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside restores spermatogenic dysfunction in cadmium-exposed pubertal mice via histone ubiquitination and mitigating oxidative damage. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 387:121706. [PMID: 31796358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental contaminant found in soil, water, and food, and can cause oxidative stress and male reproductive damage. During puberty, the male reproductive system is very vulnerable to interference, however, the dysregulation of Cd on spermatogenesis in this period is ambiguous. The anthocyanin cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is phytochemical rich in plants and fruits and has been shown to have remarkable anti-oxidant activity, making it an ideal nutrient for nutritional intervention. By modeling Cd-induced damage in male pubertal mice and feeding with C3G, we demonstrated that the C3G could rescue the amount and activity of sperm predominantly. Furthermore, C3G showed partial resistance to Cd-induced histone modification during spermiogenesis and prevented oxidative damage of the DNA in the sperm nucleus. Additionally, C3G mitigated the oxidative stress of testis to achieve the level coinciding with the control group. Meanwhile, Cd-induced mitochondrial apoptosis of sperm cells was reduced significantly via the MAPK signaling pathway in the presence of C3G. Collectively, our findings can offer a potential intervention for combating Cd-induced reproductive damage during puberty by taking anthocyanin as a dietary supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xusheng Li
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Zilan Yao
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Dacheng Yang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Xinwei Jiang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Jianxia Sun
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Lingmin Tian
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Biyu Wu
- Department of Human, Nutrition, Food and Animal Science, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96816, USA
| | - Weibin Bai
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Food Safety Molecular Rapid Detection, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China.
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48
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Ashrap P, Watkins DJ, Mukherjee B, Boss J, Richards MJ, Rosario Z, Vélez-Vega CM, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Predictors of urinary and blood Metal(loid) concentrations among pregnant women in Northern Puerto Rico. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109178. [PMID: 32007748 PMCID: PMC7167342 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Given the potential adverse health effects related to toxic trace metal exposure and insufficient or excessive levels of essential trace metals in pregnant women and their fetuses, the present study characterizes biomarkers of metal and metalloid exposure at repeated time points during pregnancy among women in Puerto Rico. We recruited 1040 pregnant women from prenatal clinics and collected urine, blood, and questionnaire data on demographics, product use, food consumption, and water usage at up to three visits. All samples were analyzed for 16 metal(loid)s: arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn). Urine samples were additionally analyzed for molybdenum (Mo), platinum (Pt), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), and tungsten (W). Mean concentrations of most metal(loid)s were higher among participants compared to the general US female population. We found weak to moderate correlations for inter-matrix comparisons, and moderate to strong correlations between several metal(loid)s measured within each biological matrix. Blood concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Hg, and Pb were shown to reflect reliable biomarkers of exposure. For other metals, repeated samples are recommended for exposure assessment in epidemiology studies. Predictors of metal(loid) biomarkers included fish and rice consumption (urinary As), fish and canned food (blood Hg), drinking public water (blood Pb), smoking (blood Cd), and iron/folic acid supplement use (urinary Cs, Mo, and Sb). Characterization of metal(loid) biomarker variation over time and between matrices, and identification of important exposure sources, may inform future epidemiology studies and exposure reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan Boss
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Zaira Rosario
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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49
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Castiello F, Olmedo P, Gil F, Molina M, Mundo A, Romero RR, Ruíz C, Gómez-Vida J, Vela-Soria F, Freire C. Association of urinary metal concentrations with blood pressure and serum hormones in Spanish male adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:108958. [PMID: 31835118 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association of urinary concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) with blood pressure (BP) and serum hormone levels in male adolescents. METHODS Participants were selected from the INMA (Environment and Childhood)-Granada cohort at their follow-up visit when aged 15-17 years. Metal concentrations were measured in urine samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Outcomes were BP measurements (systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure) recorded during the visit and concurrent serum levels of thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and adrenal hormones. Associations were assessed by regression analysis in a sub-sample of 133 boys with available data on urinary metals, outcomes, and relevant covariates. RESULTS Models simultaneously adjusted for all metals and other potential confounders showed that urinary As and Cd were both associated with slight elevations in systolic BP (0.70 mmHg, 95%CI = 0.11; 1.29 and 1.47, 95%CI = 0.30; 2.63, respectively, per each 50% increase in metal concentrations), and urinary As was also associated with an increased risk of elevated systolic BP (≥120 mmHg) (OR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.04; 1.56). The presence of detectable levels of 4 and 5 versus 2-3 non-essential metals (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb) per boy was associated with elevations in systolic BP of 5.84 mmHg (95%CI = 0.40; 11.3) and 7.01 mmHg (95%CI = 1.01; 13.0), respectively (p-trend = 0.05). Significant associations were also found between Hg and increased testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) and decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); between the combination of As and Hg and increased LH and insulin-like growth factor 1; between Cr and decreased TSH; and between Cd and increased adrenocorticotropic hormone. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that combined exposure to toxic metals, especially As and Cd, may contribute to BP elevation in male adolescents and that exposure to Hg, As, Cd, and Cr may affect their hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Castiello
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Pablo Olmedo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology, and Physical Anthropology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Fernando Gil
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology, and Physical Anthropology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Marina Molina
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Antonio Mundo
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Raquel R Romero
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Carlos Ruíz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - José Gómez-Vida
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Fernando Vela-Soria
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain.
| | - Carmen Freire
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
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50
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Yilmaz B, Terekeci H, Sandal S, Kelestimur F. Endocrine disrupting chemicals: exposure, effects on human health, mechanism of action, models for testing and strategies for prevention. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2020; 21:127-147. [PMID: 31792807 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-019-09521-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are a global problem for environmental and human health. They are defined as "an exogenous chemical, or mixture of chemicals, that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action". It is estimated that there are about 1000 chemicals with endocrine-acting properties. EDCs comprise pesticides, fungicides, industrial chemicals, plasticizers, nonylphenols, metals, pharmaceutical agents and phytoestrogens. Human exposure to EDCs mainly occurs by ingestion and to some extent by inhalation and dermal uptake. Most EDCs are lipophilic and bioaccumulate in the adipose tissue, thus they have a very long half-life in the body. It is difficult to assess the full impact of human exposure to EDCs because adverse effects develop latently and manifest at later ages, and in some people do not present. Timing of exposure is of importance. Developing fetus and neonates are the most vulnerable to endocrine disruption. EDCs may interfere with synthesis, action and metabolism of sex steroid hormones that in turn cause developmental and fertility problems, infertility and hormone-sensitive cancers in women and men. Some EDCs exert obesogenic effects that result in disturbance in energy homeostasis. Interference with hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid and adrenal axes has also been reported. In this review, potential EDCs, their effects and mechanisms of action, epidemiological studies to analyze their effects on human health, bio-detection and chemical identification methods, difficulties in extrapolating experimental findings and studying endocrine disruptors in humans and recommendations for endocrinologists, individuals and policy makers will be discussed in view of the relevant literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayram Yilmaz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Terekeci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Sandal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Fahrettin Kelestimur
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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