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Wdowiak N, Wójtowicz K, Wdowiak-Filip A, Pucek W, Wróbel A, Wróbel J, Wdowiak A. Environmental Factors as the Main Hormonal Disruptors of Male Fertility. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1986. [PMID: 38610751 PMCID: PMC11012640 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071986] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Many scientific reports confirm a systematic decline in male semen parameters over the last decades. This phenomenon has been observed in all parts of the world, and its occurrence is associated, among others, with the hazardous effects of some environmental factors. The environmental factors for which the adverse effect on male fertility has been proven include water, air, and soil pollution, as well as electromagnetic fields and ionizing radiation. The aim of this article was the evaluation of the effect of selected environmental factors on male reproductive capacity based on an analysis of the current scientific reports. REVIEW METHODS A systematic literature review was carried out using three databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. The search was limited to the period from 2015 until the end of December 2023. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Environmental factors, such as heavy metals, tobacco smoke, pesticides, dioxins, furans, phthalates, and bisphenols, are well-tested substances that exert an adverse effect on male fertility. A harmful effect of electromagnetic fields and water and air pollution on reproductive functions may be expected; however, this has not been fully proven. SUMMARY Results obtained by many researchers published to date should evoke great concern regarding the quality of the environment in which we live, as well as fears about the effect of environmental factors not only on male fertility, but also on all aspects of human health. The majority of environmental pollutants affect the male body by causing oxidative stress and through their effect on the endocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Wdowiak
- Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 4-6 Street, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Kamila Wójtowicz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Municipal Hospital, Saint Michael the Archangel in Łańcut, Parens, Infertility Clinic in Rzeszów, 35-309 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Anita Wdowiak-Filip
- Department of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Weronika Pucek
- National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Wróbel
- Second Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jan Wróbel
- Medical Faculty, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Artur Wdowiak
- Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 4-6 Street, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
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Karavani G, Bobrowski A, Lajkosz K, Lau S, Lo KC, Grober ED, Krakowsky Y, Jarvi K. Temporal Trends in Semen Quality, Hormone Levels, and Substance Use Among Infertile Men in Pre- and Post-Cannabis Legalization Eras in Canada. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38190272 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) was enacted in 2018, to legalize and regulate the use, production, and sale of nonmedical cannabis in Canada. While public health and safety implications of cannabis legalization have yet to be elucidated, the wide availability of cannabis necessitates health care providers to be knowledgeable about therapeutic potential and side effects of use. This study aimed to examine the temporal trends over two decades and the impact of the Cannabis Act in Canada, implemented in October 2018, on substance use, semen parameters, and testosterone levels of infertile men. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from a prospectively maintained database of a single infertility clinic. Demographic, fertility, and substance use history were correlated with semen and hormone assessments. Temporal trends in cannabis use and semen quality between 2001 and 2021 were investigated and compared between pre-cannabis legalization eras (PRCL) and post-cannabis legalization eras (POCL). Results: Our cohort included 11,630 patients (9411 PRCL and 2230 POCL). Cannabis use increased by 8.4% per year (p<0.001), while alcohol and tobacco consumption declined (0.8% and 1.5% per year, p<0.05 and p=0.004, respectively). Similar trends were noticed in the POCL, with higher rates of cannabis use (22.4% vs. 12.9%, p<0.001) and decreased tobacco and alcohol intake (15.2% vs. 17.7%, p=0.005 and 50.5% vs. 55.2%, p<0.001, respectively) compared to the PRCL group. Semen concentration was lower in the POCL group (24.8±44.8 vs. 28.7±48.3 million/mL, p=0.03). Testosterone did not differ between the cohorts. Comparison between cannabis users (n=1715) and nonusers (n=9924) demonstrated a slight increase in sperm motility (25.9%±15.3% vs. 23.9%±15.0%, p=0.002) and decreased sperm concentration among users (27.6±53.5 vs. 23.9±15.0 million/mL, p=0.03). Conclusion: A nearly 10% rise in cannabis use in the POCL era was observed among men being investigated for infertility. Our data suggest cannabis use may be associated with an increase in testosterone, slightly improved sperm motility, and decreased sperm concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Karavani
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adam Bobrowski
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Katherine Lajkosz
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Susan Lau
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kirk C Lo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ethan D Grober
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- New Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yonah Krakowsky
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- New Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Karavani G, Juvet TSJ, Lau S, Lajkosz K, Mullen B, Lo KC, Grober ED, Akroof B, Kattan MS, Jarvi K. Improved sperm DNA fragmentation levels in infertile men following very short abstinence of 3-4 hours. Transl Androl Urol 2023; 12:1487-1496. [PMID: 37969774 PMCID: PMC10643391 DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Limited data exists on possible approaches to improve sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) when no identifiable cause is found. The effect of short abstinence on sperm parameters has been extensively studied, but rarely reported on the effect on DFI in infertile men. In this study, we aimed to determine whether a second ejaculate provided after very short abstinence demonstrates lower DFI rates in infertile men. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada, a tertiary university affiliated hospital. All men having DFI testing in addition to the standard semen analysis were identified via a prospectively collected database. Infertile men were instructed to provide two semen samples 3-4 hours apart (the first sample was given after 2-5 days of abstinence) to test the effect on DFI levels. Data analysis was performed for the comparison of the change in sperm parameters and DFI between samples and between men with DFI above and under 30%. Results A total of 52 men provided double ejaculates 3-4 hours apart. In the entire group, DFI decreased from 38.9%±21.4% to 35.1%±21.6% in the second sample (P<0.001). Semen volume was lower on the second sample (2.3±1.4 vs. 1.5±0.9 mL, P<0.001), while the remaining parameters did not change. Forty out of 52 patients (76.9%) had improved DFI (average of 6.0±4.0 percentage points). Change in DFI varied with 22/52 (42.3%) and 7/52 (13.5%) of patients found to have decreases in DFI >5% and >10% in the second ejaculate, respectively. For men with DFI of 30-40%, 64% (7/11) of DFIs reduced to the under 30% range. First DFI value was the only parameter associated with DFI decrease to under 30% in multivariate models [odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39-0.98; P=0.04]. Conclusions This study identified significant improvements in DFI in infertile men providing a second sample after 3-4 hours. Controlled trials are needed to determine if reproductive outcomes are improved using a second ejaculate for infertile men with high initial sperm DFI values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Karavani
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Susan Lau
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Lajkosz
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brendan Mullen
- Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Hospital and New Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kirk C. Lo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ethan D. Grober
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bader Akroof
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohamed S. Kattan
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Zhang Y, Wei J, Liu C, Cao W, Zhang Z, Li Y, Zeng Q, Sun S. Association between ambient PM 1 and semen quality: A cross-sectional study of 27,854 men in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 175:107919. [PMID: 37104984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to ambient fine and respirable particulate matter is associated with poor sperm quality, but evidence for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1 μm (PM1) is scarce. We aimed to estimate the association between PM1 exposure and sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm total motility, and sperm progressive motility in Chinese men. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 33,221 men attending an infertility clinic in Hubei, China, between 2014 and 2020. Daily concentrations of PM1 data were estimated from a validated spatiotemporal artificial intelligence model. We used multivariate linear regression to estimate the association between PM1 exposure and sperm parameters during the spermatogenesis period after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), education, ever having fathered a child, and season of semen collection. In addition, we performed stratified analysis to assess whether the association was varied by age, BMI, and educational attainment. RESULTS A total of 27,854 participants were included in the final analysis. An interquartile range (17.2 μg/m3) increase in PM1 during the entire period of semen development was associated with declined semen concentration [-4.39% (95% CI: -7.67%, -1.12%)] and sperm count [-23.56% (95% CI: -28.95%, -18.18%)], reduced total motility [-0.86% (95% CI: -1.66%, -0.06%)] and progressive motility [-2.22% (95% CI: -3.00%, -1.43%)]. The associations were homogeneous across subgroups defined by age and education, but were more pronounced among men with underweight for sperm concentration and sperm count. We identified a critical exposure window of 0-9 lag days, 10-14 lag days, and 70-90 lag days before semen collection for sperm count and progressive motility. CONCLUSIONS Among men attending an infertility clinic in China, exposure to PM1 was associated with poor semen quality, especially during the 70-90 days before ejaculation. These results suggest that exposure to PM1 might be a novel risk factor for impaired semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangchang Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wangnan Cao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Department of Global Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China; Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yufeng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China.
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Sun Z, Wen Y, Wang B, Deng S, Zhang F, Fu Z, Yuan Y, Zhang D. Toxic effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on sperm: Epidemiological and experimental evidence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1114463. [PMID: 36891048 PMCID: PMC9986484 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1114463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As emerging organic contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have aroused worldwide concern due to their environmental persistence, ubiquitous presence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity. It has been demonstrated that PFASs can accumulate in human body and cause multiple adverse health outcomes. Notably, PFASs have been detected in the semen of human, posing a potential hazard to male fecundity. This article reviews the evidence about the toxic effects of exposure to PFASs on male reproduction, focusing on the sperm quality. Epidemiological studies showed that PFASs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), were adversely associated with the semen parameters in humans, including sperm count, morphology and motility. Experimental results also confirmed that PFAS exposure led to testicular and epididymal damage, therefore impairing spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The mechanisms of reproductive toxicity of PFASs may be involved in blood-testosterone barrier destruction, testicular apoptosis, testosterone synthesis disorder, and membrane lipid composition alteration, oxidative stress and Ca2+ influx in sperm. In conclusion, this review highlighted the potential threat of exposure to PFASs to human spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangbei Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiqian Wen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Binhui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shiyi Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhendong Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Dalei Zhang,
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