Sperm DNA oxidative damage and DNA adducts
Hueiwang Anna Jeng1, Chih-Hong Pan2, Mu-Rong Chao3
1School of Community and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, 4608 Hampton Boulevard, Health Sciences Building Room 3140 Norfolk, VA, USA.
Mutation Research. Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis
|December 15, 2015
Summary
Coke oven workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) showed increased sperm DNA damage, specifically bulky DNA adducts and oxidative adducts. Monitoring sperm DNA integrity is crucial for assessing occupational toxin impacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common occupational and environmental toxins.
- Sperm DNA integrity is a critical indicator of male reproductive health and potential health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sperm DNA damage and adducts in coke oven workers exposed to PAHs.
- To assess the relationship between PAH exposure, sperm DNA fragmentation, bulky DNA adducts, and oxidative damage.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 112 coke oven workers (PAH-exposed) and 67 controls.
- Analysis of routine semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (TUNEL, SCSA), bulky DNA adducts, and 8-oxo-dGuo.
- Repeated measurements during spermatogenesis.
Main Results:
- PAH-exposed workers had significantly higher bulky DNA adducts and 8-oxo-dGuo.
- No significant difference in sperm DNA fragmentation or denaturation between groups.
- 8-oxo-dGuo correlated positively with DNA fragmentation, but bulky adducts did not correlate with fragmentation or oxidative adducts.
Conclusions:
- Chronic PAH exposure in coke oven workers leads to decreased sperm DNA integrity.
- Oxidative stress may contribute to sperm DNA fragmentation.
- Bulky DNA adducts appear independent of fragmentation and oxidative damage.
- Sperm DNA integrity monitoring is recommended for assessing occupational toxin effects.
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