[Increase of apoptosis and decrease of sperm motility induced by oxidative stress after exposed to butyl...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Toxicology
• Environmental Health
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Butyl p-hydroxybenzoate (BP) is a common preservative with potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
• Understanding the impact of environmental chemicals on male reproductive health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of BP on sperm motility, viability, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of BP-induced sperm damage.

Main Methods:

• Human semen samples from healthy donors were exposed to varying concentrations of BP (0, 200, 400, 800 μmol/L) in vitro for 4 hours.
• Sperm activity, cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and apoptosis rates were assessed.

Main Results:

• BP exposure significantly decreased total sperm motility and survival rates in a dose-dependent manner.
• A significant increase in ROS-positive cells and late-stage apoptosis was observed with increasing BP concentrations.
• Sperm ROS levels and late-stage apoptosis were negatively correlated with total sperm motility.

Conclusions:

• BP exhibits cytotoxicity towards human spermatozoa.
• BP reduces sperm motility and survival by promoting ROS production and inducing apoptosis.
• These findings suggest BP may pose a risk to male reproductive function.