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Assessing Differences in Sperm Competitive Ability in Drosophila
Published on: August 22, 2013
Impact of Tobacco Smoke Exposure on Male Fertility: An In Vivo Study Using Drosophila melanogaster
Natasha Gomes de Miranda1,2, Ana Gajeiro1,2, Ana Martins-Bessa1,3
1Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Abstract:
Tobacco smoke has been consistently associated with impaired spermatozoa quality in men, including decreased concentration, motility, and increased morphological abnormalities. Key tobacco-related toxins such as nicotine and cadmium induce oxidative stress, leading to DNA damage in germ cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tobacco smoke exposure on male fertility using Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo model. Fertility, fecundity, parental toxicity, lifespan, and spermatozoa morphology were assessed in two strains: the wild-type Oregon K and the DNA repair-deficient mus308. Males were exposed to whole-tobacco smoke in a controlled environment for periods of 0, 1 and 7 min. Tobacco smoke exposure reduced fertility, fecundity, and offspring longevity in both strains. Additionally, spermatozoa from mus308 males exhibited a higher frequency of morphological abnormalities. These findings demonstrate the detrimental impact of tobacco smoke on male reproductive function and suggest increased vulnerability in organisms with impaired DNA repair capacity.
Insights
Tobacco smoke harms male fertility, reducing sperm quality and offspring health. DNA repair-deficient males showed greater sensitivity to smoke-induced reproductive damage.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Tobacco smoke is linked to male infertility, causing reduced sperm concentration, motility, and abnormal morphology.
- Nicotine and cadmium in tobacco smoke induce oxidative stress and DNA damage in germ cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of tobacco smoke exposure on male fertility using Drosophila melanogaster.
- To assess the role of DNA repair capacity in susceptibility to tobacco smoke's reproductive effects.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of wild-type (Oregon K) and DNA repair-deficient (mus308) Drosophila males to whole-tobacco smoke for 0, 1, and 7 minutes.
- Evaluation of male fertility, fecundity, parental toxicity, lifespan, and sperm morphology.
Main Results:
- Tobacco smoke exposure significantly reduced fertility, fecundity, and offspring longevity in both Drosophila strains.
- Spermatozoa from mus308 males displayed a higher incidence of morphological abnormalities post-exposure.
- Impaired DNA repair capacity exacerbated the negative effects of tobacco smoke on male reproductive health.
Conclusions:
- Tobacco smoke detrimentally affects male reproductive function and fertility.
- Organisms with compromised DNA repair mechanisms exhibit heightened vulnerability to tobacco smoke-induced reproductive damage.
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