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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Industrial Hydrocarbons Exposure Deteriorates Sperm Integrity and Reproductive Function
Madhan Kumar Pichandi1, Babujanarthanam Ranganathanan1, Doraiah Abilash2
1Nano and Energy Bioscience Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Serkadu, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metal fumes significantly harms male fertility by reducing sperm quality and increasing DNA damage. These industrial toxins trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, impacting reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Occupational Medicine
Background:
- Workplace exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metal fumes poses a potential risk to male reproductive health.
- Previous studies suggest a link between occupational exposures and adverse effects on male fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers, and DNA integrity in workers exposed to different industrial agents (PAHs, metal fumes) versus controls.
- To investigate the relationship between specific occupational exposures and male infertility indicators.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 81 men: 17 controls and 64 workers from plastic, steel (EAF), waste incineration, and aluminium smelting industries.
- Semen analysis included sperm concentration, motility, strict morphology, acrosome integrity, and membrane function.
- Oxidative stress markers (ROS, MDA, SOD, CAT) and DNA damage (SCD, comet assay) were assessed.
- Network pharmacology analysis identified shared targets and hub genes related to PAH exposure and male infertility.
Main Results:
- All exposed worker groups showed significantly reduced sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- Elevated oxidative stress (ROS, MDA) and reduced antioxidant activity (SOD, CAT) were observed, particularly in aluminium and incineration workers.
- A positive correlation between occupational exposure levels and sperm DNA breaks (OTM) was found, highest in aluminium workers.
- Network analysis identified key genes (EGFR, ESR1, RELA, PTGS2, MMP2, MMP9) and pathways (HIF-1, TNF) involved in inflammation and endocrine disruption.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to PAHs and metal fumes significantly impairs male fertility through ROS-mediated genetic instability and inflammation.
- Industrial poisoning disrupts sperm quality and DNA integrity, highlighting the need for protective measures in high-risk industries.
- Inflammatory and endocrine-disrupting pathways are implicated in the mechanisms by which these chemical carcinogens cause reproductive damage.
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