Introduction: It's well known that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increases the risk of cancer; however less is known about their adverse effects on male reproductive health. Aim of work: To assess the effects of occupational exposure to PAHs on male reproductive health in a company for coke production. Materials and methods: A cross sectional comparative study was performed on an exposed group of coal tar workers (No=45) and a matched control group (No=45). Personal interview with specially designed questionnaire and standardized self-completed questionnaire was done to assess the erectile dysfunction. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH Pyrene) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) in addition to reproductive hormones and semen analysis were assessed. Results: The study revealed a statistically significant increase in the level of 1-OHpyrene, MDA and estradiol ratio among the exposed group with Mean ±SD 8.42±3.61, 11.95±7.29, 7.89±3.45 vs 3.14±3.51, 2.44±1.61, 6.59±2.21 respectively among the controls with p < 0.05. As for reproductive hormones, no statistical significant differences were found between both groups.Erectile dysfunction score showed significant prevalence of moderate (28.9%) and severe (26.7%) grades of erectile dysfunction among the exposed group vs 11.1% and 8.9% respectively among the control (p<0.05). By doing Liner regression analysis, it was found that Testosterone and Estradiol ratio were the predictors for erectile dysfunction score (β=0.96 and 0.86 respectively) (p<0.05).Concerning semen analysis, there was a statistically significant decrease in the seminal fluid volume, semen concentration and sperm motility (grade B) with increase of pus cells among exposed group compared to the control group (p<0.05) while no significant difference for other semen parameter. A significant positive correlation was found between 1-OHpyrene and MDA (r =0.63, p<0.001), while no significant correlation was found between 1-OHpyrene, MDA on one side and Mansour et al. 500reproductive hormones on the other side (p>0.05). Conclusion and recommendations: The adverse health effect on the male reproductive system in the current study might be one of the hazards that can be attributed to occupational exposure to PAHs in coal tar workers. Regular wearing of good quality personal protective equipment, especially masks and gloves is highly recommended to decrease exposure to PAH in addition to screening with urinary 1-OH pyrene and serum MDA levels.

Zinc Coumarate and zinc caffeiatenano-particles (ZCoNPs, ZCaNPs) have been shown to affectthe different biological processes. This work was undertaken to evaluate the mitigating action of ZCoNPs in combination with ZCaNPsagainst liver damage induced by gamma rays (γ-rays). Rats were exposed to 7Gy of γ-rays, and theninjected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with ZCoNPs [2U / rat / day (5 mg/kg)], and ZCaNPs [2U / rat / day (15 mg/kg)] for 7 consecutive days.The results showed that irradiated rats treated with ZCoNPs (5 mg/kg/body weight) in combination with ZCaNPs (15 mg/kg/body weight) for 7 days revealed a significant increase in the body weight, antioxidants levels, T Helper (CD4) Cell and T Cytotoxic (CD8), associated with amarked decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation (LP), nitric oxide(NOx), total free radicals concentrate (TFRC), and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, positive alterations in the morphological state, hematological parameters, and thecell cycle phases were noticed. Additionally, the histopathological study demonstrated an improvement in the liver tissue of irradiated rats after treatment.Thus, ZCoNPs and ZCaNPscould be usedas a natural mitigating agent to reduce the hazards of ionizing radiation.

Nowadays a special attention is focused on a variety of Occupational and Environmental exposures and their impact on male and female reproductive health. Such exposures may negatively affect the reproductive process causing reduced fertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes in the exposed population. This article aims at evaluating the impact of Occupational and Environmental exposures to several widespread toxicants on reproductive health by reviewing most recent published literature. The results from the presented studies suggest that there are strong and rather consistent indications that the reproductive system is particularly vulnerable to insult from exposure to widespread occupational and environmental agents. Considering the possible health effects, more epidemiologic data is needed.