Abnormalities in the male reproductive system after exposure to diesel and biodiesel blend

Abstract

Altering the fuel source from petroleum-based ultra-low sulfur diesel to biodiesel and its blends is considered by many to be a sustainable choice for controlling exposures to particulate material. As the exhaust of biodiesel/diesel blends is composed of a combination of combustion products of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fatty acid methyl esters, we hypothesize that 50% biodiesel/diesel blend (BD50) exposure could induce harmful outcomes because of its ability to trigger oxidative damage. Here, adverse effects were compared in murine male reproductive organs after pharyngeal aspiration with particles generated by engine fueled with BD50 or neat petroleum diesel (D100). When compared with D100, exposure to BD50 significantly altered sperm integrity, including concentration, motility, and morphological abnormalities, as well as increasing testosterone levels in testes during the time course postexposure. Serum level of luteinizing hormone was significantly depleted only after BD50 exposure. Moreover, we observed that exposure to BD50 significantly increased sperm DNA fragmentation and the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and testes on Day 7 postexposure when compared with D100. Histological evaluation of testes sections from BD50 exposure indicated more noticeable interstitial edema, degenerating spermatocytes, and dystrophic seminiferous tubules with arrested spermatogenesis. Significant differences in the level of oxidative stress assessed by accumulation of lipid peroxidation products and depletion of glutathione were detected on exposure to respirable BD50 and D100. Taken together, these results indicate that exposure of mice to inhalable BD50 caused more pronounced adverse effects on male reproductive function than diesel.

Pulmonary exposure to cellulose nanocrystals caused deleterious effects to reproductive system in male mice

“…The elevation in HNE-His and depletion in GSH levels may be responsible for disruption in the membrane integrity of spermatozoa and may be accountable for decline in sperm DNA integrity (see Figure 7, shown later). Our results are consistent with previously published studies showing a correlation between oxidative stress and changes found in sperm chromatin structure and DNA integrity after exposure to a variety of different nanoparticles (Bungum, 2012; Sycheva et al, 2011; Gromadzka-Ostrowska et al, 2012; Kisin et al, 2014). Moreover, defects in genomic integrity, stability of sperm and DNA repair machineries may trigger arrest of spermatogenesis and abnormal sperm DNA recombination (Agarwal et al, 2014).…”

“…Iommiello et al (2015) reported that oxidative stress and ROS are critical factors that play a role in male infertility. This is further supported by previous in vivo studies, where decreased sperm motility, DNA damage, and abnormal sperm morphology were found upon exposure to different nanoparticles (Yoshida et al, 2009; Guo et al, 2009; Gromadzka-Ostrowska et al, 2012; Kisin et al, 2014). These changes were associated with increased production of ROS.…”

“…The right epididymis, separated from the testicle, was further processed for sperm counts as described previously (Kisin et al, 2014). Briefly, in a petri dish containing prewarmed M16 medium (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO), epididymal cauda was minced with scissors and then incubated at 37°C for 5 min to allow spermatozoa to disperse.…”

Effects of FAME biodiesel and HVORD on emissions from an older-technology diesel engine

“…Combustion of these alternative fuels in place of ULSD also produced aerosols with smaller median diameters and in lower number concentrations. However, the combustion of all of these fuels with drastically different chemical compositions produced emissions with different chemical compositions and toxicities (Javala et al, 2012; Shvedova at al., 2013; Yanamala et al, 2013; Fukagawa et al, 2013; Westphal et al, 2013; Kisin et al, 2015). …”

“…Aerosols produced by diesel engines combusting FAME biodiesels in place of petroleum-derived diesel fuels might have higher pulmonary (Shvedova at al., 2013; Yanamala et al, 2013; Fukagawa et al, 2013) and reproductive (Kisin et al, 2015) toxicity. Several studies linked the increase in oxidative stress related to the use of FAME biodiesel fuels to a larger presence of oxygenated organic species in FAME aerosols than in petroleum-derived aerosols (Javala et al, 2012; Stevanovic et al, 2013).…”