DNA fragmentation of sperm in automobile painters

Abstract

Reproductive health is a major concern for workers constantly exposed to chemicals at work, especially in developing countries. The problems mainly stemmed from chronic exposure to the chemicals contained in paint thinner, which is mainly toluene, used during automobile painting. Unfortunately, in Indonesia, there is no study on the reproductive health of male workers in automobile workshops, especially in relation to spermatogenesis. This study aimed to explore the possibility of reproductive problems, namely spermatozoa DNA fragmentation, among male workers in an automobile workshop in Malang. We recruited workers who have worked as automobile painters for years at an automobile workshop in Malang and have been chronically exposed to thinner. Semen samples were collected from 15 automobile workshop workers who were married and had children. Twelve office workers were used as the control group. The two groups of semen samples were tested with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay combined with propidium iodide and analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed a significant difference between DNA fragmentation of the control group and workshop workers at 14.9% and 47.66%, respectively. Risk factor analysis showed a significant increase in risk factors ( p = 0.001). Taken together, chronic exposure to paint thinner in those engaged in painting at the automobile workshop increased the risk of DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa. Our study highlighted the importance of health education for the risked workers on minimization of exposure, which could be recommended to the health policy makers.

Interaction between Host and Microbes in the Semen of Patients with Idiopathic Nonobstructive Azoospermia

“…In the NOA group, microbial degradation of toluene was reduced, and the metabolism of fructose and mannose was increased. Toluene can cause increased DNA fragmentation in sperm, reducing sperm quality ( 19 ). Meanwhile, fructose and mannose are important sources of sperm energy metabolism ( 20 ).…”

Decrease of air pollution during lockdown in Tuscany (Italy): An effect on sperm DNA fragmentation?

“…Interestingly, no change was found between the two groups regarding conditions which could affect sDF amount and/or progressive motility, including exposure to toxicant (Irnandi et al, 2021; Recio‐Vega et al, 2008) or high temperature (Garolla et al, 2013), smoking habits (Axelsson et al, 2022; Sharma et al, 2016), alcohol consumption (Amor et al, 2022; Martini et al, 2004), varicocele (Blumer et al, 2008; Pallotti et al, 2018), and recent urogenital infections (Pagliuca et al, 2021; Weidner et al, 2013). The two groups were also similar for age, abstinence, drug consumption, daily sedentary time, and intensity of physical exercise (Table 1), all affecting sperm progressive motility and/or DNA quality as well (Gaskins et al, 2015; Hallak et al, 2020; Lu et al, 2020; Priskorn et al, 2016; Vaughan et al, 2020).…”

Self-reported occupational exposure and its association with sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men

“…Occupational exposure to benzene, for example, has been linked to DNA damage in immature germ cells in men, resulting in compromised sperm DNA integrity [13]. A recent study even highlighted the heightened risk of DNA fragmentation in fertile men exposed to paint thinners containing toluene, polyurethane, butyl carbitol, and numerous other components [14]. Moreover, workplace styrene exposure was associated with increased sperm DNA damage, as assessed through the Comet assay [15].…”