Sperm quality and DNA integrity of coke oven workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and EnvironmentalThe objective of this study was to assess sperm quality and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity of coke oven workers exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as compared to control subjects. Material and Methods:The coke oven workers (N = 52) and administrative staff (N = 35) of a steel plant served as the exposed and control groups, respectively. Exposure to PAHs was assessed by measuring 1-hydroxypyren. Analysis of sperm quality (concentration, motility, vitality, and morphology) was performed simultaneously with sperm DNA integrity analysis, including DNA fragmentation, denaturation, bulky DNA adducts, and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dGuo). A questionnaire was conducted to collect demographic and potential confounding data. Results: The coke oven workers had lower percentages of sperm motility, vitality and normal morphology than the control group, but the difference was not significant. For DNA integrity, the coke oven workers had significantly higher concentrations of bulky DNA adducts and 8-oxo-dGuo than the control subjects (p = 0.009 and p = 0.048, respectively). However, DNA fragmentation percentages did not significantly increase as compared to those in the subjects from the control group (p = 0.232). There was no correlation between sperm quality parameters and DNA integrity indicators. Conclusions: Occupational exposure of the coke oven workers to PAHs was associated with decreased sperm DNA integrity. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):915-926

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“…Environmental and occupational exposure (e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ionising and nonionising radiation, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, lead) can also increase SDF rates (Evenson & Wixon, 2005; Gandhi et al., 2017; Jamal et al., 2016; Jeng et al., 2016; Miranda‐Contreras et al., 2015; Sánchez‐Peña et al., 2004; Zhou et al., 2016; Zhu & Qiao, 2015). Additionally, therapeutic exposure to chemotherapy and radiotherapy can promote SS‐DBs and DS‐DBs in human spermatozoa (Bujan et al., 2014; Smit, van Casteren, et al., 2010; Ståhl et al., 2006).…”

Association of occupations with decreased semen quality in eastern China: a cross-sectional study of 12 301 semen donors

“…Occupational hazards are potential risk factors that might influence semen quality. A previous study 19 reported that occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was associated with decreased sperm DNA integrity among coke oven workers. Physical or chemical hazards in the workplace may be the main cause of male infertility.…”

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“…Jeng и соавт. обнаружили нарушение генетического аппарата сперматозоидов у рабочих коксовых печей и административного персонала данных предприятий [35].…”