Variation of sperm quality and circular RNA content in men exposed to environmental contamination with heavy metals in ‘Land of Fires’, Italy

Human Reproduction, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 39(8), P. 1628 - 1644

Published: June 17, 2024

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Can illegal discharge of toxic waste into the environment induce a new condition morpho-epigenetic pathozoospermia in normozoospermic young men? SUMMARY ANSWER Toxic environmental contaminants promote onset pathozoospermic men, consisting morpho-functional defects and sperm increase low-quality circular RNA (circRNA) cargo, tightly linked to contaminant bioaccumulation seminal plasma. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Epidemiological findings have reported several reproductive anomalies depending on exposure discharged environment, such as germ cell apoptosis, steroidogenesis defects, oxidative stress induction, blood–testis barrier dysfunctions, poor quality onset. In this scenario, vast geographical area located Campania, Italy, called ‘Land Fires’, has been associated with an excessive negatively impacting human health, including male functions. DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Semen samples were obtained from healthy men divided two experimental groups, living Fires’ (LF; n = 80) or not (CTRL; 80), age ranging 25 40 years. The study was carried out following World Health Organization guidelines. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Quality parameters semen CTRL- LF-normozoospermic evaluated by computer-assisted analysis; high-quality spermatozoa CTRL LF groups (n 80 for each group) using 80–40% discontinuous centrifugation gradient. Seminal plasma collected used dosage chemical elements, dioxins steroid hormones liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Sperm investigations (cellular morphology, acrosome maturation, IZUMO1 fertility marker analysis, membrane lipid state, stress) assessed purified fraction immunochemistry/immunofluorescence western blot analyses. circRNA cargo quantitative RT-PCR, physical interaction among circRNAs fused sarcoma (FUS) protein detected RNA-binding immunoprecipitation assay. Protein experiments demonstrate FUS/p-300 cells. Lastly, vitro lead (Pb) treatment controls investigate correlation between Pb accumulation phenotype. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Several morphological identified LF-spermatozoa, including: significant (P < 0.05 versus CTRL) percentage characterized structural head tail; high 0.01) peanut agglutinin null signal agreement these data, abnormal hormone levels suggest premature reaction LF-spermatozoa. immunofluorescence signals cholesterol complexes/lipid rafts organization (Filipin III Flotillin-1) markers [3-nitrotyrosine 3-nitrotyrosine 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal] observed LF-spermatozoa motility reduction 0.01), demonstrated affected fluidity, potentially motility. Bioaccumulation heavy metals occurring direct deregulated related high- low-sperm also revealed. molecular terms, we that promoted FUS hyperacetylation via p-300 and, turn, its shuttling tail, significantly enhancing 0.01 endogenous backsplicing LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Participants interviewed better understand their origin, eating habits well lifestyles, however any information incorrectly communicated voluntarily omitted could compromise group determination cannot be excluded. A possible association content other modulating should explored further. Future will performed order identify potential synergistic anti-synergistic effects reproduction. WIDER IMPLICATIONS FINDINGS Our provides regarding reproduction, highlighting how phenotype classified may match epigenetic one. Overall, our results improve knowledge allow proper assessment through biomarkers select use ART. FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This supported ‘Convenzione Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Caserta, Regione Campania’ (ASL CE Prot. N. 1217885/DIR. GE). authors no conflict interest declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.

Language: Английский

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Phthalate exposure aggravates periodontitis by activating NFκB pathway

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 275, P. 116252 - 116252

Published: March 27, 2024

Phthalates are widely used plasticizers, which were identified as risk factors in the development of many human diseases. However, effects phthalates periodontitis unknown. We aimed to investigated relationship and phthalate exposure well underlying mechanisms. Univariate multivariate logistic regressions employed evaluate association between metabolites periodontitis. The generalized additive model piecewise regression conducted investigate dose-response relationship. Cell animal models explore role mechanism DEHP Transcriptome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, western blot, immunofluorescence mice also employed. MEHP (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05–1.24), MCPP 1.08, 1.00–1.17), MEHHP 1.18, 1.08–1.29), MEOHP 1.07–1.29), MiBP 1.15, 1.04–1.28), MECPP 1.20, 1.09–1.32) independent factors. And MEHHP, metabolite DEHP, showed relative most important on with highest weight (0.34) among all assessed. increase inflammation activation NFκB pathway cells observed. Exposure multiple was positively associated US adults 30 80 years old. aggravated by activating pathway.

Language: Английский

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Exploring the epigenome to identify biological links between the urban environment and neurodegenerative disease: an evidence review

Cities & Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 8(6), P. 1153 - 1175

Published: April 15, 2024

Global urbanisation has occurred in tandem with population ageing, having implications on human cognitive health. Urban environmental factors such as air pollution are known risk of impairment and neurodegenerative disease. However, due to the sparse evidence base, biological pathways by which urban operate not well understood. The aim this review is explain how exploring epigenome (i.e. chemical modifications genome do change underlying gene sequence) can further our understanding these pathways. influenced for Utilising complex epigenetic analytical techniques including clocks, Mendelian randomization multi-omic approaches, it possible identify consequences biology. Through better modifications, be inherited or dynamically response exposures, impact outcomes, we work encourage development public health policies, planning design policies reduce burden disease healthier ageing older adult population.

Language: Английский

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Multi‐omic integration reveals alterations in nasal mucosal biology that mediate air pollutant effects on allergic rhinitis

Allergy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 79(11), P. 3047 - 3061

Published: May 26, 2024

Allergic rhinitis is a common inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa that imposes considerable health burden. Air pollution has been observed to increase risk developing allergic rhinitis. We addressed hypotheses early life exposure air toxics associated with rhinitis, and these effects are mediated by DNA methylation gene expression in mucosa.

Language: Английский

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Polystyrene nanoplastics induce cardiotoxicity by upregulating HIPK2 and activating the P53 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 474, P. 134823 - 134823

Published: June 5, 2024

Language: Английский

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