Association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and sperm DNA ingetrity

摘要

The objective of this study was to examine sperm DNA integrity of coke-oven workers in relation to exposure to polyeyciic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the coke processing. A total of 72 human subjects participated in this study: 24 topside-oven workers, 28 side-oven workers, and 20 administrative personnel serving as the high exposure group, low exposure group, and control, respectively. An exposure assessment was conducted to depict the extent of PAH exposure by measuring urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP). DNA fragmentation, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo), and bulky DNA adducts in sperm DNA were quantified using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nicke end-labeling, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry, and 32P-labeling, respectively. Coke-oven workers had increased levels of DNA fragmentation, 8-oxodGuo, and bulky DNA adducts. However, there was no significant difference on DNA fragmentation levels among the three studied groups (P = 0.062), while the levels of 8-oxodGuo and bulky DNA adducts were significantly higher than those of the control (P = 0.048 and 0.032, respectively) with controlling for age, alcohol consumption, and smoking. DNA fragmentation positively correlated with 8-oxodGuo, which suggests that oxidative stress may link with DNA breakages. Urinary 1-OHP levels did correlate with 8-oxodGuo levels (P = 0.036), but not bulky DNA adducts and DNA fragmentation. In summary, exposure to PAHs linked to oxidative damage and formation of DNA adducts in sperm. Monitoring of sperm DNA integrity is recommended for affected workers as part of periodic health assessment to determine the impact of occupational toxins on sperm.