Abstract
In our previous work, we reported alterations in protamines/histones ratio, in DNA binding of these proteins and their involvement in DNA oxidative damage in 84% of the young men living in the Land of Fires. In the present work, we extended our findings, evaluating any alterations in spermatozoa of a family case, a father and son, living in this area, to also give a first look at the possibility of transgenerational inherited effects of environmental contaminants on the molecular alterations of sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBP), DNA and semen parameters. In the father and son, we found a diverse excess of copper and chromium in the semen, different alterations in SNBP content and low DNA binding affinity of these proteins. In addition, DNA damage, in the presence of CuCl2 and H2O2, increased by adding both the father and son SNBP. Interestingly, son SNBP, unlike his father, showed an unstable DNA binding and were able to produce DNA damage even without external addition of CuCl2, in line with a lower seminal antioxidant activity than the father. The peculiarity of some characteristics of son semen could be a basis for possible future studies on transgenerational effects of pollutants on fertility.
Highlights
A great concern has been raised for human health and environment in the well-known “Land of Fires”, in Campania (Southern Italy) [1,2]
In our previous work, we reported alterations in protamines/histones ratio, in DNA binding of these proteins and their involvement in DNA oxidative damage in 84% of the young men living in the Land of Fires
We discovered, through molecular investigations, that in young men living in the “Land of Fires”, some environmental pollutants can alter the properties of the sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBP), making these proteins able to induce DNA breakage [11]
Summary
A great concern has been raised for human health and environment in the well-known “Land of Fires”, in Campania (Southern Italy) [1,2]. Taking into account that increasing evidence has shown that exposure to various pollutants can produce transgenerationally inherited effects and studies conducted on mice indicated that the susceptibility to certain pollutants can increase from one generation to the [19], in the present work we deepened our studies, focusing on a family case living in the “Land of Fires”, constituted by a father (50 years old) and his son (18 years old) In these subjects, we analyzed the content of SNBP, the binding of these proteins to DNA and their ability to protect DNA from the action of free radicals. We took a first look at the possibility of possible transgenerational hereditary effects of environmental contaminants on molecular alterations of basic sperm proteins (SNBP), DNA and seminal parameters of these two subjects, with the aim of having a starting point for future, more extensive studies, with a larger sample of fathers and sons living in the “Land of Fires”
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
