Semen quality and sperm DNA damage associa –revised – final-finalted with oxidative stress in relation to exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

The cross-sectional study aimed to assess whether oxidative stress induced by exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) affect semen quality and sperm DNA integrity. A total of 106 who met the inclusion criteria, were recruited from a coke-oven plant during their annual health checkup. The human subjects were grouped into the high exposure group, the low exposure group and the control based on PAH concentrations surrounding their employment locations. Semen quality, oxidative stress status, and sperm DNA damage [DNA fragmentation and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo)] were assessed. Urinary 1-hydroxypyren (1-OHP) was used to assess human subject exposure to PAHs. The high exposure group experienced significantly lower sperm motility and normal morphology than the control (P = 0.046 and 0.049, respectively). The high exposure group also had significantly higher 8-oxoGuo concentrations in sperm than the control (P = 0.027). Urinary 1-OHP concentration was associated with decreased motility and less normal morphology, along with increased sperm oxidative damage and ROS concentrations. Oxidative stress induced by exposure to PAHs was associated with decreased sperm quality.