Air pollution linked to DNA changes in sperm, research shows
8 reported1 unconfirmed
A large fertility study has found that air pollution exposure during sperm development may alter how sperm genes function. The findings were presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in London. Researchers identified ozone and nitrogen dioxide as the pollutants most strongly linked to epigenetic changes in sperm DNA. The study followed more than 2,000 men in Salt Lake City, Utah, between 2013 and 2017, analyzing DNA methylation in 1,220 participants. Scientists found 39 DNA changes associated with air pollution mixtures, with one affected gene, GNAS, previously linked to poorer semen quality and fetal development. Experts not involved in the work noted that further research is needed to determine whether these changes are clinically meaningful for male infertility.
What’s reported
The study was presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in London.
Dr Carrie Nobles, an epidemiologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, led the work.
The study followed more than 2,000 men in Salt Lake City, Utah, between 2013 and 2017.
Participants provided semen samples at enrollment and after two, four, and six months.
Researchers estimated exposure to ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and fine particulate matter during the three months before each sample.
Scientists analyzed sperm DNA methylation in the 1,220 men who provided a sample at the six-month follow-up.
They identified 39 DNA changes linked to air pollution mixtures, with ozone and nitrogen dioxide having a strong influence.
One identified gene, GNAS, has previously been linked to poorer semen quality and fetal development.
Open questions
Whether the observed changes to sperm DNA methylation are clinically meaningful for male infertility.
Key figures
Dr Carrie Nobles, epidemiologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Prof Allan Pacey, professor of andrology at the University of Manchester
Prof Richard Lea, professor of reproductive biology at the University of Nottingham
Sources: The Guardian
