title: 1-Hydroxypyrene as a biomarker for assessing the effects of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on semen quality and sperm DNA integrity.
abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess whether urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) could serve as a biomarker to assess the effect of PAHs on cellular and molecular changes of sperm. Urine and semen samples were collected from a total of 65 healthy coke oven workers. Sperm quality parameters (concentration, motility, vitality, and morphology) and semen integrity (DNA fragmentation, 8-oxodGuo, bulky DNA adducts) were analyzed. Sixteen (16) targeted PAHs at the personal breathing zone area were monitored and quantified. Results showed that urinary 1-OHP positively correlated with measured levels of 16 targeted PAHs. Urinary 1-OHP did not significantly correlate with semen quality; however, PAHs with heavy molecular weight, e.g., benzo(g,h,i)perylene and benzo(k)fluoranthene, negatively correlated with morphology and motility of sperms (p = 0.02 and 0.002, p = 0.04 and 0.04, respectively). Urinary 1-OHP positively correlated with the level of 8-oxodGuo and bulky DNA adducts, but not DNA fragmentation. Urinary 1-OHP was a suitable biomarker for an estimate of biologically effective doses of PAH exposure. However, urinary 1-OHP may not be sufficient as a biomarker to assess both cellular and molecular changes of sperm induced by PAHs.
authors.affiliation: School of Community and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA. hjeng@odu.edu
authors.forename: Hueiwang Anna
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Jeng
authors.forename: Chih-Hong
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Mu-Rong
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Chao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000235:genetics; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008297:Male; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D011721:Pyrenes / Q000032:analysis / Q000652:urine*; D055101:Semen Analysis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D013624:Taiwan; D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D015415:Biomarkers; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D011721:Pyrenes; C033146:1-hydroxypyrene