GSE129216
The effects of di-butyl phthalate exposure from medications on human sperm RNA among men
Endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates, are suspected of affecting reproductive function. The Mesalamine and Reproductive Health Study (MARS) was designed to address the physiological effect of in-vivo phthalate exposure on male reproduction in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). As part of this effort, sperm RNA profiles as an effect of exposure to DBP were longitudinally assessed using a cross-over cross-back design of binary, high or background, levels of DBP. As the DBP level was altered, numerous sperm RNA elements were differentially expressed, and suggest that exposure to or removal from high DBP produces effects that require longer than one spermatogenic cycle to resolve.  In comparison, small RNAs are minimally affected by DBP exposure. While initial study medication (high or background) implicates different biological pathways, initiation on the high-DBP condition activated oxidative stress and DNA damage pathways. Using ejaculated sperm, this work provides insight into the male germline's response to phthalate exposure. Overall design: Total RNA from purified ejaculated spermatozoa was sequenced as a long RNA (>200 bp) fraction and small RNA (<200 bp) fraction.