Air pollution, whether from domestic sources such as cooking and heating, or outdoor sources such as vehicle emissions and industrial processes, poses a significant threat to health. Almost the entire world's population is exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution and breathes air that exceeds the safe limits set by the World Health Organization. This widespread exposure contributes to the development of a variety of diseases, including those affecting reproductive health.
In today’s industrialized world, air pollution has emerged as a silent but potent threat to public health, with far-reaching consequences. Among these, the impact on male reproductive health has attracted significant attention. Researchers led by Dr Temidayo Omolaoye and Professor Stefan Du Plessis from the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Bongekile Skosana, Lisa Ferguson and Yashthi Ramsunder from Stellenbosch University, and Dr Bashir Ayad from the University of Misurata have explored this critical question. Their findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Antioxidants, shed light on the mechanisms through which air pollution affects male fertility, emphasizing the role of oxidative stress.
Dr. Omolaoye explained that air pollutants can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. “Air pollution is one of the leading environmental causes of disease in the world, responsible for millions of deaths annually and contributing significantly to the global burden of disease,” said Dr. Omolaoye. These pollutants, whether from domestic activities or industrial emissions, have serious consequences for human health, particularly male reproductive health.
Researchers conducted a comprehensive literature review of human and animal studies to assess the impact of air pollution on semen quality and male sexual health. They found that exposure to air pollutants is associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, as well as DNA fragmentation and other genetic abnormalities. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of air pollution on sperm quality and highlight the need for urgent interventions to mitigate these risks.
Animal studies have consistently shown that air pollutants, such as particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) can significantly reduce sperm count and motility and increase abnormal sperm morphology. In one study, Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to PM2.5 He presented with a reduced sperm count and an increase in abnormal morphology. Similarly, exposure to SO2 It was found to decrease sperm quality and alter testicular morphology.
Human studies corroborate these findings. For example, a large cohort study in China found that exposure to PM2.5 and the Prime Minister10 Sperm concentration and motility decreased significantly. Another analysis in the United States found a negative correlation between PM2.5 exposure and sperm motility after a few months of exposure.
The research also delves into advanced parameters of semen analysis, including DNA fragmentation and chromatin integrity. Exposure to air pollutants has been shown to cause cross-links between DNA and proteins, leading to significant DNA damage. Dr Omolaoye noted, “Pollution-induced DNA fragmentation is a critical biomarker of sperm quality, indicating the serious impact of environmental pollutants on male reproductive health.”
Furthermore, air pollution has been linked to changes in gene expression through epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications. These changes can disrupt the normal functioning of genes involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA repair, further exacerbating the impact of air pollutants on male fertility.
The study highlights the clinical implications of these findings. Excessive ROS production due to air pollutants can overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses, leading to oxidative stress and subsequent sperm damage. The team calls for increased awareness and measures to reduce exposure to air pollutants, particularly in vulnerable populations. They suggest that public health policies should prioritize reducing air pollution to mitigate its impact on male reproductive health.
In conclusion, the research by Dr. Omolaoye and her colleagues provides compelling evidence of the adverse effects of air pollution on male reproductive health. By elucidating the mechanisms involved, particularly the role of oxidative stress, this study underlines the urgent need to take measures to protect and improve reproductive health in the face of increasing levels of air pollution.
Journal reference
Omolaoye, TS; Skosana, BT; Ferguson, LM; Ramsunder, Y.; Ayad, BM; Du Plessis, SS (2024). “Implications of air pollution exposure on male reproduction: the role of oxidative stress”. Antioxidants. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13010064
About the authors
Dr. Temidayo Omolaoye is an Assistant Professor of Physiology at Mohommed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She is passionate about research and believes that continuous dissemination of knowledge gained through this medium is paramount. She is the recipient of several awards, fellowships and research grants. Her main research interest includes reproductive medicine/physiology, endocrinology, diabetes and reproductive toxicology. Currently, she is focusing on the molecular mechanisms of diabetes-induced male infertility, employing omics techniques. She also serves as an ad hoc reviewer for several reputed journals.
Professor Stefan du Plessis Professor du Plessis is the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. His research interests focus on the field of male reproductive physiology, which has resulted in over 133 peer-reviewed articles and nearly 5500 citations. He also has to his credit 30 book chapters and 4 books and has supervised numerous PhD and MSc students. He sits on the editorial board of two international journals and acts as an ad hoc reviewer for several funding bodies and scientific journals. Professor du Plessis has recently been elected as a Fellow of the Mohammed bin Rashed Academy of Scientists (MBRAS), is a National Research Foundation B-rated researcher, and has received a Fulbright Scholarship as well as several other research and teaching awards.
Lisa Marie Ferguson She received her MSc degree from Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2021 and is currently in her final year of PhD studies at the Stellenbosch University Reproductive Research Group (SURRG), located within the Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) at SU in Cape Town, South Africa. Her research interests focus on exploring the various elements that influence sperm functionality, with a particular emphasis on the molecular underpinnings leading to sperm dysfunction. His work contributes to a broader understanding of male fertility issues.
Yashthi Ramsunder Currently, Yashthi is a PhD candidate specialising in the field of andrology research at the Stellenbosch University Reproductive Research Group (SURRG), a laboratory within the Biomedical Research Institute at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. After completing her MSc in 2023, her research focuses on the impact of drug-based therapies and lifestyle factors on male fertility parameters. Additionally, she has conducted extensive research on the molecular framework underlying sperm function. Outside of work, Yashthi is an avid baker and an active member of the physiology research communities, frequently speaking at conferences and mentoring aspiring physiology researchers.
Bashir Mohammed Ayad He is currently the Head of the Department of Physiology and Adjunct Professor of Medical Physiology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Misurata, Libya. He graduated with a BSc (1998), MSc (2009) and PhD (2018). He has supervised and examined many postgraduate and PhD students. His research interests focus on the areas of cellular physiology, andrology, endocrinology, respiratory physiology, DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress. He has actively collaborated with other renowned scientists from around the world, in particular Professor Stefan Du Plessis (Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Professor of Physiology, Dubai Medical School (MBRU), UAE) and other internationally renowned scientists. He has published numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters. He has been a regular ad hoc reviewer for several national and international scientific journals. aydbm74@gmail.com
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