The effects of di-butyl phthalate exposure from medications on human sperm RNA among men

Sci Rep. 2019 Aug 27;9(1):12397. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-48441-5.

Abstract

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, the effect on sperm RNAs to DBP exposure were longitudinally assessed using a cross-over cross-back binary design of high or background, exposures to DBP. As the DBP level was altered, numerous sperm RNA elements (REs) were differentially expressed, suggesting that exposure to or removal from high DBP produces effects that require longer than one spermatogenic cycle to resolve. In comparison, small RNAs were 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. The negative correlation of REs with specific genomic repeats suggests a regulatory role. Using ejaculated sperm, this work provides insight into the male germline's response to phthalate exposure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA Damage / drug effects
  • Dibutyl Phthalate / toxicity*
  • Endocrine Disruptors / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Mesalamine / chemistry
  • Mesalamine / therapeutic use
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • RNA / metabolism*
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Nuclear / metabolism
  • Spermatogenesis / drug effects
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects*
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism

Substances

  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • RNA, Small Nuclear
  • Dibutyl Phthalate
  • Mesalamine
  • RNA