Toxins & Environment

Environmental toxicants cause sperm DNA fragmentation as detected by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay

admin — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:08:12 -0600

Evenson DP, Wixon R.
HCLD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA; SCSA Diagnostics, 807 32nd Avenue, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.

Studies over the past two decades have clearly shown that reproductive toxicants cause sperm DNA fragmentation. This DNA fragmentation can usually be detected prior to observing alterations of metaphase chromosomes in embryos. Thus, Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA)-detected DNA damage is viewed as the molecular precursor to later gross chromosome damage observed under the light microscope. SCSA measurements of animal or human sperm consist of first obtaining a fresh or flash frozen neat semen sample in LN2 or dry ice. Samples are then sent to a SCSA diagnostic laboratory where the samples are thawed, diluted to approximately 1-2 x 106 sperm/ml, treated for 30 s with a pH 1.2 detergent buffer and then stained with acridine orange (AO). The low pH partially denatures DNA at the sites of DNA strand breaks and the AO-ssDNA fluoresces red while the AO-dsDNA fluoresces green. Flow cytometry measurements of 5000 sperm/sample provide statistically robust data on the ratio of red to green sperm, the extent of the DNA fragmentation and the standard deviations of measures. Numerous experiments on rodents treated with reproductive toxicants clearly showed that SCSA measures are highly dose responsive and have a very low CV. Different agents that act on germ cells at various stages of development usually showed sperm DNA fragmentation when that germ cell fraction arrived in the epididymis or ejaculate. Some of these treated samples were capable of successful in vitro fertilization but with frequent embryo failure. A 2-year longitudinal study of men living a valley town with a reported abnormal level of infertility and spontaneous miscarriages and also a seasonal atmospheric smog pollution, showed, for the first time, that SCSA measurements of human sperm DNA fragmentation were detectable and correlated with dosage of air pollution while the classical semen measures were not correlated. Also, young men spraying pesticides without protective gear are at an increased risk for elevated sperm DNA fragmentation. Extensive DN
A fragmentation probably cannot be repaired by the egg and the spontaneous abortion rate is approximately 2x higher if a man has more than 30% of sperm showing DNA fragmentation. DNA fragmentation is an excellent marker for exposure to potential reproductive toxicants and a diagnostic/prognostic tool for potential male infertility.

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Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

admin — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:08:11 -0600

A large number of widely used substances (pesticides, industrial chemicals, metals) have been shown to have estrogen-mimicking and other endocrine-disrupting effects, including;

2,4-D is applied to grassy crops such as wheat, home and public lawns and gardens, and on roadsides, golf courses, forests and waterways.
Permethrin is an insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It has multiple uses, including head lice and scabies treatments, insect repellents, household insect foggers and sprays, tick and flea sprays for yards and pets, termite treatments, agricultural and livestock products, mosquito abatement, forestry and treatment of timber.
Dioxins are byproducts of manufacture involving chlorine. They are formed during combustion and during the production of chemical compounds containing chlorine, such as pesticides and PCBs. The production and use of some chlorinated chemicals, bleaching of paper, and waste incineration, including the uncontrolled burning of residential waste, are the major sources of dioxins. Reproductive effects, including decreased sperm production, decreased testis weight, decreased testosterone levels, delayed puberty, and endometriosis have been observed in laboratory animals.
Phthalates. Studies have found damaged, shrunken, undescended, or atrophied testicles; reduced sperm production; damaged sperm, destruction of Sertoli cells (which produce sperm) and lowered testosterone levels in offspring. Phthalates are used as softeners, or plasticizers, in polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl) products, including children's toys, some teethers, food packaging and cling wraps, medical devices, backpacks, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wallpaper, decorating and building products, blood bags, adhesives, mosquito insect repellents, plastic plumbing pipes, nail polish, skin moisturizers, perfumes, solvents, cosmetics, personal care products, wood finishes and insecticides.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element, considered a heavy metal. It is used as a preservative in wood (e.g., pressure-treated lumber- decks, fences, playground equipment, and residential construction), insecticides, weed killers, fungicides, glass production, semiconductors, to make metal alloys (used in lead-acid car batteries, for example), some medications, and home and agricultural fertilizers.
Lead. The most significant sources of lead continue to be old paint in homes built before 1978, lead pipes placed before the 1930s, and soil by highways and heavily traveled roads. Reproductive effects including decreased fertility, increased rates of miscarriage, pre-term delivery, low birth weight, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, abnormal sperm shape and size.
Mercury. The most common organic form of mercury accumulates in the flesh of fish, animals and humans, most particularly predatory fish species, such as shark and tuna, and bottom-feeders, such as crab. Animals exposed orally to long-term, high levels in laboratory studies experienced adverse effects on the developing fetus, sperm, and male reproductive organs; and increases in the number of spontaneous abortions and stillbirths.

Collectively, because these substances have estrogen-mimicking effects, they are known as 'endocrine (hormonal) disruptors".

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Environmental Infertility Factors

admin — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:30:22 -0600

See the attached PDF file.

Sperm Quality - Toxins - Miscarriage

admin — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:04:47 -0600

Pregnancies ending in miscarriage are being found to be fathered by men with higher numbers of abnormal sperm (i.e. misshapen sperm heads, double tails, etc.). Abnormal sperm are also being found to occur more often in males exposed to chemicals during the two month sperm development period before conception (3). Results of recent research indicate that sperm quality influences not only the likelihood of miscarriage, but also the rates of fertilization of eggs and subsequent embryo development (rates of embryo cleavage, blastocyst formation and implantation). A Sperm DNA test is preformed to measure damage that may be present in sperm. The integrity of the sperm DNA is used as a marker to predict pregnancy outcomes. Male partners of couples with a history of unexplained infertility, poor embryo quality after in vitro fertilization (IVF), implantation failure after IVF, recurrent chemical or occult pregnancy losses, or recurrent early spontaneous abortions should consider that there may be underlying problems with sperm quality (1, 2).

The largest study done to date involved 61 papers concerning sperm concentration/count in a total of 14,957 males without a history of infertility. A staggering decline in average sperm counts from 113 million per ml in 1940 to 66 million per ml in 1990, and in seminal volume from 3.40 ml to 2.75 ml was noted (6).

Studies over the past two decades have clearly shown that commonly used substances (pesticides, industrial chemicals, metals) have been shown to have estrogen-mimicking and other endocrine-disrupting effects (5). The following, just to name a few, are examples you may find around your home;

Dioxins (bleaching of paper, waste incineration, burning of residential waste, feminine products): cause decreased sperm production, decreased testis weight, decreased testosterone levels, delayed puberty, and endometriosis.

Phthalates (plastic softener, polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl) products, children's toys, some teethers, food packaging, cling wraps, medical devices, backpacks, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wallpaper, decorating and building products, blood bags, adhesives, mosquito insect repellents, plastic plumbing pipes, nail polish, skin moisturizers, perfumes, solvents, cosmetics, personal care products, wood finishes and insecticides): cause damaged, shrunken, undescended, or atrophied testicles; reduced sperm production; damaged sperm, destruction of Sertoli cells (which produce sperm) and lowered testosterone levels in offspring.

Lead causes decreased fertility, increased rates of miscarriage, pre-term delivery, low birth weight, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, abnormal sperm shape and size.

Mercury in predatory fish species, such as shark and tuna, and bottom-feeders, such as crab causes adverse effects on the developing fetus, sperm, and male reproductive organs. It also increases the number of spontaneous abortions and stillbirths.

It is also important to note that with the increases in infertility and abnormal sperm being observed in today's male population, studies highlight the significant benefits of which may be attained by simply consuming organic food for couples wishing to have children (4).

Detoxification through diet, supplementation, herbal therapy, and acupuncture has shown clinically profound improvements in semen quality as well as over health, wellness, and satisfaction with life and relationships.

Spence Pentland

References
1. The effect of chromatin condensation (aniline blue staining) and morphology (strict criteria) of human sperm on fertilization, cleavage and pregnancy rates in an intracytoplasmic sperm injection programme. Hammadeh ME, Al-Hassani S, Stieber M et al. Hum Reprod 1996;11:2468-2471.
2. Relationship between assisted reproductive techniques (ART) outcome and status of chromatin integrity as measured by the sperm chromatin structure assay. Larson K, De Jonge C, Barnes A, Jost L, Evenson D Hum Reprod 2000;15:1717-1722.
3. Miscarriages Linked to Defective Sperm and Lower Sperm Counts, Drs. Mirjam Furuhjelm, Birgit Jonson, and C. Lagergren, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sabbatsberg Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, International Journal of Fertility
4. Surprising Sperm Abnormalities Linked to Chemically Grown Foods, Dr. Patricia P. Scott, J.P. Greaves and M.G. Scott Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London and Royal Veterinary College, London Journal of Reproductive Fertility
5. Environmental toxicants cause sperm DNA fragmentation as detected by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA((R))). Evenson DP, Wixon R, HCLD, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA; SCSA Diagnostics, 807 32nd Avenue, Brookings, SD 57007, USA.
6. Decline in semen quality from 1930 to 1991, Carlsen E, Giwercman AJ, Keiding N, Skakkebaek NE. Rigshospitalet, afdeling for vaekst og reproduktion GR 5064, Kobenhavn.

Full research articles...

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Qigong

admin — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:04:22 -0600

a powerful ancient technique to help overcome infertility, erectile dysfunction, & prostate problems, through energetic detoxification & strengthening of the body, mind, and breath.

Today Qigong is most often referred to as any set of breathing and Qi circulation techniques that are capable of improving health, preventing illness, and strengthening the body. Qigong is slow meditative exercise for the body, the breath, and the mind. 'Qi' is the vital force behind everything, everything is 'Qi' at differing densities, even Einstein has made these claims. 'Gong' is cultivation, effect, attainment. Qigong can therefore be translated as 'cultivation of vital force'. It restores the balance of Yin Yang energy returning the body to a healthy, normal physiological state. These effects directly translate into increased overall reproductive wellness.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the human body is treated as an integral system of interrelated networks with different physiological functions. This integral system uses the energy pathways to link the organs and other human systems into a unified whole, making the communication and interaction between parts of the body possible. The energy that flows in the energy pathways is called Qi. It extends internally to the organs and externally throughout the body, completing and interrelated system of networks.

Medical Qigong is a compilation of effective preventative, healing, and strengthening exercises derived from a long history of the Chinese peoples experience with nature and living in harmony with it.

Qigong is studied not merely for the health and strength of the body, but as an attempt to understand human nature and its interactions with the environment and the universe as a whole. Realizing that humans are part of nature, any attempt to understand human physiology inevitably involves the study of wholism.

From commoners to scientists, martial artists to government officials. Qigong studies span the masses of the Chinese population.

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