Effect of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure on Sperm DNA in Idiopathic Male Infertility.

Background: Biological mechanisms contribute to the relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure and infertility in males by altering semen quality.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of PAHs on male infertility using the sperm chromatin dispersion test (Halo sperm assay).

Methods: Sixty-six (66) infertile males under 45 years of age were examined for the determination of urinary metabolite and oxidative stress by measuring lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity of glutathione and glutathione-s-transferase, as well as hormonal activity of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone and prolactin and semen quality.

Relationship between Metal Pollution and Gene Expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor II.

Background: Metals pollution plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression through interference with signal transduction pathways which are important for cell bioactivity.

Objectives: The present study was conducted to estimate metallothionein levels in mussels as a biomarker of exposure to heavy metals in order to monitor the pollution of Abu Qir Bay, Egypt (El-Maadiya region) and to evaluate the impact of heavy metals on human health by examining insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-2) gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Methods: One hundred and forty mussel samples () were collected from Abu-Qir Bay, stored in bags, preserved in an ice box, and then transported to the laboratory to acclimatize at 20°C for three days in ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA)-free synthetic sea water to determine the presence of metallothionein and five other metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)).

Metallothionein and Glutathione Content as Biomarkers of Metal Pollution in Mussels and Local Fishermen in Abu Qir Bay, Egypt.

Background: When heavy metals accumulate in air, soil, and water, the risk of human exposure increases among industrial workers, as well as in people living near polluted areas. Heavy metals adversely affect a variety of bodily systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. In addition, long-term exposure and accumulation of heavy metals in the body may disturb oxidative stress genes and thus increase the susceptibility to various diseases.