Air pollution is already known to have harmful effects on the heart, lungs, and overall health.
Previous research has also found a link between air pollution and reduced sperm quality, according to News-Medical.
Now, a new study, which will be presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and published in the journal Human Reproduction, suggests that air pollution may also affect genes that are important for sperm cell development.
The study is based on data from more than 2,000 men in Salt Lake City, United States, who provided semen samples over a six-month period.
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What did the researchers find?
The researchers examined participants' exposure to ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter during the period when sperm cells are formed.
They identified changes in the DNA methylation of sperm cells. DNA methylation refers to chemical markers that can regulate how genes function without altering the DNA itself.
The changes were found in genes involved in sperm cell development and cellular function.
According to ESHRE, ozone and nitrogen dioxide showed the strongest association with these changes.
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More research is needed
The researchers emphasize that the findings need to be confirmed by further studies.
They will now investigate whether these changes could also affect male fertility, pregnancies, and children's development.
Exposure to air pollution during sperm cell development may be associated with changes in genes that play a role in reproduction and early development.
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