Abstract
Progesterone released by cumulus cells surrounding the egg induces a Ca(2+) influx into human sperm cells via the cationic channel of sperm (CatSper) Ca(2+) channel and controls multiple Ca(2+)-dependent responses essential for fertilization. We hypothesized that chemical UV filters may mimic the physiological action of progesterone on CatSper, thus affecting Ca(2+) signaling in human sperm cells. We examined 29 UV filters allowed in sunscreens in the United States and/or the European Union for their ability to induce Ca(2+) signals in human sperm by applying measurements of the intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration. We found that 13 UV filters induced a significant Ca(2+) signal at 10 μM. Nine UV filters induced Ca(2+) signals primarily by activating the CatSper channel. The UV filters 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC) and benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid competitively inhibited progesterone-induced Ca(2+) signals. Dose-response relations for the UV filters showed that the Ca(2+) signal-inducing effects began in the nanomolar-micromolar range. Single-cell Ca(2+) measurements showed a Ca(2+) signal-inducing effect of the most potent UV filter, 3-BC, at 10 nM. Finally, we demonstrated that the 13 UV filters acted additively in low-dose mixtures to induce Ca(2+) signals. In conclusion, 13 of 29 examined UV filters (44%) induced Ca(2+) signals in human sperm. Nine UV filters primarily activated CatSper and thereby mimicked the effect of progesterone. The UV filters 3-BC and benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid competitively inhibited progesterone-induced Ca(2+) signals. In vivo exposure studies are needed to investigate whether UV filter exposure affects human fertility.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Tidsskrift | Endocrinology |
Vol/bind | 157 |
Udgave nummer | 11 |
Sider (fra-til) | 4297-4308 |
Antal sider | 12 |
ISSN | 0013-7227 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - nov. 2016 |