Chemical UV filters mimic the effect of progesterone on Ca2+ signaling in human sperm cells
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…
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Benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid (5) and 3-benzylidene camphor (7) inhibited progesterone and induced the Ca2+ channel pathway, which leads to men's infertility.
“In addition, benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid (5) and 3-benzylidene camphor (7) inhibited progesterone, and consequently induced the Ca2+ channel pathway, which leads to men’s infertility [71].”
From UV Filters: Challenges and Prospects (2022) · cites this paper as [71]
In vitro, 10 of 29 UV filters at 10 μM induced Ca2+ production, and nine activated the Ca2+ channel.
“In total, 10 of the 29 UV filters analysed (concentration 10 µM) induced Ca2+ production, and other nine activated the respective Ca2+ channel.”
From UV Filters: Challenges and Prospects (2022) · cites this paper as [71]
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- Authors
- Rehfeld, A., Dissing, S., & Skakkebæk, N. E.
- Affiliations
- University of Copenhagen (DK)
- Corresponding author
- Skakkebæk, N. E.
- Venue
- Endocrinology
- Publisher
- The Endocrine Society
- Published
- 2016-09-01
- Volume
- 157
- Issue
- 11
- Pages
- 4297-4308
- ISSN
- 0013-7227 (ISSN-L)
- 1945-7170
- OpenAlex
- W2516372797
- Cited by
- 56
- References
- 61
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 2
- FWCI
- 5.76
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Endocrinology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research at the University of Copenhagen (University of Copenhagen) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Sperm and Testicular Function
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Sensory Systems › Ion Channels and Receptors
- Keywords
- UV filters, sunscreen ingredients, human spermatozoa, CatSper channel, calcium signaling, progesterone, sperm capacitation, fertilisation (biology), sperm motility, acrosome reaction, sperm hyperactivation
- MeSH terms
- Benzyl Compounds, Benzylidene Compounds, Calcium, Camphor, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Humans, Male, Progesterone, Spermatozoa, Calcium Signaling
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