Serum dioxin and DNA methylation in the sperm of operation ranch hand veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange during the Vietnam War was widespread and is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. A continuing concern of veterans is the possibility that exposure to the dioxin-containing herbicide might induce adverse reproductive outcomes. We sought to assess whether exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam was associated with changes in DNA methylation in sperm in a subset of Vietnam veterans who participated in the Air Force Health Study (AFHS).

Methods

We studied 37 members of the AFHS chosen to have no, low, medium or high exposure to Agent Orange, based upon serum dioxin levels obtained during a series of examinations. DNA from stored semen was extracted and DNA methylation assessed on the Illumina 450 K platform.

Results<

SUBMITTER: Kelsey KT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6819394 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature