Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
Human urinary phthalate metabolites level and main semen parameters, sperm chromatin structure, sperm aneuploidy and
Joanna Jurewicz1, Michał Radwan, Wojciech Sobala
1Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy Street, 91-362 Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to assess the association of phthalate metabolites levels in urine with semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, CASA parameters), sperm chromatin structure, sperm aneuploidy and reproductive hormones. The study population consisted of 269 men who were attending an infertility clinic and had normal semen concentration (20-300mln/ml) or slight oligozoospermia (15-20mln/ml). Participants were interviewed and provided a semen sample. The phthalate metabolites were analysed in the urine using a procedure based on the LC-MS/MS method. Urinary phthalate metabolites levels were significantly associated with a decrease in sperm motility (5OH MEHP, MEHP, MINP), CASA parameters (MBP), testosterone level (MEHP) and an increase sperm DNA damage (MBP) and sperm aneuploidy (MBzP, MBP, MEHP, MEP). In view of the importance of human reproductive health and the widespread usage of phthalates, it is important to further investigate these correlations.
Related Concept Videos
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
Infertility in Males
Spermatogenesis
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
Sperm Transport
The maturation phase occurs in the epididymis, where sperm...

