Persistent organic pollutants and semen quality: The LIFE Study.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Reproductive Toxicology
• Human Fecundity

Background:

• Growing evidence links persistent environmental chemicals (PECs) to adverse effects on human fecundity.
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other organochlorines are ubiquitous and raise concerns for reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate associations between serum concentrations of PECs and semen quality parameters in men.
• To investigate the impact of specific chemical classes, including PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), on male reproductive health.

Main Methods:

• Serum and semen samples were collected from 501 men seeking to conceive.
• High-resolution mass spectrometry analyzed serum for 36 PCBs, 1 polybrominated biphenyl, 9 organochlorine pesticides, and 10 PBDEs.
• Semen quality was assessed for 35 endpoints, with statistical models adjusting for confounders like age and BMI.

Main Results:

• Higher concentrations of certain PECs were significantly associated with various semen quality parameters.
• Elevated levels of PBDEs showed particular associations with increased abnormal sperm morphology.
• Both positive and negative associations were observed between specific chemicals and semen quality markers.

Conclusions:

• Exploratory findings suggest environmental chemical exposures play a role in male fecundity.
• The ubiquitous nature of these compounds warrants further investigation into their long-term reproductive health effects.
• Specific chemical classes, such as PBDEs, may negatively impact sperm morphology.