Male urinary paracetamol and semen quality.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Toxicology
• Environmental Health
• Human Fertility Studies

Background:

• Paracetamol's endocrine-disrupting effects are suggested by rodent studies on sperm morphology and testosterone.
• Epidemiological data indicates a link between paracetamol exposure and reduced couple fecundity.
• Previous research highlights potential risks to male reproductive health from paracetamol.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between urinary paracetamol and its metabolite, p-aminophenol, and semen quality in men.
• To quantify paracetamol and p-aminophenol levels in urine samples from men planning pregnancy.
• To assess the impact of these compounds on various semen parameters, including motility and morphology.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of urine and semen samples from 501 men undergoing fertility treatment.
• Quantification of paracetamol and p-aminophenol using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Statistical analysis using linear mixed-effects models to assess relationships with 35 semen quality parameters.

Main Results:

• Increased urinary paracetamol was associated with reduced sperm beat cross-frequency and increased sperm DNA fragmentation.
• Higher paracetamol concentrations correlated with decreased sperm motility and higher DNA damage.
• Elevated urinary p-aminophenol was linked to a reduction in sperm head area and width, with area remaining significant.

Conclusions:

• Urinary paracetamol levels in adult men are associated with impaired sperm motility and increased DNA fragmentation.
• The metabolite p-aminophenol is primarily associated with alterations in sperm head morphometry.
• Findings suggest potential risks of paracetamol exposure to male reproductive health and fertility.