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Association Between Urinary Parabens and Sperm Quality in Nigerian Men: A Case-Control Study
Friday Ebhodaghe Okonofua1,2,3, Lorretta Favour Chizomam Ntoimo1,3,4, Emmanuel Unuabonah5,6
1Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI), University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
International Journal of General Medicine
|June 18, 2024
Summary
Urinary paraben levels are linked to reduced sperm quality, including motility and morphology, in Nigerian men. Reducing exposure to these preservatives may help lower male infertility rates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Men's Health
Background:
- Parabens are common preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Previous studies suggest parabens negatively impact sperm quality in animal and human models.
- No studies have investigated paraben exposure and sperm quality in Nigeria, despite high product usage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between urinary paraben metabolite levels and sperm quality in Nigerian men.
- To compare paraben levels in fertile and infertile men.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter case-control study involving 136 infertile men and 154 fertile men in southern Nigeria.
- Urinary paraben levels (ethyl-, methyl-, propyl-, butylparaben) measured via liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.
- Semen analysis and hormone assays conducted using WHO standards and radioimmunoassay; data analyzed with non-parametric statistics.
Main Results:
- High urinary paraben levels were detected in both infertile and fertile men.
- Propylparaben showed a significant negative association with sperm total motility and morphology in infertile men.
- Serum testosterone levels did not significantly correlate with urinary paraben concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Urinary paraben exposure is associated with impaired sperm quality, specifically motility, morphology, and volume.
- Reducing men's exposure to paraben-containing products in Nigeria could potentially decrease the incidence of male infertility.
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