Association between a biomarker of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and semen quality

Abstract

Objectives: Growing evidence supports the reproductive and developmental toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from prenatal and postnatal exposure, but the results of epidemiological studies regarding harmful effects of PAHs exposure on male reproductive system still remain limited and inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between 1-hydroxypyrene, a biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and semen quality. Materials and Methods:The study population consisted of 277 men attending an infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes and having normal semen concentration of 20-300 mln/ml or slight oligozoospermia (semen concentration: 15-20 mln/ml) (WHO 1999). All the men were healthy and under 45 years of age. All participants were interviewed and provided a semen sample. The interview included questions concerning demographics, socio-economic status, medical history related to past diseases which may have an impact on semen quality, lifestyle factors and occupational information. Concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in the urine samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: A positive association was found between the level of 1-OHP in urine and sperm neck abnormalities as well as the percentage of static sperm cells (p = 0.001, p = 0.018, respectively). Additionally, exposure to PAHs measured by 1-OHP in urine decreased semen volume and the percentage of motile sperm cells (p = 0.014, p = 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: Presented findings indicate that the environmental level of PAHs exposure adversely affects male semen quality. The future large-scale studies should incorporate different biomarkers to generate a more accurate and full assessment of the effects of PAHs exposure on male fertility.

Air pollution from natural and anthropic sources and male fertility

“…Thirteen studies examine the association between main semen parameters and environmental outdoor air pollution [17–29]. Three studies were performed in USA [18–20], five in China [21, 22, 27–29] and two in Poland [23, 24] and in Czech Republic [17, 26] and one in Italy [25]. In six of the presented studies the study population was recruited from general population [17, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26].…”

“…In six of the presented studies the study population was recruited from general population [17, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26]. The level of PAHs were analyzed in four studies [22, 24, 28, 29] in urine [24, 28, 29] and blood [22].…”

“…Additionally exposure to PM 10 , PM 2.5, CO was negatively associated with the level of testosterone ( p < 0.05) [23]. The next study performed in Poland among the same men from infertility clinic examined the association between a biomarker of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (1-hydroksypyrene (1-OHP)) and semen quality [24]. A positive relation was found between the level of 1-OHP in urine and sperm neck abnormalities ( p = 0.001) as well as the percentage of static sperm cells and the level of 1-OHP decreased semen volume and motile sperm cells ( p = 0.018) [24].…”

“…The next study performed in Poland among the same men from infertility clinic examined the association between a biomarker of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (1-hydroksypyrene (1-OHP)) and semen quality [24]. A positive relation was found between the level of 1-OHP in urine and sperm neck abnormalities ( p = 0.001) as well as the percentage of static sperm cells and the level of 1-OHP decreased semen volume and motile sperm cells ( p = 0.018) [24]. Human studies among patients from infertility clinics in China showed that subjects with higher urinary concentrations of 1-OHP, 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-OHF) and sum PAH metabolites (assessed as tertiles) were more likely to have idiopathic male infertility ( p -value for trend 0.034, 0.022 and 0.022, respectively) [28].…”

Association between Urinary Triclosan and Serum Testosterone Levels in U.S. Adult Males from NHANES, 2011–2012

“…Various studies have been conducted on the impact of environmental chemical exposure on the male reproductive system. Several of these studies have shown significant associations with endocrine disruptors such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phthalates, and decreases in testosterone levels and semen quality [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. In humans, long-term exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals has been shown to have harmful effects on reproductive health by interfering with the development and function of sex hormones [ 7 , 8 ].…”