Paraben exposure and semen quality of Japanese male partners of subfertile couples

Abstract

ObjectivesPossible relationship between semen quality (semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm motility) and parabens exposure was investigated in male partners of couples who visited a gynecology clinic in Tokyo for infertility consultation (n = 42, 36.8 ± 5.4 years).MethodsSemen parameters were measured according to WHO guideline at the clinic, and urinary methyl- (MP), ethyl- (EP), propyl- (PP) and butyl (BP) paraben concentrations were measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsGeometric mean urinary concentrations (geometric standard deviation) of the subjects were 48.2 (4.52), 1.88 (4.72), 1.13 (6.75) and 0.184 (11.1) ng/mL for MP, EP, PP and BP, respectively. No significant association was found between semen parameters and urinary paraben concentrations in multiple regression analyses and logistic regression analyses.ConclusionsTwo reasons of the absence of adverse effects on semen quality might be suggested: lower paraben exposure level of the subjects and small sample size. Further investigation of effect of paraben exposure among general male population at environmental levels is warranted.

From Oxidative Stress to Male Infertility: Review of the Associations of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (Bisphenols, Phthalates, and Parabens) with Human Semen Quality

“…There were five studies identified studying the association of parabens with semen quality and oxidative stress [ 42 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 ]. Only two studies revealed the correlation of urinary paraben concentrations with a low sperm count and decreased motility [ 42 , 74 ].…”

“…In addition, Jurewicz et al, found a strong correlation between urinary paraben concentrations and an increase in the abnormal morphology percentage and DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa, as well as a decrease in serum testosterone levels [ 42 ]. In studies where no correlation was revealed, there was temporal intraindividual variability [ 71 ], or the sample size was small [ 72 ], or the average age of men was low, suggesting that in young men, urinary parabens may not negatively affect their reproductive function [ 73 ].…”

Use of Personal Care Products and Semen Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study in Young Danish Men

“…In the extensive epidemiological literature on associations between exposure to specific EDCs present in PCPs and semen quality, results are widely inconsistent and mostly fail to reproduce the effects observed in animal models [ 5 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. While a small number of previous studies have indicated a connection between measured levels of parabens, phthalates, glycol ethers, benzophenone UV filters, triclosan and bisphenol A, and semen characteristics, the overall evidence remains limited for these compounds [ 43 ].…”

Amended Safety Assessment of Parabens as Used in Cosmetics

“…Among 42 male partners (36.8 + 5.4 years old) of couples who visited a gynecology clinic in Tokyo for infertility consultation, no significant association was found between semen parameters (sperm volume, concentration and motility) and urinary paraben concentrations in regression analyses. 151 The GM urinary concentrations of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben were 48.2, 1.88, 1.13, and 0.184 ng/mL, respectively.…”