Analysis of PAEs in semen of infertile men

作者:Wang Sheng Yuan; Wang Yu; Xie Fang Qin; Li Yan Xing; Wan Xue Lian; Ma Wei Wei; Wang De Cai*; Wu Yong Hui
来源:International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2015, 21(1): 40-48.
DOI:10.1179/2049396714Y.0000000088

摘要

Objectives: Phthalates are environmental chemicals with reproductive toxicity and estrogenic effects in animals. They are of increasing concern to human health. Aim: To determine whether phthalate levels in semen were associated with infertility. Methods: Using semen samples from 107 infertile and 94 fertile men, the presence and quantity of five phthalate esters were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using data collected from questionnaires and clinical examinations, the correlation between phthalate exposure and semen quality was analyzed. Results: The cumulative levels of the measured phthalate esters were significantly higher in the infertility group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Concentrations of the five phthalate esters in men varied by age with older men showing higher cumulative levels. Conclusions: The presence of phthalates may contribute to male infertility in our study population.