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  • Phthalate exposure and reproductive parameters in young men from the general Swedish population.

Phthalate exposure and reproductive parameters in young men from the general Swedish population.

Environment international (2015-09-01)
Jonatan Axelsson, Lars Rylander, Anna Rignell-Hydbom, Bo A G Jönsson, Christian H Lindh, Aleksander Giwercman
ABSTRACT

In animals, exposure to certain phthalates negatively affects the male reproductive function. Human results are conflicting and mostly based on subfertile males, in whom the association between exposure and reproductive function may differ from the general population. To study if levels of phthalate metabolites were associated with semen quality and reproductive hormones in general Swedish men. We recruited 314 young men delivering semen, urine and blood samples at the same visit. We analyzed reproductive hormones and several semen parameters including progressive motility and high DNA stainability (HDS)-a marker for sperm immaturity. In urine, we analyzed metabolites of phthalates, including diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). We studied associations between urinary levels of the metabolites and seminal as well as serum reproductive parameters, accounting for potential confounders. DEHP metabolite levels, particularly urinary mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), were negatively associated with progressive sperm motility, which was 11 (95% CI: 5.0-17) percentage points lower in the highest quartile of MECPP than in the lowest. Further, men in the highest quartile of the DEHP metabolite monoethylhexyl phthalate had 27% (95% CI: 5.5%-53%) higher HDS than men in the lowest quartile. DEHP metabolite levels seemed negatively associated with sperm motility and maturation.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Dibutyl phthalate, 99%
Sigma-Aldrich
mono-Butyl phthalate, 97.0-103.0% (T)
Sigma-Aldrich
Estradiol, meets USP testing specifications
Sigma-Aldrich
DBP, 98% (HPLC)
Sigma-Aldrich
Sodium phosphate dibasic dodecahydrate, BioXtra, ≥99.0% (T)
Sigma-Aldrich
Sodium phosphate dibasic dodecahydrate, meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur., BP, E339, 98.5-102.5% (T)
Sigma-Aldrich
Sodium phosphate dibasic dodecahydrate, puriss. p.a., crystallized, ≥99.0% (T)