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Lassen E, Pacey A, Skytte AB, Montgomerie R. Recent decline in sperm motility among donor candidates at a sperm bank in Denmark. Hum Reprod 2024:deae115. [PMID: 38834185 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Has there been variation in semen quality among men applying to be sperm donors (i.e. donor candidates) in Denmark in recent years (2017-2022)? SUMMARY ANSWER The motile sperm concentration and total motile sperm count (TMSC) in ejaculates-both measures of sperm quality-declined by as much as 22% from 2019 to 2022. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Questions remain about whether human semen quality has declined in recent years. Whilst some studies provide evidence for a decline in human semen quality, these findings have been disputed owing to potential biases in the populations studied or in the methods used to measure semen quality. Resolution of this issue has important implications for human fertility, as well as for those involved in the recruitment of sperm donors for use in medically assisted reproduction. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We obtained data on the semen quality of ejaculates previously collected from 2017 to 2022 at sperm bank locations in four cities in Denmark: Aarhus, Aalborg, Copenhagen, and Odense. Our study focuses on the single semen samples provided by 6758 donor candidates aged between 18 and 45 years old to determine whether their sperm quality met a minimum criterion for them to be accepted as sperm donors. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All ejaculates were analyzed within 1 hour of production. Semen volume (ml) was estimated by weight and both the concentration (106/ml) of sperm as well as the concentration of motile sperm (World Health Organization grades a and b) were measured using the same protocols and computer-assisted semen analysis system across all years at each site. Statistical analyses of the semen variables were controlled for age and donation site, as well as the average monthly high temperature when the ejaculate was produced. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE From 2017 to 2019, semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count in the ejaculates of donor candidates increased by 2-12%. Then, from 2019 to 2022, sperm concentration and total sperm count changed by 0.1-5% from year to year, but none of those changes were statistically significant. In contrast, both motile sperm concentration and TMSC declined significantly, by 16% and 22%, respectively, between 2019 and 2022. Thus, the concentration of motile sperm in donor candidates declined from 18.4 [95% CL: 17.0, 20.0] million/ml in 2019 to 15.5 [14.4, 16.7] million/ml in 2022, and TMSC declined from 61.4 [55.8, 67.5] million per ejaculate in 2019 to 48.1 [44.1, 52.4] million in 2022. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We cannot determine from the available data the causes of the decline in semen quality of donor candidates from 2019 to 2022. However, as this period coincides with lockdowns and changes in work patterns during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it is possible that changes in motile sperm concentration and TMSC were the result of changes in the lifestyles of the men whose semen was analyzed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Men providing initial semen samples at sperm banks, when applying to be sperm donors, are a useful population in which to monitor changes in human semen quality over time. Our results have implications for human fertility and the recruitment of sperm donors for medically assisted reproduction, where motile sperm concentration is an essential selection criterion because it influences fertility. We suggest that gathering health and lifestyle data on donor candidates at sperm banks might help to identify causal factors for the decline of sperm quality that could be addressed and intervention, if desired, could be personalized for each accepted donor. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was obtained for this study. E.L. and A.-B.S. are employees of Cryos International. AP reports paid consultancy for Cryos International, Cytoswim Ltd, Exceed Health, and Merck Serono in the last 2 years of this study, but all monies were paid to the University of Sheffield (former employer). AP is also an unpaid trustee of the Progress Educational Trust (Charity Number 1139856). RM declares support from Cryos International to present results of this research at ESHRE 2023. None of the authors were directly involved in the collection or physical analysis of semen samples. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lassen
- Cryos International Sperm and Egg Bank, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Allan Pacey
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Core Technology Facility, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Caporossi L, Alteri A, Campo G, Paci E, Tranfo G, Capanna S, Papaleo E, Pigini D, Viganò P, Papaleo B. Cross Sectional Study on Exposure to BPA and Phthalates and Semen Parameters in Men Attending a Fertility Center. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17020489. [PMID: 31940982 PMCID: PMC7013870 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17020489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Among the possible risk factors for male reproduction, exposure to phthalates and alkylphenols is widely documented. This study evaluated the possible association between chemical exposure and the quality of the seminal fluid of 105 subjects in a fertility clinic. The urinary levels of seven phthalate metabolites (monoethylphthalate, MEP; monobenzylphthalate, MBzP; mono n-butylphthalate, MnBP; mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, MEHP; mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, MEHHP; mono-n-octylphthalate, MnOP; mono-isononylphthalate, MiNP) and bisphenol A (BPA), were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry HPLC/MS/MS. The regression analysis showed that the semen volume was positively associated with MnBP, MnOP and BPA levels while was negatively associated with MiNP levels. The sperm concentration had a significant inverse relationship with MEP levels. A negative association was found between the use of plastic containers for food storage (p = 0.037) and semen volume (3.06 vs. 2.30 mL as average values, never vs daily). A significant positive correlation emerged (p < 0.005) between the consumption of canned food and the levels of BPA (2.81 vs. 0.14 µg/g creat as average values, daily vs. never) and between the use of perfumes and levels of MEP (389.86 vs. 48.68 µg/g creat, as average values, daily vs. never). No further statistically significant associations were found, even considering the working activity. Some evidence emerged about the possible link between exposure and seminal fluid quality: further case/control or prospective studies will allow us to confirm this causality hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Caporossi
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy; (E.P.); (G.T.); (S.C.); (D.P.); (B.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.A.); (G.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Giovanni Campo
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.A.); (G.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Enrico Paci
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy; (E.P.); (G.T.); (S.C.); (D.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Giovanna Tranfo
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy; (E.P.); (G.T.); (S.C.); (D.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Silvia Capanna
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy; (E.P.); (G.T.); (S.C.); (D.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (A.A.); (G.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Daniela Pigini
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy; (E.P.); (G.T.); (S.C.); (D.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Paola Viganò
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Bruno Papaleo
- National Institute of Insurance against Accidents at Work-Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy; (E.P.); (G.T.); (S.C.); (D.P.); (B.P.)
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Yuan HF, Shangguan HF, Zheng Y, Meng TQ, Xiong CL, Guan HT. Decline in semen concentration of healthy Chinese adults: evidence from 9357 participants from 2010 to 2015. Asian J Androl 2019; 20:379-384. [PMID: 29493550 PMCID: PMC6038153 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_80_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to analyze sperm concentration trends among young and healthy Chinese adults in Wuhan, Central China, from 2010 to 2015. Semen analysis data from 9357 participants were collected and analyzed using a general linear model and the Cochran–Armitage trend test. A significant decline was observed in sperm concentration (β [standard deviation]: −1.53 [0.16]; P < 0.001). In addition, a decline in sperm density was observed by stratifying student versus nonstudent sperm donors and by analyzing the year of birth or birth year cohort of the participants. Furthermore, the percentage of participants with sperm densities of over 40 × 106 ml−1 significantly decreased with year. Notably, a dramatic decline in sperm density was recorded over the first 5 years of study. This research reported a decline in sperm concentration among young adults in Wuhan, Central China, in 2010–2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Fang Yuan
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | | | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Venereology, Wuhan Institute of Dermatology and Venereology, Wuhan 430031, China
| | - Tian-Qing Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Cheng-Liang Xiong
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Huang-Tao Guan
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.,Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank, Wuhan 430030, China
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Swaen GMH, Boffetta P, Zeegers M. Impact of changes in human reproduction on the incidence of endocrine-related diseases. Crit Rev Toxicol 2018; 48:789-795. [PMID: 30590970 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2018.1541073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The incidence rates of a wide range of diseases and conditions have increased over the last decades. There is controversy over the origin of these increases, whether they are caused by exposure to compounds thought to have an effect on the endocrine system, the "endocrine disruption theory", or whether some other factor is responsible. In this analysis, the authors take a closer look at the role that changes in reproductive factors have played in this respect. They apply the relative risks of age at first pregnancy and parity or family size to a set of Dutch demographic data from 1955 and 2015 and calculate the percentage of disease increase explained. The decrease in parity over the last decades explains an increase of 26% in testicular cancer. The combination of decrease in parity and increase in maternal age at first pregnancy explains an increase of 34% in hypospadias prevalence. This combination of decreased parity and increased maternal age at pregnancy explains an increase of 24% in childhood obesity prevalence. The authors further point to a perhaps even more profound effect of the trend toward smaller families. This trend has led to an estimated doubling of the proportion of children born from subfertile couples. Since children born from subfertile couples are more likely to be preterm or of low birth weight, the incidence of these conditions must have increased as well. Low birth weight and preterm delivery are risk factors for a wide range of diseases and conditions. The changes in human reproduction over the last decades have had a profound impact on the incidence of a range of diseases and conditions in the next generation and thus provide a sound explanation for a substantial portion of the reported increases. Key messages The incidence rates of a wide range of diseases and conditions have increased in the Western societies over the last decades. Many have argued that these increases are attributable to compounds thought to have effects on the human endocrine system: the endocrine disruption theory This analysis shows, however, that human reproductive factors such as maternal age at first pregnancy and parity explain substantial proportions of the reported increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard M H Swaen
- a CAPHRI Research Institute and Department of Complex Genetics , Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Boffetta
- b Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York City , NY , USA
| | - Maurice Zeegers
- a CAPHRI Research Institute and Department of Complex Genetics , Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
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[Dietary intake of trace elements and semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in young men: relationship with fertility]. Rev Int Androl 2018; 17:46-54. [PMID: 31029437 DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to study the associations between dietary intake of trace elements and semen quality and reproductive hormones levels in young men. MATERIAL AND METHOD This is a cross-sectional study in healthy male university students (n=209) recruited in Murcia Region (Spain) between 2010 and 2011. Dietary intake of trace elements (iron, iodine and cinc) was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Semen analysis (sperm concentration, motility and morphology) was carried out according to World Health Organization guidelines. Serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones and testosterone were also determined. Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared tests were used in bivariate analysis and multiple lineal regression was used to adjust for significant covariates. RESULTS A statistically significant inverse association between dietary intake of iron and sperm concentration (P, trend=0.01) and the percentage of progressive motile sperm (P, trend=0.004) were observed. No other significant associations for the remaining sperm parameters or reproductive hormones were detected. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that high levels of iron may be associated with reduced sperm concentration and motility in young men. However, further studies are needed, particularly in other male populations consulting for infertility problems.
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Bae J, Kim S, Chen Z, Eisenberg ML, Buck Louis GM. Human semen quality and the secondary sex ratio. Asian J Androl 2018; 19:374-381. [PMID: 26975484 PMCID: PMC5427797 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.173445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between semen quality and the secondary sex ratio (SSR), defined as the ratio of male to female live births. Our study cohort comprised 227 male partners who were enrolled prior to conception in Michigan and Texas between 2005 and 2009, and prospectively followed through delivery of a singleton birth. The male partners provided a baseline and a follow-up semen sample a month apart. Semen analysis was conducted to assess 27 parameters including five general characteristics, six sperm head measures, 14 morphology measures, and two sperm chromatin stability assay measures. Modified Poisson regression models with a robust error variance were used to estimate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of a male birth for each semen parameter, after adjusting for potential confounders. Of the 27 semen parameters, only the percentage of bicephalic sperm was significantly associated with the SSR (2ndvs 1st quartile, RR, 0.65, 95% CI, 0.45–0.95, P = 0.03; 4thvs 1st quartile, RR, 0.61, 95% CI, 0.38–1.00, P < 0.05 before rounding to two decimal places), suggestive of a higher percentage of bicephalic sperm being associated with an excess of female births. Given the exploratory design of the present study, this preconception cohort study suggests no clear signal that human semen quality is associated with offspring sex determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisuk Bae
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu 42472, Korea.,Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Sungduk Kim
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Zhen Chen
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5118, USA
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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7
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Jiang LG, Cheng LY, Kong SH, Yang Y, Shen YJ, Chen C, Deng XH, Liu SZ, Chao L. Toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254) on human sperm motility. Asian J Androl 2017; 19:561-566. [PMID: 27624986 PMCID: PMC5566850 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.186876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are common environmental contaminants that represent a considerable risk to reproductive toxicity in exposed human populations. Although some experimental studies have suggested an association between the levels of PCBs and semen quality, the direct effects of PCBs on human sperm parameters remain largely unexplored. To this aim, a short-term in vitro incubation experiment that better imitated the putative exposure of sperm to Aroclor 1254 (a commercial PCB mixture) in male reproduction tissue was conducted. Human sperm were incubated with various concentrations (0, 1, 5, or 25 mg l-1) of Aroclor 1254 for different amounts of time (3 and 6 h) in vitro. Sperm motility parameters were analyzed with computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The proportion of sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected to explore the probable cause of sperm impairment. Human sperm exposed to continuous Aroclor 1254 exhibited: (i) reduced sperm motility and kinematic parameters, (ii) a proportion of sperm with high ΔΨm that decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), and (iii) increased levels of ROS compared with controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Aroclor 1254 can decrease sperm motility, which may culminate in increased ROS and general mitochondrial dysfunction, thus affecting the fertilization potential of sperm. Our findings suggest a broader understanding of the effect of Aroclor 1254 on human sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Gang Jiang
- Infertility Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Lai-Yang Cheng
- Infertility Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Shu-Hui Kong
- College of Life Science, Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Infertility Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Yan-Jun Shen
- Infertility Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Infertility Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Deng
- Infertility Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Shu-Zhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Research, College of Life Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Lan Chao
- Infertility Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250014, Shandong, China
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Mozdarani H, Ghoraeian P, Mozdarani S, Fallahi P, Mohseni-Meybodi A. High frequency of de novo DAZ microdeletion in sperm nuclei of subfertile men: possible involvement of genome instability in idiopathic male infertility. HUM FERTIL 2017; 21:137-145. [PMID: 28521575 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1322718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and diagnosis of Y-chromosome microdeletions, specifically deletions of the DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia) genes are an important issue in male infertility. Screening Y chromosome microdeletion is mainly done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on blood leukocytes. However, there is some evidence indicating that presence of DAZ in somatic cells might not be indicative of its presence in the germ cell lineage. Therefore, a total of 130 men with poor semen quality were examined for presence of DAZ microdeletion in their leukocytes. From these, sperm from 40 randomly selected men with no DAZ microdeletions in their leukocytes (n = 10 oligozoospermia; n = 10 asthenozoospermia; n = 10 oligoasthenozoospermia; and n = 10 near-azoospermia) were were compared to sperm from men of normal semen quality (n = 10) using combined primed in situ labelling and fluorescent in situ hybridization (PRINS-FISH) technique as well as screening for sex chromosome aneuploidy. There was an increased frequency of DAZ microdeletion in blood samples from oligozoospermic (5%) (p < 0.05) and near azoospermic patients (14%) (p < 0.01). A high frequency of DAZ microdeletion was observed in the sperm of patients with no DAZ microdeletion in their leukocytes compared to control (p < 0.01). The frequency of sex chromosome aneuploidy also increased, correlating with the severity of infertility in the studied groups. A similar result was observed for sex chromosome aneuploidy. The results might be indicative of DAZ microdeletion induction during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mozdarani
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences , Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
| | - Pegah Ghoraeian
- a Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences , Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
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Wang YX, Wang P, Feng W, Liu C, Yang P, Chen YJ, Sun L, Sun Y, Yue J, Gu LJ, Zeng Q, Lu WQ. Relationships between seminal plasma metals/metalloids and semen quality, sperm apoptosis and DNA integrity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 224:224-234. [PMID: 28274591 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.01.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationships between environmental exposure to metals/metalloids and semen quality, sperm apoptosis and DNA integrity using the metal/metalloids levels in seminal plasma as biomarkers. We determined 18 metals/metalloids in seminal plasma using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry among 746 men recruited from a reproductive medicine center. Associations of these metals/metalloids with semen quality (n = 746), sperm apoptosis (n = 331) and DNA integrity (n = 404) were evaluated using multivariate linear and logistic regression models. After accounting for multiple comparisons and confounders, seminal plasma arsenic (As) quartiles were negatively associated with progressive and total sperm motility using multivariable linear regression analysis, which were in accordance with the trends for increased odds ratios (ORs) for below-reference semen quality parameters in the logistic models. We also found inverse correlations between cadmium (Cd) quartiles and progressive and total sperm motility, whereas positive correlations between zinc (Zn) quartiles and sperm concentration, between copper (Cu) and As quartiles and the percentage of tail DNA, between As and selenium (Se) quartiles and tail extent and tail distributed moment, and between tin (Sn) categories and the percentage of necrotic spermatozoa (all Ptrend<0.05). These relationships remained after the simultaneous consideration of various elements. Our results indicate that environmental exposure to As, Cd, Cu, Se and Sn may impair male reproductive health, whereas Zn may be beneficial to sperm concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jing Yue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Long-Jie Gu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Bonde JP, Flachs EM, Rimborg S, Glazer CH, Giwercman A, Ramlau-Hansen CH, Hougaard KS, Høyer BB, Hærvig KK, Petersen SB, Rylander L, Specht IO, Toft G, Bräuner EV. The epidemiologic evidence linking prenatal and postnatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals with male reproductive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 23:104-125. [PMID: 27655588 PMCID: PMC5155570 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 20 years ago, it was hypothesized that exposure to prenatal and early
postnatal environmental xenobiotics with the potential to disrupt endogenous
hormone signaling might be on the causal path to cryptorchidism, hypospadias, low
sperm count and testicular cancer. Several consensus statements and narrative
reviews in recent years have divided the scientific community and have elicited a
call for systematic transparent reviews. We aimed to fill this gap in knowledge in
the field of male reproductive disorders. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize published data on the risk
of cryptorchidism, hypospadias, low sperm counts and testicular cancer following
in utero or infant exposure to chemicals that have been
included on the European Commission's list of Category 1 endocrine
disrupting chemicals defined as having documented adverse effects due to endocrine
disruption in at least one intact organism. SEARCH METHODS A systematic literature search for original peer reviewed papers was performed in
the databases PubMed and Embase to identify epidemiological studies reporting
associations between the outcomes of interest and exposures documented by
biochemical analyses of biospecimens including maternal blood or urine, placenta
or fat tissue as well as amnion fluid, cord blood or breast milk; this was
followed by meta-analysis of quantitative data. OUTCOMES The literature search resulted in 1314 references among which we identified 33
papers(28 study populations) fulfilling the eligibility criteria. These provided
85 risk estimates of links between persistent organic pollutants and rapidly
metabolized compounds (phthalates and Bisphenol A) and male reproductive
disorders. The overall odds ratio (OR) across all exposures and outcomes was 1.11
(95% CI 0.91–1.35). When assessing four specific chemical subgroups
with sufficient data for meta-analysis for all outcomes, we found that exposure to
one of the four compounds, p,p′-DDE, was related to an elevated risk: OR
1.35 (95% CI 1.04–1.74). The data did not indicate that this
increased risk was driven by any specific disorder. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The current epidemiological evidence is compatible with a small increased risk of
male reproductive disorders following prenatal and postnatal exposure to some
persistent environmental chemicals classified as endocrine disruptors but the
evidence is limited. Future epidemiological studies may change the weight of the
evidence in either direction. No evidence of distortion due to publication bias
was found, but exposure–response relationships are not evident. There are
insufficient data on rapidly metabolized endocrine disruptors and on specific
exposure–outcome relations. A particular data gap is evident with respect
to delayed effects on semen quality and testicular cancer. Although high quality
epidemiological studies are still sparse, future systematic and transparent
reviews may provide pieces of evidence contributing to the narrative and weight of
the evidence assessments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark .,Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, DK-1016 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Esben Meulengracht Flachs
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Susie Rimborg
- The Royal Library/ University of Copenhagen Library, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Clara Helene Glazer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Birgit Bjerre Høyer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Katia Keglberg Hærvig
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Sesilje Bondo Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Lars Rylander
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Lund, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ina Olmer Specht
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Elvira Vaclavik Bräuner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.,Research Center for Prevention and Health (RCPH), University of Copenhagen, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
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Wang YX, Zeng Q, Sun Y, Yang P, Wang P, Li J, Huang Z, You L, Huang YH, Wang C, Li YF, Lu WQ. Semen phthalate metabolites, semen quality parameters and serum reproductive hormones: A cross-sectional study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 211:173-182. [PMID: 26766535 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.12.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to phthalates has been found to have adverse effects on male reproductive function in animals. However, the findings from human studies are inconsistent. Here we examined the associations of phthalate exposure with semen quality and reproductive hormones in a Chinese population using phthalate metabolite concentrations measured in semen as biomarkers. Semen (n = 687) and blood samples (n = 342) were collected from the male partners of sub-fertile couples who presented to the Reproductive Center of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China. Semen quality parameters and serum reproductive hormone levels were determined. Semen concentrations of 8 phthalate metabolites were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Associations of the semen phthalate metabolites with semen quality parameters and serum reproductive hormones were assessed using confounder-adjusted linear and logistic regression models. Semen phthalate metabolites were significantly associated with decreases in semen volume [mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP)], sperm curvilinear velocity [monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), MEHP, the percentage of di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate metabolites excreted as MEHP (%MEHP)], and straight-line velocity (MBzP, MEHP, %MEHP), and also associated with an increased percentage of abnormal heads and tails (MBzP) (all p for trend <0.05). These associations remained suggestive or significant after adjustment for multiple testing. There were no significant associations between semen phthalate metabolites and serum reproductive hormones. Our findings suggest that environmental exposure to phthalates may impair human semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ling You
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yue-Hui Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Male-mediated F1 effects in mice exposed to bisphenol A, either alone or in combination with X-irradiation. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2015; 789-790:36-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2015.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Paumgartten FJR. Commentary: "Estrogenic and Anti-Androgenic Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Their Impact on the Male Reproductive System". Front Public Health 2015; 3:165. [PMID: 26157793 PMCID: PMC4476199 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Abstract
Fertility is a couple concept that has been measured since the beginning of demography, and male fecundity (his biological capacity to reproduce) is a component of the fertility rate. Unfortunately, we have no way of measuring the male component directly, although several indirect markers can be used. Population registers can be used to monitor the proportion of childless couples, couples who receive donor semen, trends in dizygotic twinning, and infertility diagnoses. Studies using time-to-pregnancy (TTP) may identify couple subfecundity, and TTP data will correlate with sperm quality and quantity as well as sexual activity and a number of other conditions. Having exposure data available for couples with a fecund female partner would make TTP studies of interest in identifying exposures that may affect male fecundity. Biological indicators such as sperm quality and quantity isolate the male component of fertility, and semen data therefore remain an important source of information for research. Unfortunately, often over half of those invited to provide a sperm sample will refuse, and the study is then subject to a selection that may introduce bias. Because the most important time windows for exposures that impair semen production could be early fetal life, puberty, and the time of ejaculation; longitudinal data over decades of time are required. The ongoing monitoring of semen quality and quantity should continue, and surveys monitoring fertility and waiting TTP should also be designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Frederiksberg and Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lamb JC, Boffetta P, Foster WG, Goodman JE, Hentz KL, Rhomberg LR, Staveley J, Swaen G, Van Der Kraak G, Williams AL. Critical comments on the WHO-UNEP State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals – 2012. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2014; 69:22-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Eijkemans MJC, van Poppel F, Habbema DF, Smith KR, Leridon H, te Velde ER. Too old to have children? Lessons from natural fertility populations. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:1304-12. [PMID: 24676403 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to construct an age curve denoting the ages above which women are biologically too old to reproduce? SUMMARY ANSWER We constructed a curve based on the distribution of female age at last birth in natural fertility populations reflecting the ages above which women have become biologically too old to have children. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The median age at last birth (ALB) for females is ∼40-41 years of age across a range of natural fertility populations. This suggests that there is a fairly universal pattern of age-related fertility decline. However, little is known about the distribution of female ALB and in the present era of modern birth control, it is impossible to assess the age-specific distribution of ALB. Reliable information is lacking that could benefit couples who envisage delaying childbearing. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is a review of high-quality historical data sets of natural fertility populations in which the distributions of female age at last birth were analysed. The studies selected used a retrospective cohort design where women were followed as they age through their reproductive years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Using a common set of eligibility criteria, large data files of natural fertility populations were prepared such that the analysis could be performed in parallel across all populations. Data on the ALB and confounding variables are presented as box and whisker plots denoting the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 95th percentile distribution of the age at last birth for each population. The analysis includes the estimation of Kaplan-Meier curves for age at last birth of each population. The hazard curve for ALB was obtained by plotting the smoothed hazard curve of each population and taking the lowest hazard within a time period of at least 5 years. This lowest hazard curve was then transformed into a cumulative distribution function representing the composite curve of the end of biological fertility. This curve was based on the data from three of the six populations, having the lowest hazards of end of fertility. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We selected six natural fertility populations comprising 58 051 eligible women. While these populations represent different historical time periods, the distribution of the ages at last birth is remarkably similar. The curve denoting the end of fertility indicates that <3% of women had their last birth at age 20 years meaning that almost 98% were able to have at least one child thereafter. The cumulative curve for the end of fertility slowly increases from 4.5% at age 25 years, 7% at age 30 years, 12% at age 35 years and 20% at age 38 years. Thereafter, it rises rapidly to about 50% at age 41, almost 90% at age 45 years and approaching 100% at age 50 years. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION It may be argued that these historical fertility data do not apply to the present time; however, the age-dependent decline in fertility is similar to current populations and is consistent with the pattern seen in women treated by donor insemination. Furthermore, for reproductive ageing, we note that it is unlikely that such a conserved biological process with a high degree of heritability would have changed significantly within a century or two. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We argue that the age-specific ALB curve can be used to counsel couples who envisage having children in the future. Our findings challenge the unsubstantiated pessimism regarding the possibility of natural conception after age 35 years. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was either sought or obtained for this study. There are no conflicts of interest to be declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinus J C Eijkemans
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Shedding light on the controversy surrounding the temporal decline in human sperm counts: a systematic review. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:365691. [PMID: 24672311 PMCID: PMC3929517 DOI: 10.1155/2014/365691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We systematically examined the evidence of declining sperm counts and the hypothesis that an increased exposure to environmental pollutants is responsible for such decline. Search engines, including PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and Cochrane library, were used to identify epidemiologic studies published from 1985 to 2013. We concluded that there is no enough evidence to confirm a worldwide decline in sperm counts. Also, there seems to be no scientific truth of a causative role for endocrine disruptors in the temporal decline of sperm production. Such assumptions are based on few meta-analyses and retrospective studies, while other well-conducted researches could not confirm these findings. We acknowledge that difficult-to-control confounding factors in the highly variable nature of semen, selection criteria, and comparability of populations from different time periods in secular-trend studies, the quality of laboratory methods for counting sperm, and apparently geographic variations in semen quality are the main issues that complicate the interpretation of the available evidence. Owing to the importance of this subject and the uncertainties still prevailing, there is a need not only for continuing monitoring of semen quality, reproductive hormones, and xenobiotics, but also for a better definition of fecundity.
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Nohynek GJ, Borgert CJ, Dietrich D, Rozman KK. Endocrine disruption: fact or urban legend? Toxicol Lett 2013; 223:295-305. [PMID: 24177261 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are substances that cause adverse health effects via endocrine-mediated mechanisms in an intact organism or its progeny or (sub) populations. Purported EDCs in personal care products include 4-MBC (UV filter) or parabens that showed oestrogenic activity in screening tests, although regulatory toxicity studies showed no adverse effects on reproductive endpoints. Hormonal potency is the key issue of the safety of EDCs. Oestrogen-based drugs, e.g. the contraceptive pill or the synthetic oestrogen DES, possess potencies up to 7 orders of magnitude higher than those of PCP ingredients; yet, in utero exposure to these drugs did not adversely affect fertility or sexual organ development of offspring unless exposed to extreme doses. Additive effects of EDs are unlikely due to the multitude of mechanisms how substances may produce a hormone-like activity; even after uptake of different substances with a similar mode of action, the possibility of additive effects is reduced by different absorption, metabolism and kinetics. This is supported by a number of studies on mixtures of chemical EDCs. Overall, despite of 20 years of research a human health risk from exposure to low concentrations of exogenous chemical substances with weak hormone-like activities remains an unproven and unlikely hypothesis.
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MacDonald A, Stewart A, Farquhar C. Body mass index in relation to semen quality and reproductive hormones in New Zealand men: a cross-sectional study in fertility clinics. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:3178-87. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Pacey AA. Are sperm counts declining? Or did we just change our spectacles? Asian J Androl 2013; 15:187-90. [PMID: 23353722 PMCID: PMC3739163 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Allan A Pacey
- Department of Human Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK.
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Rolland M, Le Moal J, Wagner V, Royère D, De Mouzon J. Decline in semen concentration and morphology in a sample of 26,609 men close to general population between 1989 and 2005 in France. Hum Reprod 2012; 28:462-70. [PMID: 23213178 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are temporal trends and values of semen quality parameters in France identifiable in partners of totally infertile women? SUMMARY ANSWER Among a sample of 26 609 partners of totally infertile women undergoing an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures in the whole of France over a 17-year period, there was a continuous decrease in semen concentration of about 1.9% per year and a significant decrease in the percentage with morphologically normal forms but no global trend for motility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A global decrease in human sperm quality is still debated as geographical differences have been shown, and many criticisms have risen concerning studies with small and biased study populations or inappropriate statistical methodology. However, growing biological, toxicological, experimental and human exposure data support the endocrine disruptors' hypothesis assuming that fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors could impair reproductive outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a retrospective and descriptive study using data registered by Fivnat, the professional association in charge of statistics for ART in France during the 1989-2005 study period. Data were provided by 126 main ART centres over the whole metropolitan territory. The source population included 154 712 men, aged 18-70, who were partners of couples undergoing their first ART cycle and for whom semen quality indicators (concentration, total motility and percentage of morphologically normal forms), measured on fresh ejaculated semen, were available. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study population was 26 609 partners of women who had both tubes either absent or blocked. The temporal trends for each indicator of semen quality were modelled using a generalized additive model that allowed for nonlinear relationships between variables and were adjusted for season and age. In-depth sensitivity analyses included the reiteration of the analysis on data from a second spermiogram available for each man and on another subsample of men diagnosed as fertile. Variables such as centre, technique (standard in vitro fertilization or intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) and an interaction factor between technique and time were also included in the model. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There was a significant and continuous decrease in sperm concentration of 32.2% [26.3-36.3] during the study period. Projections indicate that concentration for a 35-year-old man went from an average of 73.6 million/ml [69.0-78.4] in 1989 to 49.9 million/ml [43.5-54.7] in 2005. A significant, but not quantifiable, decrease in the percentage of sperm with morphologically normal forms along the 17-year period was also observed. There was no global trend but a slight, significant increase in total motility between 1994 and 1998 was observed. The results were robust after sensitivity analysis. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Socioeconomic status could not be controlled for. Despite universal access to medical services in France, couples undergoing ART are expected to have a higher educational level on average compared with those of the general population. Therefore, the real values in the general population could be slightly lower than those presented and the decrease possibly stronger, as the population study is less likely to smoke or be overweight, two factors known to impair semen quality. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS As the men were selected without a priori knowledge regarding their semen quality characteristics, the results are expected to be close to the values in the general French population. The very large sample size and the robustness of the results confer great statistical power and credibility to the results. To our knowledge, it is the first study concluding a severe and general decrease in sperm concentration and morphology at the scale of a whole country over a substantial period. This constitutes a serious public health warning. The link with the environment particularly needs to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rolland
- Environmental Health Department, Institut de Veille Sanitaire (InVS), F-94415 Saint Maurice, France
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te Velde ER, Bonde JP. Misconceptions about falling sperm counts and fertility in Europe. Asian J Androl 2012. [PMID: 23202698 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Egbert R te Velde
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Pacey AA. Assessment of male factor. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2012; 26:739-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2012.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Safe S. Endocrine disruptors and falling sperm counts: lessons learned or not! Asian J Androl 2012; 15:191-4. [PMID: 23001442 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eberhard Nieschlag
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Lan Z, Yang WX. Nanoparticles and spermatogenesis: how do nanoparticles affect spermatogenesis and penetrate the blood-testis barrier. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2012; 7:579-96. [PMID: 22471721 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.12.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the widespread use of nanomaterials in medical, industrial and military applications, the question as to whether nanoparticles (NPs) cause harmful disturbances in human health, especially on the reproductive system, remains a matter of concern. In this review, we focus mainly on the in vivo and in vitro effects of NPs on spermatogenesis at the clinical, cellular and molecular levels. In general, most NPs display adverse effects on spermatogenesis at these various levels; but, some NPs show no adverse effects. However, the mechanism underlying NP disruption of spermatogenesis and penetration of the blood-testis barrier remains unclear. In this review, we raise many hypotheses for experimental testing in order to elucidate the mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Lan
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
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Sharpe RM. Sperm counts and fertility in men: a rocky road ahead. Science & Society Series on Sex and Science. EMBO Rep 2012; 13:398-403. [PMID: 22491033 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2012.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute in Edinburgh, UK.
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Deonandan R, Jaleel M. Global decline in semen quality: ignoring the developing world introduces selection bias. Int J Gen Med 2012; 5:303-6. [PMID: 22505829 PMCID: PMC3325016 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s30673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies from around the world have suggested that semen quality is declining globally. However, all studies suffer from variable semen sampling criteria, selection bias with respect to the types of men volunteering to participate, and a bias with respect to a tendency to examine only samples from high-income countries. This heterogeneity in approaches, especially given the undersampling of rural and less affluent men from low-income countries, calls into question researchers’ claims of universally declining semen norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raywat Deonandan
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Jørgensen N, Joensen UN, Jensen TK, Jensen MB, Almstrup K, Olesen IA, Juul A, Andersson AM, Carlsen E, Petersen JH, Toppari J, Skakkebæk NE. Human semen quality in the new millennium: a prospective cross-sectional population-based study of 4867 men. BMJ Open 2012; 2:bmjopen-2012-000990. [PMID: 22761286 PMCID: PMC3391374 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Considerable interest and controversy over a possible decline in semen quality during the 20th century raised concern that semen quality could have reached a critically low level where it might affect human reproduction. The authors therefore initiated a study to assess reproductive health in men from the general population and to monitor changes in semen quality over time. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of men from the general Danish population. Inclusion criteria were place of residence in the Copenhagen area, and both the man and his mother being born and raised in Denmark. Men with severe or chronic diseases were not included. SETTING Danish one-centre study. PARTICIPANTS 4867 men, median age 19 years, included from 1996 to 2010. OUTCOME MEASURES Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology. RESULTS Only 23% of participants had optimal sperm concentration and sperm morphology. Comparing with historic data of men attending a Copenhagen infertility clinic in the 1940s and men who recently became fathers, these two groups had significantly better semen quality than our study group from the general population. Over the 15 years, median sperm concentration increased from 43 to 48 million/ml (p=0.02) and total sperm count from 132 to 151 million (p=0.001). The median percentage of motile spermatozoa and abnormal spermatozoa were 68% and 93%, and did not change during the study period. CONCLUSIONS This large prospective study of semen quality among young men of the general population showed an increasing trend in sperm concentration and total sperm count. However, only one in four men had optimal semen quality. In addition, one in four will most likely face a prolonged waiting time to pregnancy if they in the future want to father a child and another 15% are at risk of the need of fertility treatment. Thus, reduced semen quality seems so frequent that it may impair the fertility rates and further increase the demand for assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ulla Nordström Joensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Blomberg Jensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Ahlmann Olesen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Carlsen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Fertility Clinic Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Holm Petersen
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Pearce N, Smith AH. Data sharing: not as simple as it seems. Environ Health 2011; 10:107. [PMID: 22188646 PMCID: PMC3260112 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-10-107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In recent years there has been a major change on the part of funders, particularly in North America, so that data sharing is now considered to be the norm rather than the exception. We believe that data sharing is a good idea. However, we also believe that it is inappropriate to prescribe exactly when or how researchers should preserve and share data, since these issues are highly specific to each study, the nature of the data collected, who is requesting it, and what they intend to do with it. The level of ethical concern will vary according to the nature of the information, and the way in which it is collected - analyses of anonymised hospital admission records may carry a quite different ethical burden than analyses of potentially identifiable health information collected directly from the study participants. It is striking that most discussions about data sharing focus almost exclusively on issues of ownership (by the researchers or the funders) and efficiency (on the part of the funders). There is usually little discussion of the ethical issues involved in data sharing, and its implications for the study participants. Obtaining prior informed consent from the participants does not solve this problem, unless the informed consent process makes it completely clear what is being proposed, in which case most study participants would not agree. Thus, the undoubted benefits of data sharing does not remove the obligations and responsibilities that the original investigators hold for the people they invited to participate in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Pearce
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University Wellington Campus, PO Box 756, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Allan H Smith
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health,, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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