The effect of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorinated pesticides on human reproduction

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current knowledges about the influence of PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) and OCP (organochlorinated pesticides) on human infertility.

TYPE OF STUDY

Review article.

SETTING

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and the General Faculty Hospital, Prague.

METHODS

Analysis of literature and current studies.

RESULTS

We prepared a review about the known effects of PCB and OCP on human reproduction, which can influence the results of IVF (in vitro fertilisation) program by their cumulation in follicular fluid.

CONCLUSION

In these compounds there is not direct evidence of their negative influence of reproduction. We have to complete our knowledges about PCB a OCP on fertility and protect the population against their cumulation.

Persistent organochlorine pollutants and menstrual cycle characteristics

An evolving body of evidence suggests an adverse relation between persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) and menstruation, though prospective longitudinal measurement of menses is limited and served as the impetus for study. We prospectively assessed the relation between a mixture of persistent organochlorine compounds and menstrual cycle length and duration of bleeding in a cohort of women attempting to become pregnant. Eighty-three (83%) women contributing 447 cycles for analysis provided a blood specimen for the quantification of 76 polychlorinated biphenyls and seven organochlorine pesticides, and completed daily diaries on menstruation until a human chorionic gonadotropin confirmed pregnancy or 12 menstrual cycles without conception. Gas chromatography with electron capture detection was used to quantify concentrations (ng g(-1)serum); enzymatic methods were used to quantify serum lipids (mg dL(-1)). A linear regression model with a mixture distribution was used to identify chemicals grouped by purported biologic activity that significantly affected menstrual cycle length and duration of bleeding adjusting for age at menarche and enrollment, body mass index, and cigarette smoking. A significant 3-d increase in cycle length was observed for women in the highest tertile of estrogenic PCB congeners relative to the lowest tertile (β=3.20; 95% CI 0.36, 6.04). A significant reduction in bleeding (<1 d) was observed among women in the highest versus lowest tertile of aromatic fungicide exposure (γ=-0.15; 95% CI -0.29, -0.00). Select POPs were associated with changes in menstruation underscoring the importance of assessing chemical mixtures for female fecundity.