Reproductive Hormone Levels in Men Exposed to Persistent Organohalogen Pollutants
Author Information
Author(s): Giwercman Aleksander, Rignell-Hydbom Anna, Toft Gunnar, Rylander Lars, Hagmar Lars, Lindh Christian, Pedersen Henning S., Ludwicki Jan K., Lesovoy Vladimir, Shvets Maryna, Spano Marcello, Manicardi Gian Carlo, Bizzaro Davide, Bonefeld-Jorgensen Eva C., Bonde Jens Peter
Primary Institution: Molecular Reproductive Medicine Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
Hypothesis
The levels of the two exposure markers should correlate with concentrations of markers of testicular and/or pituitary function.
Conclusion
Gonadotropin levels and SHBG seem to be affected by POP exposure, but the pattern of endocrine response varies geographically.
Supporting Evidence
- Significant center-to-center variations in associations between exposure and outcomes were observed.
- Positive associations were found between p,p′-DDE and FSH levels in pooled data.
- Kharkiv showed significant positive associations between both CB-153 and p,p′-DDE with SHBG and LH.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain pollutants in the environment might affect men's hormones, and it found that the effects can be different depending on where the men live.
Methodology
The study assessed serum levels of pollutants and reproductive hormones in men from four different populations.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include low participation rates and the possibility of residual confounding.
Limitations
The study may have selection bias as most participants were those who agreed to provide semen samples.
Participant Demographics
Participants included men from Greenland, Poland, Ukraine, and Sweden, with varying exposure to pollutants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.0–1.1 IU/L
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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