Association of Copper-to Zinc Ratio with Sperm Concentration among Males Investigated for Infertility

Background: The importance of copper and zinc in the fertility potential of males are well understood. The close relationship and the antagonistic interactions between copper and zinc requires further investigation especially because of conflicting reports in literature on the association of the trace elements with sperm quantity and quality. This study evaluates seminal plasma copper and zinc concentrations, copper-to-zinc ratio and their associations with sperm concentration in infertile males. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 400 males investigated for infertility and 100 male control subjects. Seminal plasma copper and zinc were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique (Buck Scientific Model VGP-210, Germany). The subjects were grouped based on sperm count; normozoospermia(>15 x 106cells/mL), oligozoospermia (<15x106cells/mL) and azoospermia (no sperm cell). The levels of copper, zinc and Cu/Zn ratio were compared using unpaired Students-t-test and analysis of variance while Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between measured variables and sperm count. Results: Seminal plasma zinc was significantly lower (p<0.001) while copper and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher (p<0.001) in infertile than fertile males. The Cu/Zn ratio was significantly higher (p<0.001) among infertile males than controls. Seminal plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn ratio increased with decreasing concentrations of sperm cells while zinc levels increase with increasing concentration of sperm cells.

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Semen quality pattern and age threshold: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 71,623 infertile men in China, between 2011 and 2017

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology ◽

10.1186/s12958-019-0551-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

W. N. Li ◽

M. M. Jia ◽

Y. Q. Peng ◽

R. Ding ◽

L. Q. Fan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Joinpoint Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Infertile Men

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to provide information on the semen quality pattern of infertile men and age thresholds for semen parameters in China. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study investigating 71,623 infertile men from the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC Xiangya in Hunan, China, from 2011 to 2017. The Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Kendall test, linear regression model and joinpoint regression were used. Results Although erratic changes were observed in the median semen parameters (sperm concentration 40.1–52.1 × 106/ml, total sperm count 117.8–153.1 × 106, sperm progressive motility 33.4–38.1%) during the 7 years of observation, no significant decrease in semen quality was found, and 47.88% of infertile men showed normal semen parameters according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. According to the joinpoint regression analysis, sperm progressive motility appeared to decrease earlier than the sperm concentration and total sperm count (at 28, 58, and 42 years of age, respectively). Conclusions There is no evidence of a deterioration in semen quality among infertile men in Hunan, China. Semen parameters decreased with increasing age, with turning points noted at different ages. Semen parameters are not absolute evidence for the assessment of male fertility potential. Therefore, we believe that, among semen parameters, the sperm concentration is the best predictor of fertility for ART, followed by motility. Decreased sperm motility may affect natural pregnancy, but it is not necessary for successful IVF.

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Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerols and proteins in the domestic cat

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x19889072 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (10) ◽

pp. 882-889 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

María F García ◽

Romina Nuñez Favre ◽

María C Stornelli ◽

Ramiro Rearte ◽

María C García Mitacek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sodium Dodecyl ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Domestic Cat ◽

Sds Page ◽

The Relationship

Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between specific seminal plasma components – cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAG) and total protein (PROT) concentrations – and semen quality in cats. A further aim was to determine the relationship between specific seminal protein bands and semen quality. Methods Thirteen toms, 2–5 years of age, were included. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation every 4 weeks. Fifty-eight ejaculates were assessed for motility, velocity, volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. Samples were divided into two groups: good semen quality (GSQ) and poor semen quality (PSQ). After evaluation, seminal plasma was separated from the sperm by centrifugation and stored at −20°C. CHOL, TAG and PROT concentrations were then assessed and seminal plasma protein profile was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results Seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations, motility, velocity, sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm morphology were significantly higher in GSQ cats compared with PSQ cats ( P <0.01). Moreover, seminal plasma SDS-PAGE analysis showed an identifiable extra band exclusively in the GSQ group. Conclusions and relevance Data obtained in this study showed that seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations and specific protein bands could be used to improve semen evaluation in toms. In this sense, the 14 kDa protein band could be a valuable marker for semen quality in the cat and should be further investigated. However, more studies are necessary to determine its relationship with fertility.

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Effects of coadministration of DHA and vitamin E on spermatogram, seminal oxidative stress, and sperm phospholipids in asthenozoospermic men: a randomized controlled trial

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ◽

10.1093/ajcn/nqaa124 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 112 (3) ◽

pp. 707-719 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ghazaleh Eslamian ◽

Naser Amirjannati ◽

Nazanin Noori ◽

Mohammad-Reza Sadeghi ◽

Azita Hekmatdoost

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Vitamin E ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Endocrine Function ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Double Blind

ABSTRACT Background It is unknown which compounds in spermatozoa or seminal plasma may be involved in the regulation of sperm motility. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHA (22:6n–3), vitamin E, and their probable interactions in men with asthenozoospermia. Methods A factorial, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in infertility clinics in Tehran, Iran. The participants were idiopathic asthenozoospermic men aged 20–45 y, with normal endocrine function. Their concentration of spermatozoa and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were equal to or above the lower reference limits, according to the fifth edition of the WHO guideline. Out of 717 men referred to the infertility clinics, 180 asthenozoospermic men were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups according to stratified blocked randomization by age and sperm concentration. Participants took daily 465 mg DHA plus 600 IU vitamin E (DE), 465 mg DHA plus placebo (DP), 600 IU vitamin E plus placebo (EP), or both placebo capsules (PP) for 12 wk. Sperm characteristics, oxidative stress of seminal plasma, serum and sperm membrane fatty acids, dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity were measured at baseline and after 12 wk. Results After the intervention, mean ± SD sperm progressive motility was greater in the DE group (27.9 ± 2.8) than in the DP (25.7 ± 3.4), EP (26.1 ± 2.8), and PP (25.8 ± 2.6) groups (P < 0.05). Sperm count (P = 0.001) and concentration (P = 0.044) increased significantly in the DE group compared with the other 3 groups, whereas other semen parameters were not significantly different between the groups after the intervention. Serum concentrations of n–3 PUFAs were significantly higher in the DE and DP groups than in the EP and PP groups. Conclusions Combined DHA and vitamin E supplements led to increased sperm motility; however, no significant changes occurred in sperm morphology and vitality in asthenozoospermic men. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01846325.

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Effect of Abstinence Time on Semen Parameters among Male Patients Referring to Urology Clinic

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2019/v31i330300 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Farshad Sheybaee Moghaddam ◽

Hojjat Hosseini ◽

Sassan Mohammadi ◽

Mozhdeh Amirahmadi ◽

Mehrshad Salar Hosseini

Keyword(s):

Seminal Fluid ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Fluid Volume ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽

Statistical Population ◽

Male Patients ◽

Urology Clinic

Introduction: Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common disorders in sexual intercourses among men and may occur for any man in any period of his life. PE results in some mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and marital disaffection and can have psychological impacts. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of the abstinence time on the semen analysis parameters among men. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on a statistical population including 100 male patients referring to the urology clinic in Ali-Ibn-Abitaleb Hospital. Once included in the study, these individuals are divided into three groups with short-term abstinence (less than 2 days), mid-term abstinence (2-9 days), and long-term abstinence (more than 9 days). The patients, depending on the group to which they belonged, were asked to deliver their semen at the specified time to the laboratory in less than an hour. The obtained data were statistically analyzed in SPSS-22 software. Findings: The results of Pearson correlation and Spearman tests indicated a direct positive relationship between the abstinence time and the total number of sperms in the seminal fluid, concentration of the sperms in the seminal fluid, volume of the seminal fluid, sperm DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species in the seminal fluid, and pH of the seminal fluid.accordingly, the longer the abstinence time, the more the occurrence of these disorders. Also, the correlation test results showed that the abstinence time had an inverse relationship with motility and morphology of the sperms in the seminal fluid; accordingly, with elongation of the abstinence time, the motility (mobility) and morphology of the sperms in the seminal fluid were reduced. Conclusion: The researchers in the present work concluded the presence of a relationship between the abstinence time and the quality of the sperm parameters. Results of the present study showed that the abstinence time is significantly associated with the total sperm count, sperm concentration seminal fluid volume and pH.

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Oxytocin in pig seminal plasma is positively related with in vivo fertility of inseminated sows

Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology ◽

10.1186/s40104-021-00620-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lorena Padilla ◽

Marina López-Arjona ◽

Silvia Martinez-Subiela ◽

Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez ◽

Jordi Roca ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Reproductive Function ◽

Peptide Hormone ◽

Large White ◽

Male Reproductive Function ◽

Farrowing Rate

Abstract Background Identification of relevant in vivo biomarkers for fertility remains a challenge for the livestock industry. Concentrations of the small peptide hormone oxytocin (OXT), involved in male reproductive function and present in the seminal plasma (SP) of several species could be a robust one. This study characterized concentrations of SP-OXT in ejaculates from boars used in artificial insemination (AI) programs aiming to evaluate its relationship with sperm quality variables and in vivo fertility of their liquid-stored AI-semen. Seminal OXT concentrations (ng/mL) were measured in 169 ejaculates from 61 boars of the Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace and Large White breeds using a direct competitive immunoassay test based on AlphaLISA® technology. Ejaculate (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count) and sperm parameters (motility, viability, intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species, plasma membrane fluidity) were assessed at 0 h and 72 h in AI-semen samples stored at 17 °C. In vivo fertility included only 18 Large White and Landrace boars whose AI-semen was used to inseminated > 100 sows and evaluated both farrowing rate and litter size of 3,167 sows. Results The results showed that SP-OXT differed between boars and between ejaculates within boar (P < 0.05) but not between breeds (Duroc, Pietrain, Landrace and Large White). Ejaculates with higher SP-OXT concentration/mL (hierarchically grouped; P < 0.001) had larger volume and came from younger boars (P < 0.05). Ejaculates of boars showing positive farrowing rate deviation exhibited higher (P < 0.05) SP-OXT concentration/mL than those with negative farrowing rate deviation. Conclusion The SP concentrations of OXT are boar, ejaculate and age dependent, and positively related with ejaculate volume and farrowing rates of liquid-stored semen AI-doses.

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Processed meat intake in relation to semen quality indicators among men attending a fertility clinic

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665120005996 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽

Author(s):

Anna Danielewicz ◽

Katarzyna Przybyłowicz ◽

Jakub Morze

Keyword(s):

Quality Indicators ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

World Health ◽

Processed Meat ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Meat Intake

AbstractIt is estimated that in Central and Eastern Europe 8–12% of men are infertile, and in the case of 20% of infertile couples in the region, indicates a 56% part of the malefactor in the occurrence of infertility. Numerous studies have shown that a healthy diet with a high intake of fish and seafood, poultry, vegetables, fruits, legumes, through the high content of antioxidants are associated with better parameters of semen quality and reduced risk of asthenozoospermia. Men's diets may affect spermatogenesis as reflected in semen quality indicators, but the literature on the relation between meat intake and semen quality is limited. Our objective was to prospectively examine the relation between meats including red, poultry, proceesed and fish and indicators of semen quality. Men in subfertile couples presenting for evaluation at the Olsztyn Hospital Fertility Center were invited to participate in an ongoing study of environmental factors and fertility. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 208 men aged 18–55 years from Northern-Eastern Poland. Semen samples were collected at the clinic and analyses were performed by an experienced technician. Semen microscopic measurements were determined with the use of computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) and evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. A total of men completed a validated food-frequency questionnaire and subsequently provided semen samples. We used linear mixed regression models to examine the relation between meat intake and semen quality indicators (total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, and semen volume) while adjusting for potential confounders. After adjustment for age, BMI, physical activity, residence place and education, one serving increase in intake of processed meat was associated with a 56% higher risk of abnormal progressive sperm motility (OR = 1.56 95%CI:1.09–2.21). Consuming processed meat may have a negative impact on sperm counts and morphology. Potentially, these products may be a significant source of saturated and trans fatty acids, xenobiotics, mainly xenoestrogen, and steroids. Is need to clarify the potential effect of meat products, especially processed meat, on male reproductive potential in RCTs or longitudinal studies. Future findings may be useful to establish a more precise recommendation connected with red and processed meat intake in the context of reproductive health.

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P–053 Concentration of bisphenol S in human seminal plasma negatively correlates with decreasing sperm concentration in ejaculate

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.052 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

K Franzová ◽

M Ješeta ◽

J Navrátilová ◽

S Fialková ◽

J Kalina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Statistical Evaluation ◽

Seminal Fluid ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Dna Integrity ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Bisphenol S ◽

Progressive Motility ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Study question Is there a relationship between concentration of bisphenol S in seminal fluid and spermiogram parameters? Summary answer Bisphenol S was detected in 81% of seminal plasma samples. Negative correlation was found between BPS concentration and total sperm count in normozoospermic men. What is known already Human spermatogenesis can be influenced by a range of chemicals present in our environment. Bisphenol S (BPS) is a very frequent compound commonly used as a softener in production of plastics, where it has replaced bisphenol A. It is an endocrine disruptor frequently associated with negative effects on reproduction. It has been observed that BPS can affect testicular development in rodent males. In addition, it has cytotoxic, reprotoxic and neurotoxic effects and induces the oxidative stress bringing negative effects on spermatogenesis. BPS has been detected in food, drinks or cosmetics. Its direct effect on spermatozoa or spermatogenesis is still unclear. Study design, size, duration A total of 38 patients (25 normozoospermic) aged 24 to 42 years, non-smokers, with BMI between 19,9–32,9 were included in this prospective study from 2018 to 2020. None of them had varicocele, urogenital infections or other urological problems. Their seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation. BPS was extracted using solvent extraction followed by preconcentration step. The samples were analysed on Agilent 6495 Triple Quadrupole. Two MS/MS transitions were used for quantitative LC-MS/MS analyses. Participants/materials, setting, methods All the men included in this study signed an informed consent and agreed with analyses of their samples. These analyses were approved by Ethical committee of University Hospital Brno. We evaluated the relationship between concentration of BPS in seminal plasma, sperm concentration, total sperm count, total motility, progressive motility, morphology and fragmentation of DNA in spermatozoa. Statistical evaluation was performed by one individual one-dimensional regression model (p-value lower than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant). Main results and the role of chance The examination revealed the presence of BPS in 31 samples of seminal plasma (81% of all the samples). In 6 samples, the concentration was under level of detection and in one sample under level of quantification. In 7 samples, a very high concentration was detected (>0.1 ng/ml). These values were then compared to spermiogram parameters and sperm DNA integrity. There were no significant differences between the concentration of BPS and morphology of spermatozoa, progressive motility and total motility. In case of the DNA integrity, the opposite trend was observed, lower proportions of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA were found in samples with higher concentrations of BPS. Evaluation of sperm concentration and BPS concentration showed relationship of increasing BPS concentration with significantly lower sperm concentration, the differences were most obvious when only the normozoospermic men were compared. Evaluation of BPS concentration and total sperm count revealed the same trend with statistically significant difference in the category of normozoospermic men. Due to the small number of samples, a negative effect of extreme values on the statistical evaluation cannot be excluded. Currently, more analyses focused on detection of BPS in seminal plasma are carried out in order to obtain sufficiently larger data set. Limitations, reasons for caution A limitation is the number of samples included and analysed in this study, which slightly reduced the power of statistical analysis. Wider implications of the findings: These results document that BPS was present in 81% of analysed samples. Knowing the concentration of BPS in seminal fluid is important for understandig of impact of BPS on male fertility. Our future work will be focused on detection of other bisphenols in seminal plasma. Trial registration number MH CZ – DRO (FNBr, 65269705), AZV NV18–01–00544, Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_074/0012727)

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How does seminal plasma fatty-acid binding protein-9 level change in infertile males?

Physiology International ◽

10.1556/2060.2020.00035 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 107 (3) ◽

pp. 419-430

Author(s):

E. Menevse ◽

R. Sevinc ◽

D. Dursunoglu ◽

N. Akdam ◽

E.N. Korucu

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acid ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Binding Protein ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Lipid Binding ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Fatty Acid Binding Proteins ◽

Specific Expression ◽

Fatty Acid Binding

AbstractIn recent years, free fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are implicated in spermatogenesis and sperm morphology. FABPs are members of the intracellular lipid-binding protein family; they exhibit tissue specific expression like the FABP9/PERF15 (Perforated15) male germ cell-specific fatty acid linkage-protein.The aim of the study was to assess the levels of seminal FABP-9 in normozoospermic and oligozoospermic men, and the possible relations between seminal FABP-9 levels and semen parameters.Research was carried out on 60 male volunteers who were admitted to Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine of Andrology Laboratory. Normozoospermic individuals (n = 30) were identified as Group 1, and Oligozoospermic individuals (n = 30) were identified as Group 2. The semen samples were collected in sterile plastic containers. Sperm parameters were assessed according to Kruger's criteria. Seminal plasma FABP-9 levels were analyzed by ELISA method. Outcomes were statistically evaluated at 0.05 significance level with SPSS (22.0). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of FABP-9 levels as compared to that of the concentration and motility data of the sperm. FABP-9 levels were significantly higher in normozoospermic individuals (3.41 ± 1.64 ng/mL) than in oligozoospermic individuals (1.99 ± 0.78 ng/mL). There were significant correlations between FABP-9 levels and sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, progressive motility, immobility, Total Progressive Motil Sperm Count (TPMSC), head anomaly, and teratozoospermia index.We suggest that FABP-9 level is an important biomarker, and low levels of semen FABP-9 may impact the fertility status based on the ROC findings.

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Association of Anxiety With Sperm Quality: a Multicentre Cross-sectional Study in China During the COVID-19 Outbreak

10.21203/rs.3.rs-664584/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yongfeng Wang ◽

Liting He ◽

Yunyi Yang ◽

Lihui Tu ◽

Jigao Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Quality Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Progressive Motility

Abstract Objectives: There is no report about association of anxiety on sperm quality during the COVID-19 epidemic. Purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety and sperm quality during the COVID-19 outbreak in China.Methods: 896 sperm donors from 7 sperm banks in China were investigated, and passed the screening for sperm donation between 23 January 2020 and 8 June 2020. Semen quality analysis follows the standards of the WHO Fifth Edition Human Semen Examination and Processing Manual. Anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scal-7(GAD-7). Logistic regression and linear regression were used to identify the association between anxiety level and sperm quality.Results: Participants with anxiety status (N = 155; 17.3%) had lower sperm concentration (56.81 ± 32.70 vs. 47.21 ± 30.76 [106/mL]), sperm volume (3.58 ± 1.65 vs. 3.04 ± 1.69 [mL], P < 0.001), total sperm count (7.29 ± 1.23 vs. 6.56 ± 1.63 [106], P < 0.001), and progressive motility (50.86 ± 12.45 vs. 38.50 ± 17.00 [%], P < 0.001) than those without anxiety. Linear regression showed that anxiety symptoms was significantly associated with 8.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.51, 13.75), 0.49 (0.20, 0.79) ,51.05 (23.43, 78.68) and 12.15 (95% CI: 23.43, 78.68), reduction in sperm concentration, semen volume, and total sperm count and progressive motility respectively.Conclusions: This study revealed that anxiety symptoms were negatively associated with semen quality, and interaction was discovered between debt stress and anxiety.

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Differences in Bisphenol A and Estrogen Levels in the Plasma and Seminal Plasma of Men With Different Degrees of Infertility

Physiological Research ◽

10.33549/physiolres.933090 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. S303-S311 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

J. VITKU ◽

L. SOSVOROVA ◽

T. CHLUPACOVA ◽

R. HAMPL ◽

M. HILL ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bisphenol A ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Seminal Fluid ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Endocrine System ◽

Estrogen Metabolism ◽

Healthy Men ◽

Infertile Men ◽

Estradiol Levels

The general population is potentially exposed to many chemicals that can affect the endocrine system. These substances are called endocrine disruptors (EDs), and among them bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used and well studied. Nonetheless, there are still no data on simultaneous measurements of various EDs along with steroids directly in the seminal fluid, where deleterious effects of EDs on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are assumed. We determined levels of BPA and 3 estrogens using LC-MS/MS in the plasma and seminal plasma of 174 men with different degrees of infertility. These men were divided according their spermiogram values into 4 groups: (1) healthy men, and (2) slightly, (3) moderate, and (4) severely infertile men. Estradiol levels differed across the groups and body fluids. Slightly infertile men have significantly higher BPA plasma and seminal plasma levels in comparison with healthy men (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, seminal BPA, but not plasma BPA, was negatively associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count (–0.27; p<0.001 and –0.24; p<0.01, respectively). These findings point to the importance of seminal plasma in BPA research. Overall, a disruption of estrogen metabolism was observed together with a weak but significant impact of BPA on sperm count and concentration.

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