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Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Human Serum and Sperm Quality

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Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used flame retardants; currently, they are identified as ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Several studies indicate that PBDEs might affect male fertility. We present the results of a pilot study on the relationship between human serum PBDEs and sperm quality. The PBDE levels in Japan are comparable to those found in European countries. Strong inverse correlations were observed between the serum concentration of 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromodiphenyl ether and sperm concentration (r = −0.841, p = 0.002) and testis size (r = −0.764, p = 0.01). Extensive studies on the relationship between PBDEs and sperm quality are required.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the participants who donated their blood and semen samples. This study was supported by grants from the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of the Health, Labor and Welfare, Japan.

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Author notes

  1. T. Iwamoto

    Present address: Center for Infertility and IVF, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Food Chemistry, Osaka Prefectural Institute of Public Health, 1-3-69 Nakamichi, Higashinari-ku, Osaka, 537-0025, Japan

    K. Akutsu & S. Takatori

  2. Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakumamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-1192, Japan

    K. Akutsu & K. Hayakawa

  3. Department of Urology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan

    S. Nozawa, M. Yoshiike & T. Iwamoto

  4. Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8501, Japan

    H. Nakazawa

  5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Tokai University, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1143, Japan

    T. Makino

Authors
  1. K. Akutsu
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  2. S. Takatori
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  3. S. Nozawa
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  4. M. Yoshiike
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  5. H. Nakazawa
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  6. K. Hayakawa
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  7. T. Makino
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  8. T. Iwamoto
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Correspondence to K. Akutsu.

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Akutsu, K., Takatori, S., Nozawa, S. et al. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Human Serum and Sperm Quality. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 80, 345–350 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-008-9370-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-008-9370-4

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