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The association between 2,4-D and serum testosterone levels: NHANES 2013–2014

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Abstract

Background

Previous studies have investigated associations between herbicides such as 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and dyshormonogenesis, specifically low testosterone, in human, rodent, and cell models, but results have been conflicting and inconclusive.

Methods

Using data from a cross-sectional study of 456 adult men in the 2013–2014 NHANES survey cycle, we examined the relationship between urinary concentrations of 2,4-D and serum testosterone levels.

Results

Multivariable regression models adjusting for potential confounders revealed a significant, negative association between urinary 2,4-D and mean serum testosterone among U.S. adult males (β =  − 11.4 ng/dL, p = 0.02). Multivariable logistic regression models using a cutoff defining abnormally low testosterone (i.e., serum testosterone < 300 ng/dL) revealed no significant associations between 2,4-D and the odds of low testosterone.

Conclusion

These findings expand on previous literature implicating a role for 2,4-D in the etiology of low testosterone and dyshormonogenesis. Future studies are warranted to corroborate these findings, determine clinical significance, and to investigate the proposed potential biological mechanisms underlying this association.

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Data availability

A full list of data sets supporting the results in this research article can be found at: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/continuousnhanes/default.aspx?BeginYear=2013.

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Acknowledgements

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Funding

The authors received no external funding for this research study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    F. E. Glover, P. B. Ryan & W. M. Caudle

  2. Department of Maternal-Infant and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” Rome University, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy

    F. Del Giudice & F. Belladelli

  3. Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

    T. Chen & M. L. Eisenberg

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  1. F. E. Glover
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  2. F. Del Giudice
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  3. F. Belladelli
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Contributions

FG is the primary author who drafted the manuscript, obtained references, performed most of the data analysis, and helped with the conceptualization of the study. FB and FDG both performed data analysis with the regression models, obtained background information for references, and proof read the manuscript drafts. TC also performed extensive background research, as well as proofed all drafts of the manuscript and helped created figures and tables. CE, and R all provided guidance at the conceptualization stage, proofed all drafts of the manuscript, and helped perform regression analysis.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to F. E. Glover.

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Conflict of interest

The authors have no competing financial interests.

Ethics approval

Health information collected in the NHANES is kept in strictest confidence. During the informed consent process, survey participants were assured that data collected will be used only for stated purposes and will not be disclosed or released to others without the consent of the individual or the establishment in accordance with Sect. 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242 m).

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Participants in this study agreed to consent for publication in accordance with Sect. 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242 m).

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Glover, F.E., Del Giudice, F., Belladelli, F. et al. The association between 2,4-D and serum testosterone levels: NHANES 2013–2014. J Endocrinol Invest 45, 787–796 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-021-01709-y

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