Journal or Publishing Institution: Reproductive Toxicology
Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623817300060
Author(s): Cremonese, C., Piccoli, C., Pasqualotto, F., Clapauch, R., Koifman, R.J., Koifman, S., and Freire, C.
Article Type: Peer Reviewed Study
Record ID: 414
Abstract: The association of occupational exposure to current-use pesticides with reproductive hormones, semen quality, and genital measures was investigated among young men in the South of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 99 rural and 36 urban men aged 18–23 years. Information on pesticide use was obtained through questionnaire. Serum and semen samples were analyzed for sex hormones and sperm parameters, respectively, and measurement of anogenital distance (AGD) and testis volume (TV) were performed. Associations were explored using multivariate linear regression. Rural men had poorer sperm morphology, higher sperm count, and lower LH levels relative to urban subjects. Lifetime use of pesticides, especially herbicides and fungicides, was associated with poorer morphology and reduced LH and prolactin, with evidence of a linear pattern. Maternal farming during pregnancy was associated with larger AGD and TV. Chronic occupational exposure to modern pesticides may affect reproductive outcomes in young men.
Keywords: Pesticides; Fungicides; Herbicides; Reproductive hormones; Sperm quality; Anogenital distance; Agricultural workers
Citation: Cremonese, C., Piccoli, C., Pasqualotto, F., Clapauch, R., Koifman, R.J., Koifman, S., and Freire, C., 2017. Occupational exposure to pesticides, reproductive hormone levels and sperm quality in young Brazilian men. Reproductive Toxicology, 67, 174-185.
