Analytical Determination of Heavy Metals in Human Seminal Plasma-A Systematic Review.

Infertility is a growing concerning health problem affecting around 15% of couples worldwide. Conventional semen parameters have limited accuracy for male infertility potential determination. Current advances in the understanding of male infertility indicate that environmental and occupational exposure to chemical contaminants are important etiological factors leading to infertility problems.

Associations of paternal serum dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations with IVF success: A pilot study.

Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) are environmental pollutants that have been associated with impaired semen quality. However, research on the potential impact of paternal exposure to DL-PCBs and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes are limited. We examine the relationship between serum DL-PCB concentrations and IVF outcomes among 42 males seeking fertility treatment.

Relationship between serum dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and post-testicular maturation in human sperm.

The relationship between dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (DL-PCB) levels in serum and semen parameters were investigated. Our case-control included two groups of patients. Total concentrations of PCBs were significantly higher in the low semen quality (n=24) than in the normal semen quality (n=26) group.

Levels of dioxin-like PCBs in low-volume serum samples of male patients attending fertility clinics.

An accurate and easy method for the extraction, cleanup, and HRGC-HRMS analysis of dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) in low-volume serum samples (1 mL) was developed. Serum samples were extracted several times using n-hexane and purified by acid washing. Recovery rates of labeled congeners ranged from 70 to 110% and the limits of detection were below 1 pg/g on lipid basis.