A study from Lund University, Sweden, states that young men exposed to high concentrations of a phthalate compound called di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate or DEHP have lesser mobility in their sperms, which could potentially cause problems with fertility.
Phthalates are chemicals added to plastic and vinyl to make them soft and pliable. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, phthalates are used in:
One could potentially get exposed to phthalates through food, water, or air, according to the NIH. Children could get exposed to phthalates by chewing on soft plastic or vinyl toys.
It has been reported that phthalates are harmful for human health, since they are considered to interfere with the hormonal system. Such chemicals are collectively known as “endocrine disruptors.” Additionally, research in humans and rodents suggests that DEHP could induce cancer formation via a multitude of pathways, such as DNA damage, activation of nuclear receptors, increased cells’ growth, increased invasiveness of cancer cells, etc. In many animal studies, exposure to phthalates is reported to affect reproductive structures.
The current study analyzed the effect of DEHP in humans. For the study, 314 young men between the ages of 18-20 in the general Swedish population were engaged to assess their reproductive hormones and semen quality. The men provided blood, urine, and semen for analyses. The level of exposure to DEHP was assessed by measuring the level of mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), which is a metabolite of the compound. Sperm motility and immaturity (marked by high DNA stainability) were also measured for the study.
The following results were obtained after analyses:
The study derives its relevance from engaging men in the general population instead of those with fertility problems who are assessed more often. Says lead author of the study, Dr. Jonathan Axelsson (Lund University News and Press Releases), “There are other studies that support our findings with regard to the link between DEHP metabolites and sperm motility, but also studies that have not found any connection. Moreover, the substances break down in the body within a few days, so there is no cause for immediate concern. However, we should be aware that there may be a problem and that it can be an important issue for further research.”
and connect with fellow professionals
At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
0 Comments
Please log in to post a comment.