Differences in serum levels of CB-153 and p,p′-DDE, and reproductive parameters between men living south and north in Norway

Arctic is contaminated with persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs), and exposure to these compounds may differ between south and north in Norway. POPs may have negative impact on male reproductive characteristics. We compared serum levels of the CB-153 and p,p′-DDE in men who were born and had lived most of their lifetime south and north (close to or above the Arctic Circle) in Norway. We found no geographical differences in levels of CB-153 (south: 50 ng/g lipid (mean), north: 59 ng/g lipid; p = 0.27) or sperm parameters. However, the levels of p,p′-DDE were higher in south than in north (81 ng/g lipid (mean) vs. 66 ng/g lipid; p = 0.02), as were the levels of total and free testosterone. The FSH levels were lowest in south. A strong relationship between the CB-153 and the SHBG levels was observed. The regional differences observed for p,p′-DDE, testosterone and FSH were not reflected in the semen quality.

• We compared the levels of CB-153 and p,p′-DDE, and reproductive parameters between men living south and north in Norway.
• There were no geographical differences in CB-153 or sperm parameters.
• The levels of p,p′-DDE and testosterone were higher in south than in north.
• The FSH levels were lowest in south.
• A strong relationship between the CB-153 and the SHBG levels was observed.