Sperm DNA integrity in relation to exposure to environmental perfluoroalkyl substances – A study of spouses of pregnant women in three geographical regions

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can interfere with male reproductive function, but evidence in humans is limited. Six hundred four fertile men (199 from Greenland, 197 from Poland and 208 from Ukraine) were enrolled in the study. We measured four PFASs in serum (PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS) and concurrent DNA damage in spermatozoa by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, apoptotic markers in semen (Fas-receptor and Bcl-xL), and reproductive hormones in serum. No association between PFASs and SCSA, apoptotic markers or reproductive hormones emerged. We observed a slight increase in SHBG and TUNEL-positivity with increased PFOA exposure in men from Greenland. Thus, consistent evidence that PFAS exposure interferes with sperm DNA fragmentation, apoptosis or reproductive hormones was not found.

► Investigation of PFASs via DNA-fragmentation and apoptotic markers of spermatozoa in fertile men. ► %TUNEL-positively and SHBG correlated with PFOA in Inuit, but not after adjustment. ► No associations between PFASs and DFI, apoptosis or reproductive hormones emerged.