Exposure to CB-153 and p,p′-DDE and male reproductive function

24– 65 years, were investigated. METHODS: The men provided semen samples which were analysed in a mobile laboratory unit. Blood samples and information relating to lifestyle, medical and reproductive history were obtained. RESULTS: The subjects had a median CB-153 serum level of 193 ng/g lipid (range 39 – 1460) and a median p,p 0 -DDE serum level of 240 ng/g lipid (range 334– 2251). When CB-153 was categorized into quintiles, the subjects in the quintile with the highest concentration (> 328 ng/g lipid), tended to have decreased sperm motility compared with the subjects in the lowest quintile (< 113 ng/g lipid). The age-adjusted mean difference was 9.9% (95% confidence interval 21.0 to 21% P 5 0.08). We found no significant associations between p,p 0 -DDE and semen characteristics or reproductive hormones. CONCLUSION: The association between CB-153 and sperm motility, although not formally significant, is of interest considering the possible endocrine-disrupting effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).