Association of Serum Bisphenol-A Concentration and Male Reproductive Function Among Exposed Workers

Wanli Zhuang, Kusheng Wu, Yukai Wang, Hongjun Zhu, Zanzhang Deng, Lin Peng, Guanghui Zhu

Bisphenol-A (BPA) can alter endocrine function in animals, yet the relationship between human exposure to BPA and male reproductive function is not well understood. We collected serum samples from 281 male workers exposed to BPA and 278 controls. Serum BPA concentrations were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after derivatization. The serum levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and total testosterone (TT) were detected by radioimmunoassay and levels of inhibin B (INB) and androstenedione (AD) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We examined the association of BPA exposure and male sex hormone levels by multivariable linear regression. Both serum BPA concentrations and detection rates were greater in males exposed than those not exposed to BPA, but the two groups did not differ in levels of SHBG, TT, INB, or AD. Compared with exposure for ≤5 years, exposure for >5 years was associated with increased serum BPA and SHBG 1evels and decreased AD levels. Compared with undetectable BPA and BPA ≤ 18.75 ng/mL, BPA level >18.75 ng/mL was associated with low AD and high SHBG levels (P < 0.05). On adjusted multivariable regression, increased serum BPA level was associated with decreased mean serum AD level (0.18 ng/mL; 95 % confidence interval CI -0.22 to -0.13) and increased mean serum SHBG level (2.79 nmol/L; 95 % CI 2.11-3.46). Serum BPA levels were increased after occupational exposure. BPA exposure was negatively associated with serum AD level but positively associated with serum SHBG level.