Exposures to Ambient Particulate Matter Affect Semen Quality: A Case Study of Wenzhou, China

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown that particulate matter (PM) may have a negative effect on semen quality. However, the results of most studies on the association between PM and semen quality are inconsistent. Objectives: To assess the potential influence of PM on semen parameters during different exposure periods. Methods: Using data form the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Wenzhou, China, we analyzed 8822 semen samples between March 3, 2014 and March 15, 2019. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the association of semen parameters (progressive motility, total motility, total sperm number, sperm concentration, semen volume and sperm morphology) with personal exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 during the period of sperm development (0-90 days before each semen examination) and key periods (0-9 days, 10-14 days and 70-90 days before each semen examination). Results: Overall, during the 0-90 lag days, PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with reduced progressive motility (β: -1.1114; 95% CI: -1.2178, -1.0050; β: -0.7116; 95% CI: -0.7856, -0.6375), reduced total motility (-2.7613; -3.1109, -2.4118; -1.7766; -2.0196, -1.5337), and increased sperm concentration (0.0168; 0.0102, 0.0234; 0.0091; 0.0045, 0.0137). In addition, during all key periods, we observed that PM2.5 and PM10 showed negative correlations with progressive motility and total motility (all P<0.05). Also, similar results were observed in the normal semen group and the abnormal semen group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PM exposure may have a negative effect on sperm progressive motility and total motility, but it may have a positive effect on sperm concentration.