SAT446 Association of Polychlorinated Biphenyls With the Hormonal Parameters of the Normal Menstrual Cycle May Contribute to Unexplained Infertility

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: A.E. Butler: None. E. Brennan: None. T. Sathyapalan: None. S.L. Atkin: None. Introduction: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic lipophilic pollutants that accumulate through the diet and increase with age and obesity. Previous research has linked PCBs with menstrual function; therefore, this study was undertaken to look at the association of PCBs with parameters of menstrual function at day 21 of the menstrual cycle in a group of women who were undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: 29 Caucasian women from a UK academic center aged 32.9±4.4 years, with body mass index BMI 25.4±3.6 kg/m2, who were undergoing in vitro fertilization were recruited. Five of the women had unexplained infertility and the remainder (n=24) had male factor infertility or tubal problems. Blood was withdrawn at day 21 of their menstrual cycle, at the time of mock embryo transfer. PCBs were measured using high resolution gas chromatography. Results: Only PCB118, PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 were detected. PCB153, PCB138, PCB180 inversely correlated with estradiol (p<0.05). PCB 118 and PCB138 inversely correlated with FSH (p<0.05). PCB118, PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 inversely correlated with LH (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively). No correlation was seen between PCBs and progesterone. Women with unexplained infertility showed higher levels of PCB118, PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 (p<0.05) compared to those with male factor infertility though other hormonal parameters did not differ other than FSH that was lower in the unexplained group (p=0.01). Conclusion: These data are in accord with an effect of PCBs on the menstrual cycle in normal women and may be involved in the mechanism of unexplained infertility. Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023