Seminal plasma level of bisphenol A among males investigated for infertility in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Evidence of an increasing rate of male infertility is replete in literature and has been attributed to several factors associated with environmental toxicants such as bisphenol A (BPA). It's presence in several products frequently used and the potential harmful effect on humans has raised serious concerns. Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the seminal plasma concentration of BPA among men investigated for infertility. Setting and Design: This was a cross-sectional study of men investigated for infertility in a tertiary hospital in Benin City, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 144 males (mean age: 40.55 ± 7.30) and 50 control subjects of proven fertility (mean age: 39.96 ± 5.68) were enrolled in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the sociodemographic data. Semen was collected after at least 3 days of sexual abstinence. Semen analysis was done according to the World Health Organization guidelines and seminal plasma BPA was determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square, Student's t-test, and analysis of variance were used to compare measured variables. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between seminal plasma BPA and sperm indices. Results: Seminal plasma BPA was significantly higher (P < 0.001) among infertile men than control subjects. The mean seminal plasma BPA concentrations increased with declining sperm count (P < 0.001). Seminal plasma BPA levels strongly correlated inversely with sperm motility (r = −0.857, P < 0.001) and sperm count (r = −0.821, P < 0.001) and positively with abnormal morphology (r = 0.815, P < 0.001). The likelihood ratios of elevated BPA concentration to cause harm to sperm count (14.562), motility (10.425), and morphology (27.838) were several folds higher among subjects being investigated for infertility. Conclusions: Seminal plasma BPA levels were significantly higher among infertile men than controls. The detection of high levels of BPA in the seminal plasma is an indication of human exposure to high concentrations of BPA, this information may be used to formulate environmental policy that may minimize human exposure and improve male reproduction.