The Effects of Occupational Exposure of Carbon Disulfide on Sexual Hormones and Semen Quality of Male Workers From a Chemical Fiber Factory.

OBJECTIVE

This study is aimed to analyze the relationship between occupational CS2 exposure and reproductive impairments.

METHODS

Seventy-six CS2-exposed (9.73 ± 2.76 mg/m(3)) male workers and 94 unexposed workers were selected for study. Worker demographics were assessed with a customized questionnaire. Sexual hormones and sperm-related parameters were measured by biochemical or morphological analysis.

RESULTS

The CS2-exposed workers had significantly higher serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and lower levels of testosterone (T). Significant decrements were also identified in sperm viability and motility, chromatin, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (MPTP), and respiratory chain Complexes II and IV.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that occupational CS2 exposure can exert deleterious effects on male sexual hormones and sperm quality, and mitochondrial dysfunction may play a vital role in this process.