Association between serum perfluorooctane sulfonate and reproductive hormone levels among male workers in a fluoride-produced plant

Objective To investigate the relationship between perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure and serum reproductive hormone levels in male workers.

Methods In May 2020, 248 male workers from a fluoride-produced plant in Jiangsu were studied. The questionnaire survey was done, and serum PFOS and reproductive hormone levels were measured. One-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression model were used to analyze the association between serum PFOS levels and reproductive hormone levels.

Results Among these male workers, the serum PFOS level was (12.41 ± 5.96) ng/mL, while the serum testosterone (T), estradiol (E₂), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were (3.66 ± 1.29) nmol/L, (0.27 ± 0.11) nmol/L, (4.59 ± 0.74) IU/L, and (4.25 ± 0.33) IU/L, respectively. There were significant differences in testosterone and estradiol levels among the three serum PFOS concentration groups divided by tertiles (P < 0.05), but no significant differences in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels (P > 0.05). In addition, no significant differences were found between reproductive hormone levels among workers of different ages, body mass index, smoking, and drinking status (P > 0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum PFOS was negatively correlated with T (b=-0.047, 95%CI: -0.074- -0.020, P < 0.05) and E₂ (b=-0.004, 95%CI: -0.007--0.002, P < 0.05), and no correlation with luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone (P > 0.05).

Conclusions PFOS exposure may affect male reproductive health by influencing testosterone and estradiol levels.