The association of environmental organochlorine pesticides exposure and human semen parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) accumulate in human tissues and interfere with human endocrine function. However, the effect of OCPs on sperm quality remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between environmental OCPs exposure and human semen parameters. Subject and methods A comprehensive search of articles before March 6, 2023, was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The literature’s quality was evaluated using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). STATA (Version 11.0) was used for meta-analysis, and relevant data were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Ten articles were analyzed in this meta-analysis, including six cross-sectional studies, three cohort studies, and one case-control study. These studies involved 5232 people in 10 countries. The results showed that there was an association between OCPs exposure and decreased human semen parameters (OR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.40–1.56), including decreased sperm volume (OR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.15–2.79), decreased sperm count (OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.19–1.44), decreased sperm concentration (OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.10–1.63), impaired sperm motility (OR = 1.87, 95%CI = 1.16–3.01), and sperm morphology (OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.02–1.99), respectively. Additionally, in sub-group analysis according to the type of OCPs, there was no association between DDE exposure and decreased semen parameters (OR = 1.01, 95%CI = 0.99–1.03). In sub-group analysis according to the location, the results indicated a positive association between OCPs and sperm morphology (OR = 2.22, 95%CI = 1.40–3.54) in North America. Moreover, in Europe, the results indicated a positive association between OCPs and decreased semen parameters (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.34–1.56), including decreased sperm volume (OR = 1.65, 95%CI = 1.06–2.58), decreased sperm count (OR = 1.71, 95%CI = 1.10–2.65), decreased sperm concentration (OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.04–1.74), and impaired sperm motility (OR=1.85, 95%CI = 1.11–3.08), respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that the combined OR had good stability and high reliability. Funnel plots and Egger’s test showed a large publication bias in this study. Conclusions The findings suggested that OCPs exposure may be a risk factor for a decline in semen parameters. Further actions are needed to protect male fertility in the future. Graphical abstract