Authors: Pauwels, A.¹; Schepens, P.J.C.¹; D'Hooghe, T.²; Delbeke, L.³; Dhont, M.⁴; Brouwer, A.⁵

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 16, Number 10, October 2001 , pp. 2050-2055(6)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: A case–control study was designed to determine the possible association between chronic exposure to dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and the occurrence of endometriosis. The study group consisted of 42 infertile endometriosis cases and 27 mechanical infertile controls, both groups attending one of the collaborating Centres for Reproductive Medicine, enrolled between 1996–1998. METHODS: Exposure assessment to dioxin-like compounds was determined through CALUX (chemical-activated luciferase gene expression)-bioassay to measure dioxin-like total toxic equivalents (dioxins and co-planar PCBs), whereas non-co-planar PCBs were determined through chemical analysis. RESULTS: No association was found between median dioxin-like total toxic equivalents (TEQ) and the occurrence of endometriosis in infertile women [cases (n = 34): 29; controls (n = 27): 24; NS]. When patients were subdivided based on an arbitrary cut-off value of 100 pg TEQ/g serum lipids, no statistically significant association between very high exposure to dioxin-like compounds and endometriosis was found [crude odds ratio (OR) = 4.33; confidence interval (CI) 0.49–38.19; NS]. After adjusting for body mass index, and alcohol consumption, the risk increased slightly to OR = 4.6 (CI 0.48–43.62; NS). There was no confounding by age, ovulatory dysfunction, caffeine intake, smoking or exposure to non-co-planar PCBs. CONCLUSIONS: The study results showed no statistically significant association between exposure to dioxin-like compounds and the occurrence of endometriosis in infertile women.

Keywords: CALUX-bioassay; dioxin-like compounds; endometriosis; infertility; polychlorinated biphenyls

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Antwerp University, Toxicological Centre, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, 2: University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven University Fertility Centre, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, 3: University Hospital of Antwerp, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Wilrijkstraat 10, B-2650 Edegem, 4: University Hospital of Ghent, Centre for Infertility, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; 5: Institute for Environmental Studies, Free University of Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1115, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands and

Publication date: 2001-10-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Pauwels, A. ;  Schepens, P.J.C. ;  D'Hooghe, T. ;  Delbeke, L. ;  Dhont, M. ;  Brouwer, A.

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