Samples of human breast milk (n=33) from A Coruña (NW of Spain) collected in 2006 and 2007 were analyzed for HBCD diastereoisomers and enantiomers. HBCD was detected in 30 out of 33 human milk samples, at concentration levels ranging between 3 and 188 ng/g lw, with a median value of 27 ng/g lw, showing higher levels than those published for other countries. Diastereoisomeric pattern shows the predominance of the gamma-isomer, with low contribution of the alpha-isomer and the beta-isomer being below the limit of quantification. However, in six samples, there is a dominance of the alpha-isomer versus the gamma-isomer. For the first time, HBCD enantiomeric analysis was carried out in human breast milk samples, showing a selective enantiomeric enrichment in human body. As regards alpha-HBCD, an enrichment of (-)-enantiomer was observed. However, in the case of gamma-HBCD, no clear preference for one or the other enantiomer was found. Finally, and based on the calculated HBCD concentrations in human breast milk from Spain, the daily ingestion rate of HBCD was estimated. The nursing infant dietary intake for HBCD was set at 175 ng (kg of body weight)(-1) day(-1).

Numerous studies have shown geographical differences in semen quality even within a given country. We have previously reported a low semen quality in volunteers from the province of Barcelona compared with the general population. The objective of this study was to determine the semen quality in a population of young healthy volunteers from the different regions of Spain. A total of 1239 volunteers between 18 and 30 years of age were enrolled. The parameters evaluated were semen volume, sperm concentration and progressive sperm motility. The results indicate that while there were no differences in semen volume or sperm motility, there were statistically significant differences in the rate of oligospermia in volunteers from the different regions studied. The prevalence of oligospermia was highest in Valencia (22.7%), Barcelona (22.7%) and Pais Vasco (18.7%), which are the regions of Spain with the highest degree of industrialisation for the last 50 years, and lowest in Galicia (8.5%) and Andalucía (13.7%), regions with a more recent industrial development. There were no differences in the rate of oligospermia as a function of age. These results support the hypothesis that exposure to environmental toxicants may affect the process of spermatogenesis leading to meiotic alterations, maturational arrest and oligospermia.