Assessment of fertility among mustard-exposed residents of Sardasht, Iran: a historical Cohort study

We aimed to assess the long-term toxic effects of sulphur mustard (SM) on the testis and male fertility two decades after exposure. A historical cohort study was conducted in 2005. Sixty-four SM-exposed and 64 matched SM-unexposed casualties of the Iraq-Iran conflict were enrolled. Fecundity status, semen indices, hormonal assay results and testis histopathology were evaluated. Male factor infertility was diagnosed in 23 and 5% of married exposed and unexposed casualties, respectively (p < 0.01). All semen indices declined over the 15 years since 1990 among the exposed group. Furthermore, all indices with the exception of sperm motility were significantly lower in the exposed than in unexposed men. The follicle-stimulating hormone level was higher in the infertile than in fertile exposed men (p < 0.001). Testis histopathology of the azoospermic men showed complete absence of spermatogenesis with only Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules. SM can be gonadotoxic and its chronic toxicity may be permanent. Germ cells are probably the most susceptible gonadal cells to SM.

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“…, 2000; Moser et al. , 2005), although a few have disputed that (Watson & Griffin, 1992; Ghanei et al. , 2004).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thousands of Iranian soldiers and civilians were exposed to SM during the Iraq–Iran war from 1983 to 1989 (Azizi et al. , 1995; Dacre & Goldman, 1996; Safarinejad, 2001; Ghanei et al. , 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chronic mustard toxicity on the testis: a historical cohort study two decades after exposure

Amirzargar¹,

Yavangi²,

Rahnavardi³

et al. 2009

Int J of Andrology

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“…Documents maintained by military and civil authorities in Sardasht region confirm that approximately 8025 inhabitants were exposed to mustard gas and approximately 4500 people received medical treatment. Of these, records confirming early clinical manifestations of exposure and subsequent medical complications were available for 735 male survivors [9]. …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, sulfur mustard has been shown to influence the reproductive function in both animals and human being [9,12-14]. It is a potent carcinogen and mutagen [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Childhood physical abnormalities following paternal exposure to sulfur mustard gas in Iran: a case-control study

et al. 2010

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BackgroundMustard gas, a known chemical weapon, was used during the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-1988. We aimed to determine if exposure to mustard gas among men was significantly associated with abnormalities and disorders among progenies.MethodsUsing a case-control design, we identified all progenies of Sardasht men (exposed group, n = 498), who were born at least nine months after the exposure, compared to age-matched controls in Rabat, a nearby city (non-exposed group, n = 689). We conducted a thorough medical history, physical examination, and appropriate paraclinical studies to detect any physical abnormality and/or disorder. Given the presence of correlated data, we applied Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) multivariable models to determine associations.ResultsThe overall frequency of detected physical abnormalities and disorders was significantly higher in the exposed group (19% vs. 11%, Odds Ratio [OR] 1.93, 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.37-2.72, P = 0.0002). This was consistent across sexes. Congenital anomalies (OR 3.54, 95% CI, 1.58-7.93, P = 0.002) and asthma (OR, 3.12, 95% CI, 1.43-6.80, P = 0.004) were most commonly associated with exposure. No single abnormality was associated with paternal exposure to mustard gas.ConclusionOur study demonstrates a generational effect of exposure to mustard gas. The lasting effects of mustard gas exposure in parents effects fertility and may impact child health and development in the long-term.

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“…66 All 115 couples were of childbearing age with an intent to conceive. The study found that the infertility rate of this exposed population was 8.3%-less than the measured worldwide infertility rate of 10-15%.…”

Section: Reproductivementioning

confidence: 99%

Mustard Gas: Imminent Danger or Eminent Threat?

Geraci

2008

Ann Pharmacother

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Assessment of fertility among mustard-exposed residents of Sardasht, Iran: a historical Cohort study

Cited by 27 publications

References 10 publications

Chronic mustard toxicity on the testis: a historical cohort study two decades after exposure

Chronic mustard toxicity on the testis: a historical cohort study two decades after exposure

Childhood physical abnormalities following paternal exposure to sulfur mustard gas in Iran: a case-control study

Mustard Gas: Imminent Danger or Eminent Threat?

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