Effect of passive smoking on heavy metals concentration in blood and follicular fluid of patients on going ICSI

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the effects passive smoking and heavy metal concentrations in the blood and follicular fluid on assisted reproductive technology outcome.Methods: A prospective study was conducted between March 2017 and January 2018 in population consisted of 75 female patients undergoing an In vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle at Dr. Faris Medical center for Infertility and Human Reproduction located on Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt; with unexplained infertility who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using GnRH-antagonist protocol. Concentrations of three toxic metals Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) and Arsenic (As) were measured both in blood sera and follicular fluid specimens. Patients were evaluated in two groups both undergoing ICSI; the first group consisted of patients who does not smoke or exposed to smoking (n=28) and the group passive smoker females (n=47). Results: These three heavy metals were significantly higher in serum and follicular fluid of passive smoking females (P<0.05). Also, higher concentrations of Cd, Pb and As were found in follicular fluid of passive smoking patients in comparison with non-smoker females. However, concentrations of Cd and Pb were not significantly different between both serum and follicular fluid. Conclusion: Passive smoking could affect levels of Cd, Pb and As in serum and follicular fluid of females undergoing Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).

Possible Sources of Trace Metals in Obese Females Living in Informal Settlements near Industrial Sites around Gauteng, South Africa

“…The study by Jung et al [ 55 ] showed that passive smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke may increase blood Cd. El Mohr et al [ 56 ] also reported that passive smoking, as noted in our study, may increase the levels not just of Cd but also Pb and As in the serum of passive smokers. The study by Olufunsho et al [ 57 ] also noted that exposure to gaseous pollutants and dust, which may come in the form of ashes, may increase the levels of toxic trace metals in the blood.…”

“…In the absence of any known exposure to induce the levels of blood Cr recorded from site 3, this study is therefore suggesting a source of significant Cr exposure in this site, which will require further research involving more participants. Increased levels of Cr may also be due to exposure to tobacco products, in this case through passive smoking [ 26 , 56 ]. Furthermore, the findings of this study were similar to that of Etsuyankpa et al [ 30 ], where the concentration of Cr, Mn, Pb, and Cd in the blood exceeded the set recommended limit in both the occupationally exposed groups and non-exposed groups (control).…”

“…The high blood As recorded from site 3 could be historical traces of their previous and current living area ( Figure 4 ). Furthermore, the burning of coal has been associated with high levels As [ 42 , 43 ], and other sources of As in the environment are anthropogenic in nature, as well as due to lifestyle habits of active or secondary smoking [ 26 , 56 , 68 ]. Lion and Olowoyo [ 24 ] have also reported that humans living around mining areas can be exposed to high levels of As, Mn, Cr, and Cd through inhalation.…”