Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Ovarian Reserve Among Women from a Fertility Clinic

Abstract

Background.-An increasing number of studies have linked air pollution to decreased fertility. Whether this is due to an effect on ovarian reserve is unknown. Method.-Our study included 632 women attending the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center (2004-2015) who had a measured antral follicle count. Validated spatiotemporal models estimated daily particulate matter <2.5 μg/m 3 (PM 2.5) (based on residential address) for the 3 months prior to the antral follicle count. We analyzed associations with Poisson regression. Results.-Every 2 μg/m 3 increase in estimated PM 2.5 exposure was associated with a −7.2% (95% CI −10.4%, −3.8%) lower antral follicle count adjusting for age, BMI, smoking status, and year and season of the count. The association of PM 2.5 with antral follicle count was stronger among women with female factor infertility (−16.3% per 2 μg/m 3).

Ovarian Dysfunction Induced by Chronic Whole‐Body PM2.5 Exposure

“…Such pathway enrichment is in agreement with previous epidemiological studies, which confirmed that PM2.5 exposure is significantly associated with ovarian dysfunction, including menstrual disorders, lower reproductive capacity, and declined ovarian reserve. [ 50–52 ] Moreover, Cyp11a , Cyp19a , Cyp17a , and Hsd3b related to hormone synthesis were decreased significantly after exposure to PM2.5 for 4 months, while the expression of Hsd17b7 was markedly increased in PM2.5‐exposed ovaries. It has been reported that HSD17b7 mainly expresses in the corpus luteum, which may contribute to estradiol synthesis.…”

“…[ 50,51 ] High concentrations of PM2.5 increases the risk of ovarian aging as evidence by significant decrease of antral follicle count, a sonographic marker of ovarian reserve. [ 52 ] Intrauterine exposure to diesel exhaust particles compromises the reproductive capacity of female mice and diminishes ovarian reserve. [ 22 ] Moreover, fuel fine particulate matter contribute to ovarian dysfunction by disturbing hormone synthesis and oocyte maturation.…”

“…Multiple epidemiologic studies have validated that there is a concentration‐response relationship between PM exposure and its harmful effects on ovarian endocrine function and ovarian reserve. [ 50–52 ] Importantly, the disorder of endocrine function and decreased reproductive function are closely related to the abnormal development of follicles. [ 55–56 ] The fate of follicles is determined by the microenvironment of follicles and various signals inside and outside cells.…”

Outdoor air pollution and diminished ovarian reserve among infertile Korean women

“…Although the sensitive windows are unclear, it has been suggested environmental exposure within several weeks or months can be critical in AMH-producing follicular pools. A recent study discovered average concentration of PM 2.5 within the prior 3 months is associated with decreased antral follicle count [ 17 ]. A study of young women exposed to systemic chemotherapy agents showed the reduction of AMH occurs as early as in 15 days following the exposure [ 23 ].…”

“…Environmental exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals such as parabens was reported to be negatively associated with ovarian reserve [14]. Recent reports corroborate that exposure to higher levels of PM is associated low ovarian reserve parameters [15][16][17]. However, these findings are limited by the small study population.…”