Impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis activity, spermatogenesis, and sperm function promote infertility in males with lead poisoning

Abstract

Lead poisoning is a stealthy threat to human physiological systems as chronic exposure can remain asymptomatic for long periods of time before symptoms manifest. We presently review the biophysical mechanisms of lead poisoning that contribute to male infertility. Environmental and occupational exposure of lead may adversely affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, impairing the induction of spermatogenesis. Dysfunction at the reproductive axis, namely testosterone suppression, is most susceptible and irreversible during pubertal development. Lead poisoning also appears to directly impair the process of spermatogenesis itself as well as sperm function. Spermatogenesis issues may manifest as low sperm count and stem from reproductive axis dysfunction or testicular degeneration. Generation of excessive reactive oxygen species due to lead-associated oxidative stress can potentially affect sperm viability, motility, DNA fragmentation, membrane lipid peroxidation, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and chemotaxis for sperm-oocyte fusion, all of which can contribute to deter fertilization. Reproductive toxicity has been tested through cross-sectional analysis studies in humans as well as in vivo and in vitro studies in animals.

Testicular microanatomical and hormonal alterations following use of antiretroviral therapy inSprague Dawleyrats: Role of Naringenin

“…In the present study, serum testosterone levels were reduced with exposure to HAART. Sperm function and hence the fertility potential of a male is highly dependent on the state of his hypothalamopituitary testicular axis (HPT) (Gandhi et al, ). This can be reflected by the circulating level of the reproductive hormones including testosterone and the gonadotropins.…”

Therapeutic effect of thymoquinone against lead-induced testicular histological damage in male Wistar rats

“…The detrimental effect of environmental and occupational Pb on the male reproductive system has been a major area of concern for several years. It has been reported that Pb was involved in the male reproductive system dysfunction or damage in both human and animal (Gandhi et al., ). Reproductive consequences of Pb exposure are widespread, affecting almost all aspects of reproduction (Gandhi et al., ).…”

“…It has been reported that Pb was involved in the male reproductive system dysfunction or damage in both human and animal (Gandhi et al., ). Reproductive consequences of Pb exposure are widespread, affecting almost all aspects of reproduction (Gandhi et al., ). Earlier studies have demonstrated that Pb can pass through the blood–testis barrier, accumulate in the testis and affect the germinal cells at different levels of differentiation (Apostoli, Porru, & Bisanti, ).…”

Comparative expression profile of microRNAs and piRNAs in three ruminant species testes using next‐generation sequencing

“…Spermatogenesis is a multifaceted and precisely controlled process and any impaired of this process would affect testis function (Gandhi et al, 2017;Hess & Renato de Franca, 2008). Recent evidence suggests that spermatogenesis is strictly regulated posttranscriptionally, with small RNAs as the key regulators at this level (Mccubbin et al, 2017;Tang, Huang, Liu, & Zhang, 2016).…”