Reproductive Toxicity of Metals in Men

Abstract

A combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors contributes to adverse effects on the reproductive health in men. Metals are pervasive in food, water, air, tobacco smoke, and alcoholic beverages. Experimental studies suggest that many metals have adverse effects on the male reproductive function. However, information about reproductive effects of human exposure to metals is scarce and/or inconsistent. This review summarises the information from epidemiological studies of the effects of metal exposure on reproductive function in men. Factors capable of affecting these relationships were identifi ed and discussed. A particular attention is given to the studies considering infl uence of concomitant exposure to various metals. These studies have generally confi rmed that even moderate-to low-level exposure to lead affects certain reproductive parameters, and that exposure to cadmium affects the prostate function and serum testosterone levels. Adverse effects of mercury, manganese, chromium and arsenic on semen quality and altered serum hormone are less well documented. There is no clear evidence that boron exposure may impair reproductive health in men. Only a few studies have investigated reproductive effects of concomitant exposure to several metals and controlled for potential confounders. Future studies should consider the contribution of combined exposure to various metals and/or other factors that may infl uence individual susceptibility to reproductive health impairment in men. KEY WORDS: human semen quality, metals, metalloids, metal interactions, sex hormonesPizent A, et al.

Routine assessment of occupational exposure and its relation to semen quality in infertile men: a cross-sectional study

“…Moreover, there is growing evidence of detrimental effects of environmental and occupational exposure to metals on semen quality (36,37). Many mechanisms for metal-induced exposure are involved in the alteration of reproductive function, including spermatogenesis disorders, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption (36). Nevertheless, the influence of associated metal exposure, being the most frequent situation in practice, is still unclear.…”

“…Nevertheless, other adverse health effects might be underestimated given the finding of elevated tissues and blood metal and metalloid levels among cement-exposed workers (33)(34)(35). Moreover, there is growing evidence of detrimental effects of environmental and occupational exposure to metals on semen quality (36,37). Many mechanisms for metal-induced exposure are involved in the alteration of reproductive function, including spermatogenesis disorders, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption (36).…”

Spermatogenic and Haematological effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Hymenocardia acida Stem Bark on Aluminium-Induced Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

“…Aluminium chloride has been shown to affect spermatogenesis in experimental animals and humans which can lead to low sperm count, abnormal sperm morphology and poor semen quality [14]. Hymenocardia acida on the other hand has an antioxidant activity [12] and pro-oxidant activity [15].…”

Kadmiyumun erkek üreme sistemi üzerine etkisi

“…[ [43][44][45] Kadmiyumun erkek üreme sistemi üzerine etkilerinin incelendiği insan çalışmaları sonucunda, özetle; testiküler nekroz ile serum testosteron düzeyinde ve sperm sayısın-da azalma olduğu, serum kadmiyum seviyesi 1,5 μg/L'den daha fazla olan erkek bireylerde, oluşan her ejakülatta, sperm sayısında, hareketliliğinde ve yoğunluğunda azalma, olgunlaşmamış sperm şekli ve anomalili sperm oranında artma gözlendiği belirtilmektedir.…”