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Cadmium increases human fetal germ cell apoptosis
Gaëlle Angenard1, Vincent Muczynski, Hervé Coffigny
1Laboratory of Differentiation and Radiobiology of the Gonads, CEADSV/iRCM/SCSR, Fontenay aux Roses, France. gabriel.livera@cea.fr
Environmental Health Perspectives
|January 13, 2010
Summary
Cadmium (Cd) exposure harms developing human reproductive cells, decreasing germ cell numbers in both male and female fetuses. This early-life exposure to environmental cadmium may negatively impact future fertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant and tobacco smoke component.
- Adult reproductive function is known to be affected by cadmium.
- Effects of cadmium on developing human reproductive organs are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of cadmium chloride on human fetal gonads.
- Examine effects during early fetal development, a critical reproductive period.
Main Methods:
- Human fetal gonads (7-11 weeks postconception) were cultured.
- Organ cultures were exposed to varying concentrations of cadmium chloride.
- Results were compared with mouse fetal gonad studies.
Main Results:
- Low cadmium concentrations (1 microM) reduced germ cell density in human fetal ovaries.
- Cadmium increased germ cell apoptosis in human fetal ovaries, without affecting proliferation.
- Cadmium (1 microM) decreased germ cell number in human fetal testes, without impacting testosterone secretion.
- Cadmium exposure increased germ cell apoptosis in mouse fetal ovaries, but not testes.
Conclusions:
- First evidence that low cadmium concentrations affect human male and female germ cell survival during development.
- Current environmental cadmium levels may be harmful to early gametogenesis.
- Highlights potential risks of environmental cadmium exposure to human reproductive health.
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