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Toxic metals in seminal plasma and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes

Keewan Kim1, Michael S Bloom2, Pamela C Kruger3

  • 1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA.

Environmental Research
|July 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Toxic metals in seminal plasma negatively impact male fertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. Higher lead (Pb) levels reduced motile sperm, while mercury (Hg) showed potential links to pregnancy and live birth rates.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Reproductive Toxicology
  • In Vitro Fertilization

Background:

  • Toxic metal exposure is a growing concern for public health.
  • Seminal plasma analysis offers insights into male reproductive health.
  • Understanding metal impacts on fertility is crucial for assisted reproductive technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between toxic metals in seminal plasma and semen quality.
  • To evaluate the relationship between seminal toxic metals and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.
  • To assess the impact of specific metals like mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) on fertility parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Seminal plasma samples were collected from 30 men undergoing IVF.
  • Concentrations of toxic metals (Hg, Cd, Pb) were measured.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to correlate metal levels with semen quality and IVF success rates.

Main Results:

  • A doubling in mercury-adjusted lead (Pb) concentration was linked to a 47% decrease in total motile sperm.
  • Positive associations were observed for mercury (Hg) with pregnancy and live birth, independent of cadmium (Cd) or Pb.
  • A negative association was suggested for mercury-adjusted cadmium (Cd) with pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Toxic metals in seminal plasma are associated with impaired semen quality and reduced IVF success.
  • Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) appear to negatively affect male fertility and IVF outcomes.
  • Mercury (Hg) may have a complex relationship with fertility, potentially showing positive associations with pregnancy and live birth under certain conditions.
Keywords:
Cadmium (Cd)Lead (Pb)Mercury (Hg)ReproductionSemenin vitro fertilization (IVF)

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