Pollutants and sperm quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Environmental Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Male fertility and semen quality have notably declined in recent decades.
• Environmental and occupational pollution are suspected contributors to adverse reproductive outcomes, but their specific impact on male semen quality remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze existing evidence on the effects of tobacco smoke, environmental, and occupational pollution on human sperm quality.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.
• Included data from 22 studies investigating various pollutants and their effects on semen parameters.

Main Results:

• Environmental and occupational pollutants were found to significantly affect sperm count, volume, concentration, motility, vitality, and sperm DNA/chromatin integrity.
• All reviewed articles reported significant alterations in at least one semen quality parameter associated with at least one pollutant.

Conclusions:

• Pollutants demonstrably impact male reproductive health, affecting multiple aspects of sperm quality.
• Given sperm quality's role as a general health indicator and pollutants' impact on climate change, a comprehensive understanding of their effects on human, animal, and planetary health is strongly recommended.