Exposure to multiple metals/metalloids and human semen quality: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Reproductive Toxicology
• Human Toxicology

Background:

• Metals/metalloids exposure is linked to animal reproductive health, but human data is inconsistent.
• Investigating environmental metal/metalloid exposure and its effects on human male reproductive health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of environmental exposure to multiple metals/metalloids on human semen quality parameters.
• To explore the relationship between metal/metalloid levels in blood and seminal fluid and semen quality.

Main Methods:

• Recruited men from rural/industrial areas, collecting semen and blood samples.
• Analyzed semen for sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
• Quantified lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), and selenium (Se) in blood, seminal plasma, and spermatozoa.
• Used logistic regression and Spearman's correlation to assess associations and interactions.

Main Results:

• Seminal plasma cadmium showed a positive association with lower total sperm count.
• Seminal plasma lead and cadmium levels were positively associated with progressive sperm motility.
• Weak interactions observed between selenium's beneficial effects and cadmium/lead's detrimental effects on sperm parameters.

Conclusions:

• Environmental exposure to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) may decrease human semen quality.
• Selenium (Se) may exert beneficial effects on semen quality.
• Seminal fluid metal/metalloid levels may be better indicators of semen quality than blood levels.