Metal(loid)s and human semen quality: The LIFE Study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Reproductive Toxicology
• Human Health Risk Assessment

Background:

• Global semen quality decline is a significant public health concern.
• Metal(loid)s are implicated in testicular toxicity and male infertility.
• Understanding metal(loid)s' impact on male reproductive health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess associations between urinary metal(loid)s and semen quality in reproductive-aged men.
• To investigate the impact of 15 specific metal(loid)s on sperm parameters.
• To identify potential environmental contributors to male infertility.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 413 men from 16 U.S. counties (2005-2009).
• Measured 15 creatinine-adjusted urinary metal(loid)s.
• Employed multivariable linear regression and LASSO regression for analysis.

Main Results:

• Tin showed a positive association with sperm morphology.
• Chromium was positively associated with total sperm count, while copper was negatively associated.
• Cadmium and chromium were associated with sperm DNA fragmentation.

Conclusions:

• Specific metal(loid)s exhibit both positive and negative associations with semen quality parameters.
• Further research is needed on metal(loid) mixtures and cumulative exposure effects.
• Findings contribute to understanding environmental factors affecting male reproductive health.