Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
08:48
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
2.3K
Nickel and human sperm quality: a systematic review
Denis Vinnikov1,2, Sergei Syurin3
1al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 al-Farabi avenue, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan. denisvinnikov23@gmail.com.
BMC Public Health
|December 20, 2024
Summary
Research on nickel (Ni) exposure and human sperm quality shows inconsistent results. Current evidence does not confirm a clear adverse effect, highlighting the need for more robust studies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Chronic exposure to nickel (Ni) has been linked to reproductive effects, but studies on its impact on sperm quality yield conflicting results.
- Existing literature presents a debate regarding the association between nickel exposure and human sperm parameters.
- This systematic review aims to clarify the relationship between nickel exposure and sperm quality in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically search and analyze medical literature on the association between nickel exposure and human sperm quality.
- To ascertain the impact of nickel on various sperm parameters, including quality, DNA damage, and metabolome.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase without time or language restrictions.
- PRISMA guidelines were used for reporting, and the JBI critical appraisal checklist and SIGN tool assessed the risk of bias.
- Meta-analysis was not feasible due to the heterogeneity and inconsistency of reported effects.
Main Results:
- Nineteen studies from 12 countries were included, assessing sperm quality and DNA damage, with nickel quantified in biological samples (blood, semen, urine).
- Most studies (16/19) were of acceptable quality, but results were inconsistent; 8 studies found no association, while 11 showed some association (9 with elevated risk, 2 with protective effects).
- Only one study focused on an occupationally exposed population, showing an association with tail defects in both exposed and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Current human studies provide inconsistent evidence and do not confirm a clear adverse effect of nickel on sperm quality.
- Future research requires robust methodologies, including powerful designs like cohort or experimental studies.
- Further investigation is needed to establish a definitive link between nickel exposure and male reproductive health.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:41Spermatogenesis
102.1K
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male...
102.1K
01:22Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
1.2K
During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
1.2K