Antioxidant status in relation to heavy metals induced oxidative stress in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a global health concern for women of reproductive age, as 6.5% of women worldwide are affected by this syndrome. PCOS is marked by hyperandrogenism, anovulation, menstrual abnormalities, and polycystic ovaries. Metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury are considered to be systemic toxicants/human carcinogens and seem to have devastating effects on humans, even at minimal exposures. One of the probable aetiological factors for PCOS has been identified as oxidative stress. In view of the probable associations among oxidative stress, metal toxicity and PCOS, the present study examined the role of heavy metals in the generation of oxidative stress among females. This prospective study included 106 women (56 women diagnosed with PCOS and 50 women who were not diagnosed with PCOS as control women). There were no significant differences in the sociodemographic characteristics between the two groups except for the irregularity of menses and the presence of acne. The serum As, Cd, Pb, and Hg levels increased and the serum glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels diminished significantly in the PCOS group compared to the control group at P < 0.001. The SOD levels were negatively correlated with the As and Pb levels at P < 0.05. Additionally, the PCOS group exhibited a strong negative correlation between the GSH and As levels (P < 0.01), GSH and Pb levels (P < 0.05) and GSH and Hg levels (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the As levels were positively correlated with increased levels of Cd, Pb and Hg among PCOS women. Significant positive correlations were observed between Pb and Cd and between Cd and Hg at P < 0.001. The outcome of the study provides clear insight into the role of metal-induced oxidative stress, which plays a vital role in the pathophysiology underlying PCOS and suggests the use of these markers as prognostic tools to reduce the consequences of high-risk exposure to these metals among females.

Heavy metals and metalloids exposure and in vitro fertilization: Critical concerns in human reproductive medicine

“…Out of 30 eligible articles included in the present systematic review, 16 articles focused on clinical studies investigating IVF outcomes (Table 1) (16, 21-35) while 14 articles focused on clinical studies that investigated reproductive concerns (Table 2) (36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47)(48)(49).…”

“…Environmental contamination with heavy metals and metalloids has become a major area of public health concern especially for women of childbearing age, as it can cause infertility and reproductive dysfunction ( 76 – 79 ). The interference of heavy metals and metalloids on human reproduction ranges from uterine leiomyomata, spontaneous abortions, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), birth defects, endometriosis, abnormal semen quality and functionality, impaired embryogenesis, as well as stillbirths ( 46 , 75 , 79 – 81 ). Recent reports have highlighted the endocrine-disrupting effect of heavy metals and metalloids on the pituitary ovarian axis indicative of their potential associations with female reproductive health ( 82 , 83 ).…”

“…Results obtained suggested Cd to be a major contributing factor in the aetiology of unexplained infertility ( 41 ). Sukhn et al ( 46 ) examined the impact of heavy metals and metalloids in male partners of infertile women attending a fertility clinic. Their data showed significant ( p < 0.05) associations between low sperm viability and higher blood Cd and Ba, as well as higher seminal Pb, Cd, Ba, and U ( 47 ).…”

“…Abudawood et al ( 45 ) investigated the impact of heavy metals and metalloids in pregnant women diagnosed with PCOS ( 46 ). The role of heavy metals and metalloids in generating oxidative stress (an etiological factor in PCOS) was examined in that study.…”

Evaluation of Pro/Antioxidant Imbalance in Blood of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Based on Determination of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma Values

“…When we searched the data in PubMed, we mainly found inconsistent results of antioxidant status. Most studies show decreased total antioxidant status [ 37 , 38 ]. However, in a study conducted by Zhang et al [ 39 ], the antioxidant capability of PCOS women was increased.…”