Concentration of Copper, Iron, Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, and Nickel in Bull and Ram Semen and Relation to the Occurrence of Pathological Spermatozoa

Abstract

In this study the concentration of copper, iron, zinc, cadmium, lead, and nickel in bull and ram semen and relation of these metals to spermatozoa morphology was investigated. Analysis by atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed that copper concentration was significantly higher (p<0.0001) in ram semen in comparison with bull semen. The zinc concentration was higher in bull semen in comparison with ram semen. The iron and cadmium concentrations in the semen were similar. Higher concentration of lead was found in ram semen. Higher levels of nickel were found in ram semen in comparison with bulls. In bull semen 11.79+/-4.88% of pathological spermatozoa was found. Higher occurrence of pathological spermatozoa was in ram semen (17.17+/-3.76) in comparison with the semen of bulls. Separated tail, tail torso, and knob twisted tail were the most frequent forms of pathological spermatozoa in both species. Correlation analysis in bulls showed high positive relation between iron and zinc (r = 0.72), nickel and separated tail (r = 0.76), separated tail and tail torso (r = 0.71), tail torso and total number of pathological spermatozoa (r=0.72), and between tail ball and total number of pathological spermatozoa (r = 0.78). In rams high positive correlation between cadmium and lead (r=0.98), nickel and separated tail (r=0.77), separated tail and total number of pathological spermatozoa (r=0.69), knob twisted tail and retention of cytoplasmic drop (r=0.78), and between knob twisted tail and other pathological spermatozoa (r = 0.71) was found. High negative correlation in ram semen was observed between copper and nickel (r=0.71), copper and separated tail (r=0.70), and between iron and tail torso (r=0.67). The results suggest that the studied metals have a direct effect on spermatozoa quality.

Toxic metals signature in the human seminal plasma of Pakistani population and their potential role in male infertility

“…Keeping in view the previous literature, it can be revealed that Cd toxicity impairs the reproductive functions of living organisms (Kabata-Pendias and Mukherjee 2007) by affecting different biophysical parameters of semen (Akinloye et al 2006). Cd has a negative influence on the quality of human semen, particularly on the sperm Massanyi et al (2004 and. Similarly, negative associations were found between sperm count and motility and their associated Cd levels in oligozoospermic patients (Pant et al 2003).…”

“…It has been reported that elevated Ni levels may affect male reproductive functions, i.e., separation of spermatozoa flagellum as reported by Massanyi et al (2004) and Zemanova et al (2007). On the other hand, it was also documented that Ni has adversative effects on spermatozoa as well as on the structure and function of prostate gland, seminal vesicles and testis (Massanyi et al 2005).…”

Serum and Testicular Trace Element Concentration in Rabbits at Different Ages

“…The concentrations of trace elements in the serum and male reproductive organs may reflect the physiological importance of these elements in male fertility or the exposure to environmental pollution [8,9,14]. Trace elements such as Zn, Cu, and Se are involved in metal enzymes activity and oxidation-reduction reactions and subsequently regulate the metabolic functions and the antioxidant mechanisms [15,16].…”

“…Several trace elements were detected in tests, epididymis, and semen of several animal species [8][9][10]. Different physiological status such as age, sex, breeding season, lactation, and pregnancy would impose certain demands on animals need for trace elements, and hence, adequate amounts in the diet should be accounted for to achieve the best animal performance [11,12].…”

“…Roles of trace elements in male reproduction have been studied by numerous investigators. These elements are involved in testicular developments, spermatogenesis, and sperms activity in various animal species [4][5][6][7][8][9].…”