Determination of Trace Metals in Human Seminal Plasma Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Multivariate Statistical Analyses for Sperm Parameters

Abstract

We have simultaneously determined the presence of 30 different trace metals in human seminal plasma by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP−MS). To date, high concentrations of metals (e.g. Zn, Cu, Mg and Fe) in seminal plasma have been sporadically reported and only few reports have discussed the relationships between trace metals and human semen profiles. Ninety-four seminal plasma specimens were first classified in three groups (normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and azoospermia) according to the WHO guideline for sperm concentration. No significant differences were found among the three groups for all the metals examined. The concentration of metals in the specimens were then compared with sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and volume using multivariate regression analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. The most cumulative contribution ratio and grouping were extracted for profile analysis. Zn showed a positive correlation with motility and morphology (r = 0.3142 and 0.6205), whereas trace metals such as Se and Tl showed positive correlations with all sperm properties. Heavy metals such as Cu, Cd, and Cr also showed high positive or negative correlations with sperm properties. In summary, this study is the first to report the simultaneous determination of metals (in addition to the commonly reported Zn), including trace and heavy metals, in human seminal plasma as analyzed by multivariate regression analysis.

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

“…Comparing literature results (Fig. 2), Sn levels were lower than those reported in Japan (Katayose et al 2004;Katayama et al 2013) but higher than those measured in Italian people (Apostoli et al 1997). These high concentrations of Sn in Pakistan can be attributed to release of tin in water from overspray and land runoff from agricultural applications, leeching from organo-tin-stabilized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and several other industrial processes.…”

“…Correlation values showed that V is negatively correlated with sperm volume (r = -0.38, p \ 0.01), concentration (r = -0.45, p \ 0.05) and motility (r = -0.45, p \ 0.05). The levels of V in human semen samples in this study were similar and/or lower than those reported in the seminal plasma of people from Japan (Katayose et al 2004;Katayama et al 2013). If we take into account that Japan is an industrialized country, having different kinds of industrial units, it is possible to explain the high V concentrations found in the seminal plasma of Japanese workers (Katayama et al 2013).…”

“…The levels of V in human semen samples in this study were similar and/or lower than those reported in the seminal plasma of people from Japan (Katayose et al 2004;Katayama et al 2013). If we take into account that Japan is an industrialized country, having different kinds of industrial units, it is possible to explain the high V concentrations found in the seminal plasma of Japanese workers (Katayama et al 2013). In general, authors (Katayama et al 2013) documented that human exposure of V via inhalation is due to burning of heavy fuels, particularly in oil-fired power plants, industrial boilers, refineries and coal combustion, etc.…”

“…If we take into account that Japan is an industrialized country, having different kinds of industrial units, it is possible to explain the high V concentrations found in the seminal plasma of Japanese workers (Katayama et al 2013). In general, authors (Katayama et al 2013) documented that human exposure of V via inhalation is due to burning of heavy fuels, particularly in oil-fired power plants, industrial boilers, refineries and coal combustion, etc. (Katayose et al 2004;Katayama et al 2013).…”

“…In general, authors (Katayama et al 2013) documented that human exposure of V via inhalation is due to burning of heavy fuels, particularly in oil-fired power plants, industrial boilers, refineries and coal combustion, etc. (Katayose et al 2004;Katayama et al 2013). The vanadium levels in the seminal plasma of Pakistan donors may be related to their exposure into environments contaminated by oil and coal burning, wastes from refineries and various other industries.…”