Reproductive Ability of Workmen Occupationally Exposed to Lead

Abstract

The reproductive ability of 150 men occupationally exposed to lead were studied by clinical and toxicological analysis. Subjects were divided into four groups: lead-poisoned workmen (23) and those showing a moderate (42), slight (35), or physiologic absorption (50). Findings show that (1) Lead poisoning as well as moderate increased absorption of lead decrease the fertile ability of men. An increased frequency of asthenospermia, hypospermia, and teratospermia have objectified the decrease. (2) Slight increased or physiologic absorption of lead do not significantly influence the fertile ability of workmen. (3) Hypofertility induced by lead is due, perhaps, to its direct toxic effect on the gonads, as no interference with the hypothalamopituitary axis were evidenced.

Ameliorating activity of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract against lead induced renal toxicity in male rats

“…This heavy use of lead in industries has caused the contamination of air, dust, and soil. Lead toxicity is associated with a variety of dysfunctions in experimental animals and humans (Hsu and Leon 2002) including haemopoietic system (De Silva 1981), liver (Sharama and Street 1980), kidneys (Humphreys 1991;Hernberg 2000), male and female reproductive systems (Lancranjan et al 1975;Rom 1980). Several review reports on lead toxicity and its possible mechanisms of action are available in literature (Gurer and Ercal 2000;Hernberg 2000;Hsu and Leon 2002;Meyer et al 2008).…”

Long-term, low-dose lead exposure alters the gonadotropin-releasing hormone system in the male rat.

“…Lead exposure is associated with neurologic (3-6), growth (3,7), and reproductive defects (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25). Lead exposure in men has been associated with abnormalities of spermatogenesis (9,(11)(12)(13)).…”

Evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans

“…1 mpairment of reproduction in men exposed occupationally to lead has been reported in severa 1 papers. Lancranjan et al (1975) found increased frequency of asthenospermia, hypospermia and teratospermia in 16 workers with lead poisoning (blood lead JeveJ, 745 i: 260 t.g/I) and in 29 with moderately increased absorption (bJood lead leveJ, 528 i: 210 t.g/I), but not in 50 with 'normal' absorption (blood lead leveJ, 230 i: 150 t.g/I).…”