The Effects of Toxic Heavy Metals Lead, Cadmium and Copper on the Epidemiology of Male and Female Infertility

Abstract

Infertility is a major problem in modern society that affects a significant number of couples around the world. Heavy metals and a number of other factors have been causally linked to infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heavy metals lead, cadmium, and copper on the epidemiology of male and female infertility. Searches for articles published from 1982 to 2020 using related keywords such as male and female infertility and heavy metals were performed in scientific databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and others. The results showed that, in recent years, the number of infertile individuals has increased. Various environmental, occupational, and genetic factors have been described as potential causes. Heavy metals lead, cadmium, and copper cause infertility in couples through various mechanisms, such as changes in sperm motility factors, decreased semen quality, or effects on the egg. Exposure to physical phenomena such as radiation (ionized or microwave) and heat; stress and mental disorders; chemicals from cigarettes, respiratory pollutants (lead), insecticides and pesticides; anesthetic gases; and mercury and cytotoxic drugs may also contribute to the onset of infertility.

Association between heavy metals exposure and infertility among American women aged 20–44 years: A cross-sectional analysis from 2013 to 2018 NHANES data

“…Nevertheless, poor lifestyles and environmental factors can impair fertility ( 7 ). To be specific, adverse environmental factors (e.g., heavy metal exposure) can impair the reproductive system in both men and women ( 8 , 9 ).…”

“…The above heavy metals are often found in the atmosphere, food, drinking water, and cosmetics. Excessive exposure to Cd, Pb, As, and Hg in the everyday environment may be toxic to human reproduction and development ( 9 , 12 – 14 ). The main toxic effects of Cd, Pb, Hg, and As on the reproductive endocrine system comprise the promotion of oxidative stress, reduction of follicle-stimulating hormone, reduction of luteinizing hormone, reduction of follicular growth, promotion of follicular atresia and disruption of the estrous cycle ( 15 – 20 ).…”

Biochemical and mineral status of the body of infertile boars with hypovitaminosis A

“…Багато факторів, зокрема аліментарно-дефіцитні й токсичні, етіологічно пов'язані з виникненням репродуктивних розладів, а неплідність самців є серйозною проблемою сучасної андрології (Breininger et al, 2011;Ciornei et al, 2021;Manouchehri et al, 2022). Незабезпеченість організму самців бета-каротином (вітаміном А) як потужним антиоксидантом набуває значного поширення через проблеми технології кормів і годівлі, зниженої резистентності тварин, що обумовлює низьку засвоюваність і доступність каротиноїдів (Skliarov et al, 2020).…”

Aging-Related Ovarian Failure and Infertility: Melatonin to the Rescue

“…[ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Some of these fall into the category of “endocrine disruptors” (EDCs) [ 6 ] and many are the result of industrialization and the introduction of products that contain reproductive toxins which are subsequently inhaled or ingested [ 7 , 8 ]. In addition to significantly reducing fertilization of healthy oocytes and successful pregnancy, there are complex psychological and social consequences associated with failure of conception [ 9 ].…”