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Bhardwaj JK, Bikal P, Sachdeva SN. Cadmium as an ovarian toxicant: A review. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:129-147. [PMID: 37587800 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous heavy metal toxicant with no biological function in the human body. Considerably, because of its long biological half-life and very low excretion rate, Cd is inclined to accumulate and cause deleterious effects on various body organs (e.g., liver, kidney, and ovary) in humans and animals. Ovaries are the most vulnerable targets of Cd toxicity. Cd has been shown to induce oxidative stress, follicular atresia, hormonal imbalance, and impairment of oocyte growth and development. Moreover, Cd toxicity has been associated with increasing incidences of menstrual disorders, pregnancy loss, preterm births, delayed puberty, and female infertility. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how Cd poisoning impacts specific ovarian processes for the development of preventive interventions to enhance female fertility. The current review attempts to collate the recent findings on Cd-induced oxidative stress, follicular apoptosis, steroid synthesis inhibition, and teratogenic toxicity, along with their possible mechanisms in the ovarian tissue of different animal species. Additionally, the review also summarizes the studies related to the use of many antioxidants, medicinal herbs, and other compounds as remedial approaches for managing Cd-induced ovarian toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender Kumar Bhardwaj
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Prerna Bikal
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Som Nath Sachdeva
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
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Génard-Walton M, Warembourg C, Duros S, Ropert-Bouchet M, Lefebvre T, Guivarc'h-Levêque A, Le Martelot MT, Jacquemin B, Cordier S, Costet N, Multigner L, Garlantézec R. Heavy metals and diminished ovarian reserve: single-exposure and mixture analyses amongst women consulting in French fertility centres. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103241. [PMID: 37451971 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do heavy metals affect the risk of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) in women of reproductive age? DESIGN A total of 139 cases and 153 controls were included between 2016 and 2020. The participants were aged between 18 and 40 years and attended consultations for couple infertility in one of four fertility centres in western France. Cases of DOR were defined as women with an antral follicle count less than 7, anti-Müllerian hormone levels 1.1 ng/ml or less, or both. Controls were frequency matched on age groups and centres, and were women with normal ovarian reserve evaluations, no malformations and menstrual cycles between 26 and 35 days. Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium) were measured in whole blood at inclusion. Single-exposure associations were examined with multivariable logistic regressions adjusted on potential confounders. Mixture effects were investigated with quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). RESULTS Chromium as a continuous exposure was significantly associated with DOR in unadjusted models (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.13) but the association was no longer significant when confounders were controlled for (adjusted OR 2.75, 95% CI 0.88 to 8.60). Similarly, a statistically significant association was observed for the unadjusted second tercile of cadmium exposure (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.30); however, this association was no longer statistically significant after adjustment. None of the other associations tested were statistically significant. Quantile g-computation and BKMR both yielded no significant change of risk of DOR for the mixture of metals, with no evidence of interaction. CONCLUSIONS Weak signals that some heavy metals could be associated with DOR were detected. These findings should be replicated in other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilien Génard-Walton
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Charline Warembourg
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Solène Duros
- Reproductive Medicine, CHU Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Bénédicte Jacquemin
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Sylvaine Cordier
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Costet
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Luc Multigner
- Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Ronan Garlantézec
- Université de Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
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Levine L, Hall JE. Does the environment affect menopause? A review of the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on menopause. Climacteric 2023; 26:206-215. [PMID: 37011670 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2173570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are widely distributed in our environment. Humans are exposed to these compounds not only through their occupations, but also through dietary consumption and exposure to contaminated water, personal care products and textiles. Chemicals that are persistent in the body and in our environment include dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. Non-persistent chemicals including bisphenol A, phthalates and parabens are equally as important because they are ubiquitous in our environment. Heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, can also have endocrine disrupting properties. Although difficult to study due to their variety of sources of exposures and mechanisms of action, these chemicals have been associated with early menopause, increased frequency of vasomotor symptoms, altered steroid hormone levels and markers of diminished ovarian reserve. Understanding the impacts of these exposures is important given the potential for epigenetic modification, which can alter gene function and result in multi-generational effects. This review summarizes findings in humans and animals or cell-based models from the past decade of research. Continued research is needed to assess the effects of mixtures of chemicals, chronic exposures and new compounds that are continuously being developed as replacements for toxic chemicals that are being phased out.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Levine
- Clinical Research Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J E Hall
- Clinical Research Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Lordan R, Zabetakis I. Cadmium: A Focus on the Brown Crab ( Cancer pagurus) Industry and Potential Human Health Risks. TOXICS 2022; 10:591. [PMID: 36287871 PMCID: PMC9609339 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10100591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium is a major health risk globally and is usually associated with pollution and anthropogenic activity. The presence of cadmium in food is monitored to ensure that the health and safety of consumers are maintained. Cadmium is ubiquitous in the Asian and Western diets, with the highest levels present in grains, leafy greens, and shellfish. As part of their natural lifecycle of moulting and shell renewal, all crustaceans-including the brown crab (Cancer pagurus)-bioaccumulate cadmium from their environment in their hepatopancreas. The brown crab is an important species to the crab-fishing industries of many European countries, including Ireland. However, the industry has come under scrutiny in Europe due to the presence of cadmium in the brown crab meat intended for live export to Asia. This review explores evidence regarding the effects of cadmium consumption on human health, with a focus on the brown crab. Differences in cadmium surveillance have given rise to issues in the crab industry, with economic consequences for multiple countries. Currently, evidence suggests that brown crab consumption is safe for humans in moderation, but individuals who consume diets characterised by high levels of cadmium from multiple food groups should be mindful of their dietary choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Lordan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ioannis Zabetakis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
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Occupational hazards and the onset of natural menopause. Maturitas 2022; 167:46-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Dutta S, Gorain B, Choudhury H, Roychoudhury S, Sengupta P. Environmental and occupational exposure of metals and female reproductive health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:62067-62092. [PMID: 34558053 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16581-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Untainted environment promotes health, but the last few decades experienced steep upsurge in environmental contaminants posing detrimental physiological impact. The responsible factors mainly include the exponential growth of human population, havoc rise in industrialization, poorly planned urbanization, and slapdash environment management. Environmental degradation can increase the likelihood of human exposure to heavy metals, resulting in health consequences such as reproductive problems. As a result, research into metal-induced causes of reproductive impairment at the genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical levels must be strengthened further. These metals impact upon the female reproduction at all strata of its regulation and functions, be it development, maturation, or endocrine functions, and are linked to an increase in the causes of infertility in women. Chronic exposures to the heavy metals may lead to breast cancer, endometriosis, endometrial cancer, menstrual disorders, and spontaneous abortions, as well as pre-term deliveries, stillbirths. For example, endometriosis, endometrial cancer, and spontaneous abortions are all caused by the metalloestrogen cadmium (Cd); lead (Pb) levels over a certain threshold can cause spontaneous abortion and have a teratogenic impact; toxic amounts of mercury (Hg) have an influence on the menstrual cycle, which can lead to infertility. Impact of environmental exposure to heavy metals on female fertility is therefore a well-known fact. Thus, the underlying mechanisms must be explained and periodically updated, given the growing evidence on the influence of increasing environmental heavy metal load on female fertility. The purpose of this review is to give a concise overview of how heavy metal affects female reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Dutta
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia
| | - Bapi Gorain
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Hira Choudhury
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Malaysia.
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Satarug S, Gobe GC, Vesey DA. Multiple Targets of Toxicity in Environmental Exposure to Low-Dose Cadmium. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10080472. [PMID: 36006151 PMCID: PMC9412446 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10080472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Dietary assessment reports and population surveillance programs show that chronic exposure to low levels of environmental cadmium (Cd) is inevitable for most people, and adversely impacts the health of children and adults. Based on a risk assessment model that considers an increase in the excretion of β2-microglobulin (β2M) above 300 μg/g creatinine to be the "critical" toxicity endpoint, the tolerable intake level of Cd was set at 0.83 µg/kg body weight/day, and a urinary Cd excretion rate of 5.24 µg/g creatinine was considered to be the toxicity threshold level. The aim of this review is to draw attention to the many other toxicity endpoints that are both clinically relevant and more appropriate to derive Cd exposure limits than a β2M endpoint. In the present review, we focus on a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate and diminished fecundity because chronic exposure to low-dose Cd, reflected by its excretion levels as low as 0.5 µg/g creatinine, have been associated with dose-dependent increases in risk of these pathological symptoms. Some protective effects of the nutritionally essential elements selenium and zinc are highlighted. Cd-induced mitochondrial dysfunction is discussed as a potential mechanism underlying gonadal toxicities and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soisungwan Satarug
- Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane 4102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Glenda C. Gobe
- Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane 4102, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence for CKD QLD, UQ Health Sciences, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane 4029, Australia
| | - David A. Vesey
- Kidney Disease Research Collaborative, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane 4102, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane 4075, Australia
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Evidence for Ovarian and Testicular Toxicities of Cadmium and Detoxification by Natural Substances. STRESSES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/stresses2010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental toxicant, capable of reducing mitochondrial ATP production and promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with resultant oxidative stress conditions. The ovary and testis are the primary gonads in which female gametes (oocytes) and male gametes (spermatozoa), estrogen and testosterone are produced. These organs are particularly susceptible to Cd cytotoxicity due to their high metabolic activities and high energy demands. In this review, epidemiological and experimental studies examining Cd toxicities in gonads are highlighted together with studies using zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and natural substances to reduce the effects of Cd on follicular genesis and spermatogenesis. Higher blood concentrations of Cd ([Cd]b) were associated with longer time-to-pregnancy in a prospective cohort study. Cd excretion rate (ECd) as low as 0.8 μg/g creatinine was associated with reduced spermatozoa vitality, while Zn and Se may protect against spermatozoa quality decline accompanying Cd exposure. ECd > 0.68 µg/g creatinine were associated with an increased risk of premature ovarian failure by 2.5-fold, while [Cd]b ≥ 0.34 µg/L were associated with a 2.5-fold increase in the risk of infertility in women. Of concern, urinary excretion of Cd at 0.68 and 0.8 μg/g creatinine found to be associated with fecundity are respectively 13% and 15% of the conventional threshold limit for Cd-induced kidney tubular effects of 5.24 μg/g creatinine. These findings suggest that toxicity of Cd in primary reproductive organs occurs at relatively low body burden, thereby arguing for minimization of exposure and environmental pollution by Cd and its transfer to the food web.
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Ma X, Pan W, Zhu Z, Ye X, Li C, Zhou J, Liu J. A case-control study of thallium exposure with the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency in women. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2021; 77:468-477. [PMID: 34078236 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2021.1931797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Thallium exposure has been associated with female reproductive health, but little is known about its potential association with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). In this study, a total of 169 patients with POI and 209 healthy women were recruited from Zhejiang province, China. Urinary thallium concentrations were significantly positively associated with the risk of POI [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.25-2.13, p < 0.001], geometric mean values of which were significantly higher in POI cases (0.213 μg/L, 0.302 μg/g for creatinine adjustment) than those of controls (0.153 μg/L, 0.233 μg/g for creatinine adjustment). Furthermore, the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were positively associated with urinary thallium concentrations, whereas anti-Mullerian hormone and estradiol were negatively correlated with thallium. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide evidence that thallium exposure at currently environmental levels is the potential risk factor for POI in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wuye Pan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zheying Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ye
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- College of Medical Technology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunming Li
- Women's Reproductive Health Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women'sHospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhong Zhou
- Women's Reproductive Health Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women'sHospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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