1
|
Gonzalez-Martin R, Palomar A, Perez-Deben S, Salsano S, Quiñonero A, Caracena L, Fernandez-Saavedra R, Fernandez-Martinez R, Conde-Vilda E, Quejido AJ, Giles J, Vidal C, Bellver J, Dominguez F. Higher Concentrations of Essential Trace Elements in Women Undergoing IVF May Be Associated with Poor Reproductive Outcomes Following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer. Cells 2024; 13:839. [PMID: 38786061 PMCID: PMC11119764 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Essential trace elements are micronutrients whose deficiency has been associated with altered fertility and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes, while surplus may be toxic. The concentrations of eight essential trace elements were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and assessed with respect to clinical in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in a population of 51 women undergoing IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), pre-implantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGT-A), and single frozen euploid embryo transfer (SET/FET). Specifically, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum, selenium, lithium, iron, chromium, and manganese were quantified in follicular fluid and whole blood collected the day of vaginal oocyte retrieval (VOR) and in urine collected the day of VOR and embryo transfer. We found that the whole blood Cu/Zn ratio was significantly associated with superior responses to ovarian stimulation. Conversely, the whole blood zinc and selenium concentrations were significantly associated with poor ovarian response outcomes. Higher levels of whole blood zinc and selenium, urinary selenium, lithium, and iron had significant negative associations with embryologic outcomes following IVF. Regarding clinical IVF outcomes, higher urinary molybdenum concentrations the day of VOR were associated with significantly lower odds of implantation and live birth, while higher urinary Cu/Mo ratios on the day of VOR were associated with significantly higher odds of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. Our results suggest that essential trace element levels may directly influence the IVF outcomes of Spanish patients, with selenium and molybdenum exerting negative effects and copper-related ratios exerting positive effects. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these relationships in other human populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gonzalez-Martin
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Andrea Palomar
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Silvia Perez-Deben
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Stefania Salsano
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Alicia Quiñonero
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
| | - Laura Caracena
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI-RMA Valencia, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rocio Fernandez-Saavedra
- Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Geochemical Applications, Chemistry Division, Department of Technology, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.F.-S.); (R.F.-M.); (E.C.-V.); (A.J.Q.)
| | - Rodolfo Fernandez-Martinez
- Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Geochemical Applications, Chemistry Division, Department of Technology, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.F.-S.); (R.F.-M.); (E.C.-V.); (A.J.Q.)
| | - Estefania Conde-Vilda
- Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Geochemical Applications, Chemistry Division, Department of Technology, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.F.-S.); (R.F.-M.); (E.C.-V.); (A.J.Q.)
| | - Alberto J. Quejido
- Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Geochemical Applications, Chemistry Division, Department of Technology, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.F.-S.); (R.F.-M.); (E.C.-V.); (A.J.Q.)
| | - Juan Giles
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI-RMA Valencia, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Vidal
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI-RMA Valencia, 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Bellver
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI-RMA Valencia, 46015 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- IVI-RMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (R.G.-M.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (L.C.); (J.G.); (C.V.); (J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ren M, Wu T, Yang S, Gao N, Lan C, Zhang H, Lin W, Su S, Yan L, Zhuang L, Lu Q, Xu J, Han B, Bai Z, Meng F, Chen Y, Pan B, Wang B, Lu X, Fang M. Ascertaining sensitive exposure biomarkers of various metal(loid)s to embryo implantation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123679. [PMID: 38462199 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Close relationships exist between metal(loid)s exposure and embryo implantation failure (EIF) from animal and epidemiological studies. However, there are still inconsistent results and lacking of sensitive metal(loid) exposure biomarkers associated with EIF risk. We aimed to ascertain sensitive metal(loid) biomarkers to EIF and provide potential biological explanations. Candidate metal(loid) biomarkers were measured in the female hair (FH), female serum (FS), and follicular fluid (FF) with various exposure time periods. An analytical framework was established by integrating epidemiological association results, comprehensive literature searching, and knowledge-based adverse outcome pathway (AOP) networks. The sensitive biomarkers of metal(loid)s along with potential biological pathways to EIF were identified in this framework. Among the concerned 272 candidates, 45 metal(loid)s biomarkers across six time periods and three biomatrix were initially identified by single-metal(loid) analyses. Two biomarkers with counterfactual results according to literature summary results were excluded, and a total of five biomarkers were further determined from 43 remained candidates in mixture models. Finally, four sensitive metal(loid) biomarkers were eventually assessed by overlapping AOP networks information, including Se and Co in FH, and Fe and Zn in FS. AOP networks also identified key GO pathways and proteins involved in regulation of oxygen species biosynthetic, cell proliferation, and inflammatory response. Partial dependence results revealed Fe in FS and Co in FH at their low levels might be potential sensitive exposure levels for EIF. Our study provided a typical framework to screen the crucial metal(loid) biomarkers and ascertain that Se and Co in FH, and Fe and Zn in FS played an important role in embryo implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Ren
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health Peking University Beijing 100191, P.R. China/ Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tianxiang Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health Peking University Beijing 100191, P.R. China/ Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health Peking University Beijing 100191, P.R. China/ Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ning Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health Peking University Beijing 100191, P.R. China/ Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Changxin Lan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health Peking University Beijing 100191, P.R. China/ Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health Peking University Beijing 100191, P.R. China/ Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Weinan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health Peking University Beijing 100191, P.R. China/ Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shu Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health Peking University Beijing 100191, P.R. China/ Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lailai Yan
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lili Zhuang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yuhuangding Hospital of Yantai, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Qun Lu
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China; Center of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Bin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Zhipeng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 353770, USA
| | - Fangang Meng
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Yuanchen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310032, PR China
| | - Bo Pan
- Yunnan Provincial Key Lab of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control, Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, School of Public Health Peking University Beijing 100191, P.R. China/ Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China; Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Lu
- Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Mingliang Fang
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kapper C, Oppelt P, Ganhör C, Gyunesh AA, Arbeithuber B, Stelzl P, Rezk-Füreder M. Minerals and the Menstrual Cycle: Impacts on Ovulation and Endometrial Health. Nutrients 2024; 16:1008. [PMID: 38613041 PMCID: PMC11013220 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071008] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of minerals in female fertility, particularly in relation to the menstrual cycle, presents a complex area of study that underscores the interplay between nutrition and reproductive health. This narrative review aims to elucidate the impacts of minerals on key aspects of the reproductive system: hormonal regulation, ovarian function and ovulation, endometrial health, and oxidative stress. Despite the attention given to specific micronutrients in relation to reproductive disorders, there is a noticeable absence of a comprehensive review focusing on the impact of minerals throughout the menstrual cycle on female fertility. This narrative review aims to address this gap by examining the influence of minerals on reproductive health. Each mineral's contribution is explored in detail to provide a clearer picture of its importance in supporting female fertility. This comprehensive analysis not only enhances our knowledge of reproductive health but also offers clinicians valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies and the recommended intake of minerals to promote female reproductive well-being, considering the menstrual cycle. This review stands as the first to offer such a detailed examination of minerals in the context of the menstrual cycle, aiming to elevate the understanding of their critical role in female fertility and reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celine Kapper
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
| | - Peter Oppelt
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
- Department for Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Clara Ganhör
- Division of Pathophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
- Clinical Research Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Ayberk Alp Gyunesh
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
| | - Barbara Arbeithuber
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
| | - Patrick Stelzl
- Department for Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Marlene Rezk-Füreder
- Experimental Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040 Linz, Austria; (C.K.); (P.O.); (B.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pan J, Liu P, Yu X, Zhang Z, Liu J. The adverse role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the reproductive system. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1324993. [PMID: 38303976 PMCID: PMC10832042 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1324993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Reproductive system diseases pose prominent threats to human physical and mental well-being. Besides being influenced by genetic material regulation and changes in lifestyle, the occurrence of these diseases is closely connected to exposure to harmful substances in the environment. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), characterized by hormone-like effects, have a wide range of influences on the reproductive system. EDCs are ubiquitous in the natural environment and are present in a wide range of industrial and everyday products. Currently, thousands of chemicals have been reported to exhibit endocrine effects, and this number is likely to increase as the testing for potential EDCs has not been consistently required, and obtaining data has been limited, partly due to the long latency of many diseases. The ability to avoid exposure to EDCs, especially those of artificially synthesized origin, is increasingly challenging. While EDCs can be divided into persistent and non-persistent depending on their degree of degradation, due to the recent uptick in research studies in this area, we have chosen to focus on the research pertaining to the detrimental effects on reproductive health of exposure to several EDCs that are widely encountered in daily life over the past six years, specifically bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (PAEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), parabens, pesticides, heavy metals, and so on. By focusing on the impact of EDCs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which leads to the occurrence and development of reproductive system diseases, this review aims to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of EDCs' damage to human health and to encourage further in-depth research to clarify the potentially harmful effects of EDC exposure through various other mechanisms. Ultimately, it offers a scientific basis to enhance EDCs risk management, an endeavor of significant scientific and societal importance for safeguarding reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Gynecology Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Gynecology Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongming Zhang
- Zhang Zhongjing College of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Jinxing Liu
- Gynecology Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Miglietta S, Cristiano L, Battaglione E, Macchiarelli G, Nottola SA, De Marco MP, Costanzi F, Schimberni M, Colacurci N, Caserta D, Familiari G. Heavy Metals in Follicular Fluid Affect the Ultrastructure of the Human Mature Cumulus-Oocyte Complex. Cells 2023; 12:2577. [PMID: 37947655 PMCID: PMC10650507 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that exposure to heavy metal such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) has several adverse effects, particularly on the human reproductive system. Pb and Cd have been associated with infertility in both men and women. In pregnant women, they have been associated with spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and impairment of the development of the fetus. Since these heavy metals come from both natural and anthropogenic activities and their harmful effects have been observed even at low levels of exposure, exposure to them remains a public health issue, especially for the reproductive system. Given this, the present study aimed to investigate the potential reproductive effects of Pb and Cd levels in the follicular fluid (FF) of infertile women and non-smokers exposed to heavy metals for professional reasons or as a result of living in rural areas near landfills and waste disposal areas in order to correlate the intrafollicular presence of these metals with possible alterations in the ultrastructure of human cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), which are probably responsible for infertility. Blood and FF metals were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. COCs corresponding to each FF analyzed were subjected to ultrastructural analyses using transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrated for the first time that intrafollicular levels of Pb (0.66 µg/dL-0.85 µg/dL) and Cd (0.26 µg/L-0.41 µg/L) could be associated with morphological alterations of both the oocyte and cumulus cells' (CCs) ultrastructure. Since blood Cd levels (0.54 µg/L-1.87 µg/L) were above the current reference values established by the guidelines of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (0.4 µg/L), whereas blood Pb levels (1.28 µg/dL-3.98 µg/dL) were below the ATSDR reference values (≤5 µg/dL), we believe that these alterations could be due especially to Cd, even if we cannot exclude a possible additional effect of Pb. Our results highlighted that oocytes were affected in maturation and quality, whereas CCs showed scarcely active steroidogenic elements. Regressing CCs, with cytoplasmic alterations, were also numerous. According to Cd's endocrine-disrupting activity, the poor steroidogenic activity of CCs might correlate with delayed oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. So, we conclude that levels of heavy metals in the blood and the FF might negatively affect fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy, compromising oocyte competence in fertilization both directly and indirectly, impairing CC steroidogenic activity, and inducing CC apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selenia Miglietta
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Department of Life Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Ezio Battaglione
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Maria Paola De Marco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Flavia Costanzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Mauro Schimberni
- GENERA Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicola Colacurci
- Department of Woman Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Donatella Caserta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.D.M.); (F.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, 00165 Rome, Italy; (E.B.); (S.A.N.); (G.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Palomar A, Gonzalez-Martin R, Quiñonero A, Pellicer N, Fernandez-Saavedra R, Rucandio I, Fernandez-Martinez R, Conde-Vilda E, Quejido AJ, Zuckerman C, Whitehead C, Scott RT, Dominguez F. Bioaccumulation of Non-Essential Trace Elements Detected in Women's Follicular Fluid, Urine, and Plasma Is Associated with Poor Reproductive Outcomes following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13147. [PMID: 37685954 PMCID: PMC10487767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to determine the association of non-essential trace elements present in follicular fluid, plasma, and urine with reproductive outcomes of women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) and single frozen euploid embryo transfer (SET/FET). This single-center, prospective cohort study included sixty women undergoing ICSI with PGT-A and SET/FET between 2018 and 2019. Urine, plasma and follicular fluid samples were collected on the vaginal oocyte retrieval day to simultaneously quantify ten non-essential trace elements (i.e., Ba, Sr, Rb, Sn, Ti, Pb, Cd, Hg, Sb, and As). We found several associations between the levels of these non-essential trace elements and clinical IVF parameters. Specifically, the increased levels of barium in follicular fluid were negatively associated with ovarian function, pre-implantation development and embryo euploidy, while elevated strontium concentrations in this biofluid were negatively associated with impaired blastulation and embryo euploidy. Elevated plasma strontium levels were negatively associated with ovarian function, fertilization and blastulation. Enhanced presence of other trace elements in plasma (i.e., rubidium and arsenic) were associated with a diminished ovarian function and limited the number of recovered oocytes, mature oocytes and zygotes, respectively. Fully adjusted models suggested significantly lower odds of achieving a live birth when increased concentrations of barium and tin were found in urine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Palomar
- Reproductive Biology and Bioengineering in Human Reproduction, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance IVI Foundation—Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.P.); (R.G.-M.); (A.Q.); (N.P.)
| | - Roberto Gonzalez-Martin
- Reproductive Biology and Bioengineering in Human Reproduction, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance IVI Foundation—Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.P.); (R.G.-M.); (A.Q.); (N.P.)
| | - Alicia Quiñonero
- Reproductive Biology and Bioengineering in Human Reproduction, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance IVI Foundation—Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.P.); (R.G.-M.); (A.Q.); (N.P.)
| | - Nuria Pellicer
- Reproductive Biology and Bioengineering in Human Reproduction, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance IVI Foundation—Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.P.); (R.G.-M.); (A.Q.); (N.P.)
| | - Rocio Fernandez-Saavedra
- Chemistry Division, Department of Technology, Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.F.-S.); (I.R.); (R.F.-M.); (E.C.-V.); (A.J.Q.)
| | - Isabel Rucandio
- Chemistry Division, Department of Technology, Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.F.-S.); (I.R.); (R.F.-M.); (E.C.-V.); (A.J.Q.)
| | - Rodolfo Fernandez-Martinez
- Chemistry Division, Department of Technology, Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.F.-S.); (I.R.); (R.F.-M.); (E.C.-V.); (A.J.Q.)
| | - Estefania Conde-Vilda
- Chemistry Division, Department of Technology, Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.F.-S.); (I.R.); (R.F.-M.); (E.C.-V.); (A.J.Q.)
| | - Alberto J. Quejido
- Chemistry Division, Department of Technology, Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (R.F.-S.); (I.R.); (R.F.-M.); (E.C.-V.); (A.J.Q.)
| | - Caroline Zuckerman
- Department of Clinical Research, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance IVI-RMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA; (C.Z.); (C.W.)
| | - Christine Whitehead
- Department of Clinical Research, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance IVI-RMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA; (C.Z.); (C.W.)
| | - Richard T. Scott
- Department of Clinical Research, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance IVI-RMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA; (C.Z.); (C.W.)
- Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- Reproductive Biology and Bioengineering in Human Reproduction, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance IVI Foundation—Health Research Institute La Fe (IIS La Fe), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.P.); (R.G.-M.); (A.Q.); (N.P.)
| |
Collapse
|