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Aisyah CR, Mizuno Y, Masuda M, Iwamoto T, Yamasaki K, Uchida M, Kariya F, Higaki S, Konishi S. Association between Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Concentrations of Urinary Cadmium and Selenium. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:2488-2500. [PMID: 37755586 PMCID: PMC11052814 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03868-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Elevated sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is associated with damage to sperm and poorer measures of semen quality. Exposure to cadmium (Cd) can increase oxidative stress and damage sperm mitochondria. The adverse effects of Cd can potentially be reduced by sufficient selenium (Se). The objective of this study was to examine the associations between sperm mtDNAcn and urinary concentrations of Cd and Se, as well as the Cd/Se molar ratio. Participants were recruited from patients who sought infertility treatment at two hospitals in Japan. Urine and semen specimens and self-administered questionnaires were collected on the day of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn was measured in extracted sperm DNA by multiplex real-time qPCR. Urinary Cd and Se concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and their molar weights were calculated to obtain the Cd/Se molar ratio. Linear regression was used to estimate associations after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, drinking, exercise, varicocele, and hospital of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn showed statistically insignificant associations with creatinine-adjusted concentrations of urinary Cd (β = 0.13, 95% CI -0.18, 0.44) and Se (β = -0.09, 95% CI -0.54, 0.35), and Cd/Se molar ratio (β = 0.12, 95% CI -0.13, 0.37). The current study found no evidence of an association between mtDNAcn and urinary concentrations of Cd or Se, or the Cd/Se molar ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuki Mizuno
- Department of Human Ecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Momoka Masuda
- Department of Human Ecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruaki Iwamoto
- International University of Health and Welfare, Otawara, Japan
- Sanno Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Fumiko Kariya
- Department of Human Ecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Higaki
- Isotope Science Center, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoko Konishi
- Department of Human Ecology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Gao X, Li G, Pan X, Xia J, Yan D, Xu Y, Ruan X, He H, Wei Y, Zhai J. Environmental and occupational exposure to cadmium associated with male reproductive health risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on epidemiological evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:7491-7517. [PMID: 37584848 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01719-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
There is an abundance of epidemiological evidence and animal experiments concerning the correlation between cadmium exposure and adverse male reproductive health outcomes. However, the evidence remains inconclusive. We conducted a literature search from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science over the past 3 decades. Pooled r and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from Cd levels of the type of biological materials and different outcome indicators to address the large heterogeneity of existing literature. Cd was negatively correlated with semen parameters (r = - 0.122, 95% CI - 0.151 to - 0.092) and positively correlated with sera sex hormones (r = 0.104, 95% CI 0.060 to 0.147). Among them, Cd in three different biological materials (blood, semen, and urine) was negatively correlated with semen parameters, while among sex hormones, only blood and urine were statistically positively correlated. In subgroup analysis, blood Cd was negatively correlated with semen density, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm count. Semen Cd was negatively correlated with semen concentration. As for serum sex hormones, blood Cd had no statistical significance with three hormones, while semen Cd was negatively correlated with testosterone. In summary, cadmium exposure might be associated with the risk of a decline in sperm quality and abnormal levels of sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Guangying Li
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Xingchen Pan
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Jiajia Xia
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Di Yan
- Department of Public Affairs Administration, School of Health Management, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Yang Xu
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Xiang Ruan
- School of the First Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Heifei, 230032, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Qiu Y, Lv Y, Zhang M, Ji S, Wu B, Zhao F, Qu Y, Sun Q, Guo Y, Zhu Y, Lin X, Zheng X, Li Z, Fu H, Li Y, Song H, Wei Y, Ding L, Chen G, Zhu Y, Cao Z, Shi X. Cadmium exposure is associated with testosterone levels in men: A cross-sectional study from the China National Human Biomonitoring. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135786. [PMID: 35872064 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex hormone disorders can cause adverse health consequences. While experimental data suggests that cadmium (Cd) disrupts the endocrine system, little is known about the link between Cd exposure and sex hormones in men. METHODS We measured blood cadmium (B-Cd), urine cadmium (U-Cd), serum testosterone and serum estradiol in men aged ≥18 years old participating in the China National Human Biomonitoring program, from 2017 to 2018. Urine cadmium adjusted for creatinine (Ucr-Cd) and the serum testosterone to serum estradiol ratio (T/E2) were calculated. The association of Cd exposure to serum testosterone and T/E2 in men was analyzed with multiple linear regression models. RESULTS Among Chinese men ≥18 years old, the weighted geometric mean (95% CI) of B-Cd and Ucr-Cd levels were 1.23 (1.12-1.35) μg/L and 0.53 (0.47-0.59) μg/g, respectively. The geometric means (95% CI) of serum testosterone and T/E2 were 18.56 (17.92-19.22) nmol/L and 143.86 (137.24-150.80). After adjusting for all covariates, each doubling of B-Cd level was associated with a 5.04% increase in serum testosterone levels (β = 0.071; 95%CI: 0.057-0.086) and a 4.03% increase in T/E2 (β = 0.057; 95%CI: 0.040-0.075); similar findings were found in Ucr-Cd. CONCLUSIONS In Chinese men, Cd may be an endocrine disruptor, which is positively associated with serum testosterone and T/E2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Qiu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuebin Lv
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Saisai Ji
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Wu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yingli Qu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Sun
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yanbo Guo
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yuanduo Zhu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xulin Zheng
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Fu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Haocan Song
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Liang Ding
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Guangdi Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, and Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaojin Cao
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Rami Y, Ebrahimpour K, Maghami M, Shoshtari-Yeganeh B, Kelishadi R. The Association Between Heavy Metals Exposure and Sex Hormones: a Systematic Review on Current Evidence. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:3491-3510. [PMID: 34668113 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02947-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The general population is voluntarily or unintentionally exposed to heavy metals through ingestion of food, polluted water, or contact with soil, dust, or polluted air. A number of metals are considered as endocrine disruptors and can alter the level of reproductive hormones. This study aims to systematically review the epidemiological studies on the association between heavy metals exposure and sex hormones level. We conducted a systematic search from available databases, including PubMed, Clarivate Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Collaboration, until April 2021. The relevant studies were selected, and two reviewers conducted the quality assessment. Then, data were extracted based on the inclusion criteria. We identified nine articles related to the association between heavy metals exposure and sex hormones level. We summarized the relevant information. Due to the diversity of metals and the variety of sex hormones, the effect of exposure on hormones level was not clear; however in most studies, at least for one metal, a significant association (inverse or positive) was observed between metals exposure and hormones level. Heavy metals exposure may potentially alter sex hormone levels; however, further research is needed to evaluate the impact of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Rami
- Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Karim Ebrahimpour
- Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Maghami
- Department of Bio-Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahareh Shoshtari-Yeganeh
- Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Ashrap P, Watkins DJ, Mukherjee B, Rosario-Pabón Z, Vélez-Vega CM, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Performance of urine, blood, and integrated metal biomarkers in relation to birth outcomes in a mixture setting. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111435. [PMID: 34097892 PMCID: PMC8403638 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on the health effects of metal mixtures typically utilize biomarkers measured in a single biological medium, such as blood or urine. However, the ability to evaluate mixture effects are limited by the uncertainty whether a unified medium can fully capture exposure for each metal. Therefore, it is important to compare and assess metal mixtures measured in different media in epidemiology studies. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the mixture predictive performance of urine and blood metal biomarkers and integrated multi-media biomarkers in association with birth outcomes. METHODS In our analysis of 847 women from the Puerto Rico PROTECT Cohort, we measured 10 essential and non-essential metals in repeated and paired samples of urine and blood during pregnancy. For each metal, we integrated exposure estimates from paired urine and blood biomarkers into multi-media biomarkers (MMBs), using intraclass-correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) approaches. Using Ridge regressions, four separate Environmental risk scores (ERSs) for metals in urine, blood, MMBICC, and MMBWQS were computed as a weighted sum of the 10 metal concentrations. We then examined associations between urine, blood, and multi-media biomarker ERSs and birth outcomes using linear and logistic regressions, adjusting for maternal age, maternal education, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and second-hand smoke exposure. The performance of each ERS was evaluated with continuous and tertile estimates and 95% confidence intervals of the odds ratio of preterm birth using area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS Pb was the most important contributor of blood ERS as well as the two integrated multi-media biomarker ERSs. Individuals with high ERS (3rd tertile) showed increased odds of preterm birth compared to individuals with low ERS (1st tertile), with 2.8-fold (95% CI, 1.49 to 5.40) for urine (specific gravity corrected); 3.2- fold (95% CI, 1.68 to 6.25) for blood; 3.9-fold (95% CI, 1.72 to 8.66) for multi-media biomarkers composed using ICC; and 5.2-fold (95% CI, 2.34 to 11.42) for multi-media biomarkers composed using WQS. The four ERSs had comparable predictive performances (AUC ranging from 0.64 to 0.68) when urine is examined with specific gravity corrected concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Within a practical metal panel, measuring metals in either urine or blood may be an equally good approach to evaluate the metals as a mixture. Applications in practical study design require validation of these methods with other cohorts, larger panels of metals and within the context of other adverse health effects of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Zaira Rosario-Pabón
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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Ashrap P, Meeker JD, Sánchez BN, Basu N, Tamayo-Ortiz M, Solano-González M, Mercado-García A, Téllez-Rojo MM, Peterson KE, Watkins DJ. In utero and peripubertal metals exposure in relation to reproductive hormones and sexual maturation and progression among boys in Mexico City. Environ Health 2020; 19:124. [PMID: 33239073 PMCID: PMC7688001 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00672-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as metals have been reported to alter circulating reproductive hormone concentrations and pubertal development in animals. However, the relationship has rarely been investigated among humans, with the exception of heavy metals, such as Pb and Cd. Our aim was to investigate measures of in utero and peripubertal metal exposure in relation to reproductive hormone concentrations and sexual maturation and progression among boys from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohorts. METHODS Our analysis included 118 pregnant women and their male children from the ELEMENT study. Essential and non-essential metals were measured in urine collected from the mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy and their male children at 8-14 years. Reproductive hormone concentrations [serum testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), inhibin B, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)] were measured in blood samples from the children at 8-14 years. We also assessed Tanner stages for sexual maturation (genital, pubic hair development, and testicular volume), at two time points (8-14, 10-18 years). We used linear regression to independently examine urinary metal concentrations in relation to each peripubertal reproductive hormones adjusting for child age and BMI. Generalized estimation equations (GEEs) were used to evaluate the association of in utero and peripubertal metal exposures with sexual maturation and progression during follow-up based on Tanner staging and testicular volume. RESULTS In utero and prepubertal concentrations of some urinary metals were associated with increased concentrations of peripubertal reproductive hormones, especially non-essential metal(loid)s As and Cd (in utero), and Ba (peripubertal) as well as essential metal Mo (in utero) in association with testosterone. More advanced pubic hair developmental stage and higher testicular volume at the early teen visit was observed for boys with higher non-essential metal concentrations, including in utero Al and peripubertal Ba, and essential metal Zn concentration (peripubertal). These metals were also associated with slower pubertal progression between the two visits. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that male reproductive development may be associated with both essential and non-essential metal exposure during in utero and peripubertal windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - John D. Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Brisa N. Sánchez
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
- Mexican Council for Science and Technology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maritsa Solano-González
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Adriana Mercado-García
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Martha M. Téllez-Rojo
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Karen E. Peterson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Deborah J. Watkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
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Anyanwu BO, Orisakwe OE. Current mechanistic perspectives on male reproductive toxicity induced by heavy metals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2020; 38:204-244. [PMID: 32648503 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1782116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and occupational exposures to heavy metals have led to various deleterious damages to the biological system of which infertility is one of them. Infertility is a global public health concern, affecting 15% of all couples of reproductive age. Out of the 100% cases of reported infertility among couples, 40% of the cases are related to male factors; including decreased semen quality. This review focuses on the recent mechanistic perspectives of heavy metal-induced male reproductive toxicity. The associated toxic metal-mediated mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity include ion mimicry, disruption of cell signaling pathways, oxidative stress, altered gene expression, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, apoptosis, disruption of testis/blood barrier, inflammation and endocrine disruption. The current literature suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) mediate paternal intergenerational epigenetic inheritance and thus has a direct functional importance, as well as possess novel biomarker potential, for male reproductive toxicity. To identify the specific ncRNAs with the most profound impacts on heavy metal-induced male reproductive toxicity should be thrust of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brilliance Onyinyechi Anyanwu
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research (CEFOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
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8
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Ashrap P, Watkins DJ, Mukherjee B, Boss J, Richards MJ, Rosario Z, Vélez-Vega CM, Alshawabkeh A, Cordero JF, Meeker JD. Maternal blood metal and metalloid concentrations in association with birth outcomes in Northern Puerto Rico. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 138:105606. [PMID: 32179314 PMCID: PMC7198231 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In previous studies, exposures to heavy metals such as Pb and Cd have been associated with adverse birth outcomes; however, knowledge on effects at low levels of exposure and of other elements remain limited. METHOD We examined individual and mixture effects of metals and metalloids on birth outcomes among 812 pregnant women in the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PROTECT) cohort. We measured 16 essential and non-essential metal(loid)s in maternal blood collected at 16-20 and 24-28 weeks gestation. We used linear and logistic regression to independently examine associations between geometric mean (GM) concentrations of each metal across visits and gestational age, birthweight z-scores, preterm birth, small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). We evaluated effect modification with infant sex*metal interaction terms. To identify critical windows of susceptibility, birth outcomes were regressed on visit-specific metal concentrations. Furthermore, average metal concentrations were divided into tertiles to examine the potential for non-linear relationships. We used elastic net (ENET) regularization to construct Environmental Risk Score (ERS) as a metal risk score and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to identify individual metals most critical to each outcome, accounting for correlated exposures. RESULTS In adjusted models, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in GM lead (Pb) was associated with 1.63 higher odds of preterm birth (95%CI = 1.17, 2.28) and 2 days shorter gestational age (95% CI = -3.1, -0.5). Manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were also associated with higher odds of preterm birth and shorter gestational age; the associations were strongest among the highest tertile for Mn and among females for Zn. Mercury (Hg) was associated with higher risk of preterm birth at the later window of pregnancy. Ni measured later in pregnancy was associated with lower odds of SGA. ENET and BKMR models selected similar metals as "important" predictors of birth outcomes. The association between ERS and preterm birth was assessed and the third tertile of ERS was significantly associated with an elevated odds ratio of 2.13 (95% CI = 1.12, 5.49) for preterm birth compared to the first tertile. CONCLUSION As the PROTECT cohort has lower Pb concentrations (GM = 0.33 μg/dL) compared to the mainland US, our findings suggest that low-level prenatal lead exposure, as well as elevated Mn and Zn exposure, may adversely affect birth outcomes. Improved understanding on environmental factors contributing to preterm birth, together with sustainable technologies to remove contamination, will have a direct impact in Puerto Rico and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jonathan Boss
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Zaira Rosario
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Carmen M Vélez-Vega
- University of Puerto Rico Graduate School of Public Health, UPR Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States
| | - Akram Alshawabkeh
- College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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9
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Castiello F, Olmedo P, Gil F, Molina M, Mundo A, Romero RR, Ruíz C, Gómez-Vida J, Vela-Soria F, Freire C. Association of urinary metal concentrations with blood pressure and serum hormones in Spanish male adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:108958. [PMID: 31835118 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association of urinary concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) with blood pressure (BP) and serum hormone levels in male adolescents. METHODS Participants were selected from the INMA (Environment and Childhood)-Granada cohort at their follow-up visit when aged 15-17 years. Metal concentrations were measured in urine samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Outcomes were BP measurements (systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure) recorded during the visit and concurrent serum levels of thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and adrenal hormones. Associations were assessed by regression analysis in a sub-sample of 133 boys with available data on urinary metals, outcomes, and relevant covariates. RESULTS Models simultaneously adjusted for all metals and other potential confounders showed that urinary As and Cd were both associated with slight elevations in systolic BP (0.70 mmHg, 95%CI = 0.11; 1.29 and 1.47, 95%CI = 0.30; 2.63, respectively, per each 50% increase in metal concentrations), and urinary As was also associated with an increased risk of elevated systolic BP (≥120 mmHg) (OR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.04; 1.56). The presence of detectable levels of 4 and 5 versus 2-3 non-essential metals (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb) per boy was associated with elevations in systolic BP of 5.84 mmHg (95%CI = 0.40; 11.3) and 7.01 mmHg (95%CI = 1.01; 13.0), respectively (p-trend = 0.05). Significant associations were also found between Hg and increased testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) and decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); between the combination of As and Hg and increased LH and insulin-like growth factor 1; between Cr and decreased TSH; and between Cd and increased adrenocorticotropic hormone. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that combined exposure to toxic metals, especially As and Cd, may contribute to BP elevation in male adolescents and that exposure to Hg, As, Cd, and Cr may affect their hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Castiello
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Pablo Olmedo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology, and Physical Anthropology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Fernando Gil
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology, and Physical Anthropology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Marina Molina
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Antonio Mundo
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Raquel R Romero
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Carlos Ruíz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - José Gómez-Vida
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Fernando Vela-Soria
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain.
| | - Carmen Freire
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.Granada), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, 18012 Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
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Yao Q, Zhou G, Xu M, Dai J, Qian Z, Cai Z, Zhang L, Tan Y, Hu R. Blood metal levels and serum testosterone concentrations in male and female children and adolescents: NHANES 2011-2012. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224892. [PMID: 31697766 PMCID: PMC6837506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposure to metals is ubiquitous, but its relation to androgen hormone levels is not well understood, especially in children and adolescents. This study aimed to explore the relationship between blood metal concentrations (lead, cadmium, total mercury, selenium, and manganese) and serum total testosterone (TT) levels in 6–19-year-old children and adolescents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012. Weighted multivariable linear regression models using NHANES sampling weights were employed to evaluate the association between log-transformed serum TT and each metal categories in male and female children (age 6-11years) and adolescents (age 12–19 years). We established that blood cadmium and manganese levels were associated with significantly higher serum TT levels in the female adolescents. Additionally, the blood selenium levels in male adolescents were related to significantly higher serum TT. No significant associations between blood lead or total mercury levels and TT were observed in children or adolescents of either sex. These findings suggest that environmental exposure to certain metals could affect serum TT levels in adolescents, which might have important implications for the health of adolescents. Further research is required to confirm and extend our present findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ge Zhou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meilin Xu
- Medical department life science China, GE healthcare China, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Dai
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ziwei Qian
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zijing Cai
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong Tan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail: (RH); (YT)
| | - Rongkui Hu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail: (RH); (YT)
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11
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Ashrap P, Sánchez BN, Téllez-Rojo MM, Basu N, Tamayo-Ortiz M, Peterson KE, Meeker JD, Watkins DJ. In utero and peripubertal metals exposure in relation to reproductive hormones and sexual maturation and progression among girls in Mexico City. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108630. [PMID: 31421446 PMCID: PMC6734930 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that several metals are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In utero development and adolescence are critical windows of susceptibility to EDC exposure. With the exception of a few heavy metals, few human studies have evaluated the impact of metal exposure on pubertal development. Our aim was to investigate measures of in utero and peripubertal metal exposure in relation to reproductive hormone levels and sexual maturation and progression among girls from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohorts. We measured urinary concentrations of aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in samples collected from women during their third trimester of pregnancy and from their female children at 8-13 years (n = 132). We measured serum testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), inhibin B, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) at age 8-13, and assessed Tanner stages for sexual maturation (breast, pubic hair development, and menarche status), at two time points (8-13, 14-18 years). We used linear regression to independently examine in utero and peripubertal metal concentrations as predictors of peripubertal hormones. In a longitudinal analysis using generalized estimation equations, we evaluated Tanner stage and menarche progression in relation to individual in utero and peripubertal metal concentrations. We found that higher in utero Zn was associated with increased inhibin B. Several metals at 8-13 years were associated with higher DHEA-S and estradiol, while Ni was positively but Cu was negatively associated with testosterone. In utero Ni, Al, and Cd were associated with slower progression of breast development after adjustment for child age and BMI z-score. For example, an IQR increase in in utero Al exposure was associated with 0.82 times lower odds of progressing to a higher Tanner stage for breast development per year (95% CI: 0.68, 0.99). Peripubertal concentrations of Ba and Al were also associated with being at a higher pubic hair Tanner stage and menarche at 8-13, but lower odds of progressing to the next stage at 14-18 years. We used Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to model the joint effect of multiple metals while accounting for correlated exposures, as well as potential non-linear relationships between metals and outcomes of interest, which yielded results similar to individual analyses. These findings suggest that female reproductive development may be vulnerable to the effects of metal exposure, and using both Tanner stages and hormone levels may provide clues about underlying mechanisms in two sensitive periods of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pahriya Ashrap
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brisa N Sánchez
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Martha M Téllez-Rojo
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; Mexican Council for Science and Technology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karen E Peterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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Sapra KJ, Barr DB, Maisog JM, Sundaram R, Buck Louis GM. Time-to-Pregnancy Associated With Couples' Use of Tobacco Products. Nicotine Tob Res 2016; 18:2154-2161. [PMID: 27190399 PMCID: PMC5055740 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntw132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies suggest female smoking increases time-to-pregnancy (TTP), a couple-dependent reproductive outcome, while associations with male smoking are more ambiguous. Furthermore, despite small increases in smokeless tobacco use in the United States, no prior study has evaluated TTP among smokeless tobacco users. METHODS Using population-based sampling in 16 counties in Michigan and Texas, 501 couples discontinuing contraception to become pregnant were followed until positive pregnancy test or 12 months of trying. Participants were interviewed on lifetime and current cigarette, cigar, and chew/snuff (smokeless) use and provided blood samples for quantification of heavy metals and cotinine. Fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated, adjusted for demographics/lifestyle. FORs less than 1 reflect longer TTP. RESULTS Eleven percentage of females and 15% of males smoked cigarettes. Among men, 14% smoked cigars, 9% used snuff, and 2% used chew. Compared with never tobacco users, male (FOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.68) and female (FOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.85) smoking were individually associated with longer TTP; males' smoking remained significant (FOR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.79) when modeling partners together. Cadmium levels were higher in smokers than smokeless tobacco and never users; adjusting for cadmium attenuated the cigarette-TTP association, particularly among women. TTP was shorter among smokeless tobacco users relative to smokers (FOR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.47, 5.57). CONCLUSIONS Compared with never users, smokeless tobacco did not alter TTP in our cohort; however, TTP was shorter compared with smokers. We observed longer TTP in male and female smokers; cadmium may partially contribute. IMPLICATIONS Both partners' preconception smoking contributed to longer TTP, highlighting the importance of both partners' lifestyles in healthy reproduction and underscores the need for couple-based preconception guidance. The male's contribution is a new finding. Higher cadmium levels may partially contribute to longer TTP in smokers, particularly among females. Though we do not observe longer TTP among a small sample of smokeless tobacco users compared with never tobacco users, we observe shorter TTP compared with smokers. Further work is needed to more thoroughly delineate the relationship between smokeless tobacco use and TTP and possible mechanisms of tobacco use's effects on reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J. Sapra
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD
| | - Dana B. Barr
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Rajeshwari Sundaram
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD
| | - Germaine M. Buck Louis
- Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD
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Perelomov LV, Perelomova IV, Venevtseva UL. The toxic effects of trace elements on male reproductive health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s0362119716030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Rotter I, Kosik-Bogacka DI, Dołęgowska B, Safranow K, Kuczyńska M, Laszczyńska M. Analysis of the relationship between the blood concentration of several metals, macro- and micronutrients and endocrine disorders associated with male aging. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2016; 38:749-761. [PMID: 26254889 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-015-9758-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Beyond 30 years of age, men experience a decline in the production of testosterone, yet only a few develop late-onset hypogonadism. This study was designed to determine the relationship between blood concentrations of metals, macro- and micronutrients and age-related testosterone deficiency and associated hormonal changes in aging men. The research involved 313 men aged 50-75 years. We used ELISA to determine the concentrations of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). We calculated free androgen index (FAI). With the use of emission spectrometry in inductively coupled argon plasma, we determined the whole-blood concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and tungsten (W), as well as serum concentrations of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo). The study showed no relationship between TT and FT and the concentrations of metals. Men with TT deficiency had significantly lower concentrations of Mg and Fe and increased Mn. Men with FT deficiency had higher W and Cr levels and lower Fe. Assessing the correlation between the concentrations of hormones, SHBG and FAI, and the concentration of metals and macro- and microelements in the blood of the men, we found positive correlations between the concentrations of TT-Mg, TT-Fe, TT-Mo, FT-Fe, E2-As, SHBG-Mn, FAI-W, FAI-As, FAI-Zn and FAI-Ca, and negative correlations between the concentrations of TT-Mn, FT-Cd, FT-Cr, E2-Hg, E2-Cr, SHBG-W, SHBG-As, SHBG-Zn, SHBG-Ca, FAI-Pb and FAI-Mn. Positive correlations between As and E2 and between As and FAI may suggest a lack of association between this metal and hypogonadism in people not exposed to excess As levels. Our research indicates a positive relationship between the concentrations of Mg, Fe and Zn and endocrine system in aging men, in contrast to Mn and Cr. Toxic metals (Cd, Pb) seemed to negatively affect the level of bioavailable testosterone. In persons not exposed to As, As does not contribute late-onset hypogonadism. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg and W) may contribute to a lower concentration of DHEAS. The role of W in men with LOH was found to be ambiguous, as on the one hand its concentration was higher in men with FT deficiency, and on the other hand it positively correlated with FAI, which in turn indirectly indicates testosterone availability. Copper and selenium do not seem to play any significant role in the occurrence of TT deficiency in aging men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Rotter
- Independent Laboratory of Medical Rehabilitation, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Danuta I Kosik-Bogacka
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Barbara Dołęgowska
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostics, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kuczyńska
- Department of Human Sciences in Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maria Laszczyńska
- Department of Histology and Developmental Biology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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Kresovich JK, Argos M, Turyk ME. Associations of lead and cadmium with sex hormones in adult males. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 142:25-33. [PMID: 26093239 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal exposures are ubiquitous in the environment and their relation to sex hormones is not well understood. This paper investigates the associations between selected heavy metals (lead and cadmium) and sex hormones (testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, free estradiol) as well as other major molecules in the steroid biosynthesis pathway (androstanedione glucuronide and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG)). Blood lead and cadmium were selected as biomarkers of exposure, and tested for associations in males using National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999-2004. After adjustment for age, race, body mass index, smoking status, diabetes and alcohol intake, blood lead was positively associated with testosterone and SHBG while blood cadmium was positively associated with SHBG. After controlling for additional heavy metal exposure, the associations between lead and testosterone as well as cadmium and SHBG remained significant. Furthermore, the association between blood lead and testosterone was modified by smoking status (P for interaction=0.011), diabetes (P for interaction=0.021) and blood cadmium (P for interaction=0.029). The association between blood cadmium and SHBG levels was modified by blood lead (P for interaction=0.004). This study is the most comprehensive investigation to date regarding the association between heavy metals and sex hormones in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob K Kresovich
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois-Chicago, School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Maria Argos
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois-Chicago, School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mary E Turyk
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois-Chicago, School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
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Lewis RC, Meeker JD. Biomarkers of exposure to molybdenum and other metals in relation to testosterone among men from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012. Fertil Steril 2014; 103:172-8. [PMID: 25439796 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the potential associations between biomarkers of metal exposure and serum testosterone in men of reproductive age in the general US population. DESIGN Cross-sectional epidemiology study with adjustment for potential confounders. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Men recruited in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). INTERVENTION(S) Metal concentrations measured in whole blood, urine, and/or serum samples collected from 484 men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Serum T concentration. RESULT(S) Concentrations of the metals were detected in 69%-100% of the samples. In adjusted analyses where metals were modeled as a continuous variable, we found significant inverse associations between urinary molybdenum and serum copper and serum T, whereas there were significant positive associations between blood lead and cadmium and serum T. When metals were categorized into quartiles, analyses for serum copper and blood lead and cadmium produced significant associations in the same direction as the continuous measures. A suggestive inverse association was observed between quartiles of urinary molybdenum and serum T, but the association was statistically significant when molybdenum was categorized into quintiles. Significant positive associations were also observed for quartiles of blood Se and serum Zn and serum T. CONCLUSION(S) These findings add to the limited human evidence that exposure to molybdenum and other metals is associated with altered T in men, which may have important implications for male health. More research is needed to confirm the findings of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Lewis
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Lenters V, Portengen L, Smit LAM, Jönsson BAG, Giwercman A, Rylander L, Lindh CH, Spanò M, Pedersen HS, Ludwicki JK, Chumak L, Piersma AH, Toft G, Bonde JP, Heederik D, Vermeulen R. Phthalates, perfluoroalkyl acids, metals and organochlorines and reproductive function: a multipollutant assessment in Greenlandic, Polish and Ukrainian men. Occup Environ Med 2014; 72:385-93. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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18
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Pant N, Kumar G, Upadhyay AD, Patel DK, Gupta YK, Chaturvedi PK. Reproductive toxicity of lead, cadmium, and phthalate exposure in men. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:11066-11074. [PMID: 24816463 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2986-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental toxicants viz lead or cadmium and phthalate esters (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [DEHP], dibutyl phthalate [DBP], and diethyl phthalate [DEP]) widely found in different environmental strata are linked to deteriorating male reproductive health. The objective was to assess the relationships between the seminal lead, cadmium, and phthalate (DEHP, DBP, DEP) concentrations at environmental level and serum hormone levels and semen quality in non-occupationally exposed men and specify the effect of individual and combined exposure of toxicants on semen quality. A study of 60 male partners of couples attending the Andrology Laboratory of the Reproductive Biology Department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India for semen analysis to assess their inability to achieve a pregnancy was selected for the study. The results of univariate and stepwise multiple regression analysis in the unadjusted model showed a significant correlation between lead or cadmium and phthalates DEHP/DBP/DEP and sperm motility, sperm concentration, and DNA damage. After adjusting for potential confounders, an association with lead or DEHP was only observed. The present data shows that lead (Pb) or cadmium (Cd) or phthalates might independently contribute to decline in semen quality and induce DNA damage. Phthalates might influence reproductive hormone testosterone. These findings are significant in light of the fact that men are exposed to a volley of chemicals; however, due to the small sample size, our finding needs to be confirmed in a larger population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Pant
- Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India,
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Gao Y, Lu Y, Huang S, Gao L, Liang X, Wu Y, Wang J, Huang Q, Tang L, Wang G, Yang F, Hu S, Chen Z, Wang P, Jiang Q, Huang R, Xu Y, Yang X, Ong CN. Identifying early urinary metabolic changes with long-term environmental exposure to cadmium by mass-spectrometry-based metabolomics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:6409-18. [PMID: 24834460 DOI: 10.1021/es500750w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a common environmental pollutant, and urinary Cd (UCd) is generally used as a marker of exposure; however, our understanding on the related urinary metabolic changes caused by Cd exposure is still not clear. In this study, we applied a mass-spectrometry-based metabolomic approach to assess the urinary metabolic changes in human with long-term environmental Cd exposure, aimed to identify early biomarkers to assess Cd nephrotoxicity. Urine samples from 94 female never smokers aged 44-70 with UCd in the range of 0.20-68.67 μg/L were analyzed by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-ToF-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that metabolites related to amino acid metabolism (L-glutamine, L-cystine, L-tyrosine, N-methyl-L-histidine, L-histidinol, taurine, phenylacetylglutamine, hippurate, and pyroglutamic acid), galactose metabolism (D-galactose and myo-inositol), purine metabolism (xanthine, urea, and deoxyadenosine monophosphate), creatine pathway (creatine and creatinine), and steroid hormone biosynthesis (17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, tetrahydrocortisone, estrone, and corticosterone) were significantly higher among those with a UCd level higher than 5 μg/L. Moreover, we noticed that the level of N-methyl-L-histidine had already started to elevate among individuals with a UCd concentration of ≥2 μg/L. The overall findings illustrate that metabolomics offer a useful approach for revealing metabolic changes as a result of Cd exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention , 160 Qunxian Road, Panyu, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511430, People's Republic of China
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Yoshinaga J, Imai K, Shiraishi H, Nozawa S, Yoshiike M, Mieno MN, Andersson AM, Iwamoto T. Pyrethroid insecticide exposure and reproductive hormone levels in healthy Japanese male subjects. Andrology 2014; 2:416-20. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00202.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Yoshinaga
- Department of Environmental Studies; University of Tokyo; Kashiwa Chiba Japan
| | - K. Imai
- Department of Environmental Studies; University of Tokyo; Kashiwa Chiba Japan
| | - H. Shiraishi
- National Institute for Environmental Studies; Tsukuba Ibaraki Japan
| | - S. Nozawa
- Department of Urology; St. Marianna University School of Medicine; Kawasaki Kanagawa Japan
| | - M. Yoshiike
- Department of Urology; St. Marianna University School of Medicine; Kawasaki Kanagawa Japan
| | - M. N. Mieno
- Centre for Information; Jichi Medical University; Shimotsuke Tochigi Japan
| | - A.-M. Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - T. Iwamoto
- Department of Urology; St. Marianna University School of Medicine; Kawasaki Kanagawa Japan
- Center for Infertility and IVF; International University of Health and Welfare Hospital; Nasushiobara Tochigi Japan
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21
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Ciarrocca M, Capozzella A, Tomei F, Tomei G, Caciari T. Exposure to cadmium in male urban and rural workers and effects on FSH, LH and testosterone. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:2077-84. [PMID: 23290941 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.10.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the relationship between exposure to cadmium and circulating reproductive hormone levels in urban and rural male workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Urinary cadmium, blood cadmium, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were obtained from 86 non-smoking traffic policemen and 86 subjects working as roadmen in a rural area. All subjects were monitored to evaluate airborne exposure to cadmium. RESULTS The mean value of exposure to cadmium was 1.3 ng m(-3) in traffic policemen, while the mean value was less than 0.5 ng m(-3) in roadmen. The mean concentrations of urinary cadmium (1.4 vs. 0.9 μg g(-1) creatinine; p=0.001), blood cadmium (1.1 vs. 0.7 μg l(-1); p=0.000), FSH (2.6 vs. 3.2 μlU ml(-1); p=0.02) and LH (2.6 vs. 3.1 μlU ml(-1); p=0.03) were significantly different between traffic policemen and roadmen. No differences were found in the mean values of testosterone between the two groups. Multiple linear regression models showed associations between (a) urinary cadmium, airborne cadmium, working life, job category and consumption of water from water supply (b) blood cadmium, airborne cadmium and job category (c) the values of FSH and age, working life, job category, urinary cadmium and blood cadmium (d) the values of LH and both the age and working life. CONCLUSION The above results must be confirmed by further studies, but they indicate the influence of exposure to the cadmium present in urban air on the circulating FSH, even at low doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ciarrocca
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
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22
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Jackson LW, Howards PP, Wactawski-Wende J, Schisterman EF. The association between cadmium, lead and mercury blood levels and reproductive hormones among healthy, premenopausal women. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:2887-95. [PMID: 21778284 PMCID: PMC3174033 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cadmium, lead and mercury have been identified in human follicular fluid and ovarian tissue, and have been associated with adverse reproductive outcomes in epidemiologic studies; however, few studies have examined the relationship between blood metal levels and reproductive hormones. METHODS Among 252 premenopausal women aged 18-44 years, we examined the association between blood metal levels (cadmium, lead and mercury), cycle length, and reproductive hormones [FSH, LH, estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone] measured at clinically relevant time points in the menstrual cycle. The association between metal levels (continuous) and hormone levels was assessed using linear regression with hormone levels (natural) log transformed and the results interpreted as the percentage difference in hormone level per unit increase in metal level. RESULTS Median (interquartile range) cadmium, lead and mercury levels were 0.30 µg/l (0.19, 0.43), 0.87 µg/dl (0.68, 1.20) and 1.10 µg/l (0.58, 2.10), respectively. Each 1 µg/l increase in cadmium levels was associated with a 21% [95% confidence interval (CI): -2.9, 49.9] increase in early follicular phase E(2) levels after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, lead and mercury. This association decreased when restricted to never smokers (10%; 95% CI: -19.5, 51.3). Cadmium was also associated with a non-significant 9% (95% CI: -0.2, 19.9), or 2.7 day, increase in cycle length among never smokers. No associations were observed between lead or mercury and the outcomes in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS Further evaluation of the association between cadmium, E(2) and cycle length is warranted, taking into consideration cigarette smoke and its multiple components.
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Affiliation(s)
- L W Jackson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106-4945, USA.
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23
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Dhooge W, den Hond E, Koppen G, Bruckers L, Nelen V, van de Mieroop E, Bilau M, Croes K, Baeyens W, Schoeters G, van Larebeke N. Internal exposure to pollutants and sex hormone levels in Flemish male adolescents in a cross-sectional study: associations and dose-response relationships. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2011; 21:106-13. [PMID: 20010975 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2009.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Flanders is densely populated with much industry and intensive farming. Hormonal status of 14- to 15-year-old male adolescents was studied in relation to internal exposure to pollutants. A total of 887 participants were selected as a random sample of the adolescents residing in the study areas. Confounding factors and significant covariates were taken into account. Serum levels of testosterone, free testosterone and estradiol, and the aromatase index showed significant positive associations with serum levels of marker polychlorobiphenyls (sum of PCBs 138, 153, and 180) and of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and a negative association with urinary cadmium concentration. Serum levels of estradiol also showed a positive association with serum levels of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE). A doubling of serum concentrations of marker PCBs and HCB and of urinary concentration of cadmium were, respectively, associated with an increase of 16.4% (P<0.00001) and 16.6% (P<0.001) and a decrease of 9.6% (P<0.001) in serum testosterone concentration. Similar findings were made after additional adjustment for concurrent exposures. Associations between biological effects and internal exposures were, in terms of the regression coefficient, often stronger at exposures below the median. Environmental exposures to pollutants resulting in "normal" levels of internal exposure were associated with quite substantial differences in hormone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem Dhooge
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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24
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Meeker JD, Rossano MG, Protas B, Padmanahban V, Diamond MP, Puscheck E, Daly D, Paneth N, Wirth JJ. Environmental exposure to metals and male reproductive hormones: circulating testosterone is inversely associated with blood molybdenum. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:130-40. [PMID: 18990371 PMCID: PMC2823119 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2008] [Revised: 09/04/2008] [Accepted: 09/09/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore associations between exposure to metals and male reproductive hormone levels. DESIGN Cross-sectional epidemiology study with adjustment for potential confounders. SETTING University Medical Center. PATIENT(S) Men recruited through two infertility clinics in Michigan. INTERVENTION(S) Metal concentrations and reproductive hormone levels were measured in blood samples collected from 219 men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Serum FSH, LH, inhibin B, T, and sex hormone-binding globulin levels. RESULT(S) Cadmium, copper, and lead were all significantly or suggestively positively associated with T when modeled individually, findings that are consistent with limited previous human and animal studies. Conversely, molybdenum was associated with reduced T. A significant inverse trend between molybdenum and T remained when additionally considering other metals in the model, and a positive association between T and zinc was also found. Finally, in exploratory analysis there was evidence for an interaction between molybdenum and zinc, whereby high molybdenum was associated with a 37% reduction in T (relative to the population median level) among men with low zinc. CONCLUSION(S) Although reductions in T and reproductive toxicity after molybdenum exposure have been previously demonstrated in animal studies, more research is needed to determine whether molybdenum poses a risk to human reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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