Evaluating the effects of heavy metals on seminal fluid antioxidant status and semen parameters among males with infertility at a tertiary centre in Nigeria
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Date
2024-11-15
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Karnavati University
Abstract
investigative tool of male infertility, has become necessary that focus should be on elucidating the aetiopathogenic causes of male fertility.
This includes the impact of environmental toxic products such as levels of heavy metals that have been proposed to impact both the sperm
quality and seminal antioxidant status. The study assessed how the seminal concentrations of specific heavy metals such as cadmium, lead
and Iron affect the seminal fluid analysis (SFA) parameters and seminal antioxidant status of males exhibiting abnormal parameters of sperm,
analysing infertile male patients consecutively in a cross‑sectional manner, with at least one abnormal SFA parameter, at a tertiary health
centre. Materials and Methods: One hundred and thirty consenting males who have one or several anomalies with sperm characteristics
were selected as subjects. Semen samples were collected, processed and centrifuged. The supernatants were analysed for the heavy metals
using Buck Scientific 210/211VGP Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers 220GF Graphite Furnace and 220AS Autosampler and
seminal Vitamins C and E, using spectrophotometric method and glutathione peroxidase, whereas catalase was analysed using ELISA method.
Results: Subjects’ seminal levels of Cd, Fe and Pb were notably greater than those of controls, respectively. In addition, individuals’ levels of
seminal antioxidants were noticeably lower than controls. Seminal antioxidant status and Seminal Cd, Fe and Pb were positive and negative
significantly correlated with sperm count and active motility, respectively. Conclusion: Laboratory quantification of the seminal concentrations of
these heavy metals in the evaluation of males with infertility, especially those still regarded as idiopathic, because of limitations of investigative
tools and biomarkers, will be of clinical utility, in both the management and prevention of sperm quality deterioration
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Antioxidants, heavy metals, male infertility, spermatozoa