Air Pollution and Reproduction: A focus on the clinical perspective

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Air pollution is widely known to affect human cardiopulmonary health, but only recently has research begun to focus on understanding the association between ambient air pollution and reproduction. METHODS: In this 15-minute symposia presentation, I will provide a basic overview of relevant potential biological mechanisms after air pollution exposures on reproductive physiology. The physiology of human reproduction and the pathophysiology of infertility, clinical aspects in relation to outcome definitions, exposure assessment, and will be discussed using literature review and clinical experience. Key papers will be discussed within the clinical context of reproductive endocrinology and infertility with a focus on early embryo development and the uterine micro-environment. RESULTS:Human reproduction requires gametogenesis, fertilization, implantation, and post-fertilization fetal development. Ambient in-vitro and in-vivo embryo growth environments will be compared in relation to gaseous concentrations, including oxygen and carbon dioxide. Existing research on air pollution and reproduction will be discussed in relation to clinical aspects of gamete development and embryo culture environments. CONCLUSIONS:Air pollution exposures have been studied in the clinical fertility centers as well as at a population level. Air pollution exposures, broadly defined, have an impact on human reproduction, though much is still yet to be determined. Using a physiological basis, including embryo development and the uterine air pollution exposures and reproductive outcomes. KEYWORDS: air pollution, gametogenesis, fertilization, implantation, post-fertilization development