Abstract
Heavy metals and trace elements adversely affect animal health and the reproductive system and its functions through direct or indirect effects on numerous organs and systems. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of heavy metals levels in follicular fluid on a patient undergoing Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) outcomes namely Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Arsenic (As). In comparison between the normal concentration level of Cd and the high concentration level of Cd the present study showed a significant difference in embryos quality (P=0.01611), while no statistically significant difference in pregnancy rate was observed. Although Pb showed a significant difference in embryos quality; grade I embryos in normal level concentration than high-level group (P=0.00021), and grade III embryos were significant in a high-level concentration of Pb than low-level group (P=0.0043). The present study concluded that a high level of heavy metal concentration in the follicular fluid has a harmful effect on the grading of embryos and these lead to a decrease in the chance to select the beast embryos before transferred (Cd and Pb).
Highlights
Human reproductive toxicity associated with a high dose and occupational exposure to mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) has been reported in terms of reduced fecundity and fertility (Rzymski et al, 2015)
El Mohr et al Previous studies have documented that the relationship between persistent inorganic contaminants and increased oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic harm may adversely affect the outcomes of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) patients by determining their concentrations in body tissues; so that controlling exposure to such toxic elements could be of interest to treat couples with reduced fertility, and increase the likelihood of success in assisted reproduction techniques (García-Fortea et al, 2016)
Patient Selection: The exclusion criteria were being ever smoker, The couples were exposed to pollution by smoking or other passive smoking depends on their lifestyle, the woman being 40 years or younger, presence of polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis documented by laparoscopy, hydrosalphinx, abnormal uterine cavity documented by hysterosalpingography (HSG), and having other endocrine disorders
Summary
1-Dr Faris Medical Center for Infertility and Human Reproduction, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt. 2- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Embryology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. 3-Animal reproduction & Artificial Insemination Department, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt. 4-Department of Biology, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka. Saudia Arabia, 5-Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
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