Abstract
Reproductive organs are essential not only for the life of an individual but also for the survival and development of the species. The response of reproductive organs to toxic substances differs from that of other target organs, and they may serve as an ideal “barometer” for the deleterious effects of environmental pollution on animal and human health. The incidence of infertility, cancers, and associated maladies has increased in the last fifty years or more, while various anthropogenic activities have released into the environment numerous toxic substances, including cadmium, lead, and mercury. Data from epidemiological studies suggested that environmental exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury may have produced reproductive and developmental toxicity. The present review focused on experimental studies using rats, mice, avian, and rabbits to demonstrate unambiguously effects of cadmium, lead, or mercury on the structure and function of reproductive organs. In addition, relevant human studies are discussed. The experimental studies reviewed have indicated that the testis and ovary are particularly sensitive to cadmium, lead, and mercury because these organs are distinguished by an intense cellular activity, where vital processes of spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and folliculogenesis occur. In ovaries, manifestation of toxicity induced by cadmium, lead, or mercury included decreased follicular growth, occurrence of follicular atresia, degeneration of the corpus luteum, and alterations in cycle. In testes, toxic effects following exposure to cadmium, lead, or mercury included alterations of seminiferous tubules, testicular stroma, and decrease of spermatozoa count, motility and viability, and aberrant spermatozoa morphology.
Highlights
Reproduction is an important biological trait to produce new individual organisms and is fundamental for the life of an individual as well as the survival and development of the species [1].The reproductive system controls the morphological development and physiological differences between males and females as well as influences the behavior of the organism
We sought to review evidence for reproductive toxicity induced by cadmium, lead, and mercury focusing on changes in the structure and function of male and female reproductive organs of various animal species
An age-specific effect of cadmium in women was evident from a study using anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) that is secreted by granulosa cells of antral follicles as an indicator of ovarian function [44]
Summary
Reproduction is an important biological trait to produce new individual organisms and is fundamental for the life of an individual as well as the survival and development of the species [1]. Impaired reproductive function is often related to environmental exposure to toxic substances, including toxic metals, namely cadmium, lead, and mercury to which most populations are exposed. These metals are listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as toxicants of major public health concern (https://www.who.int/ipcs/assessment/public_health/chemicals_phc/en/). We sought to review evidence for reproductive toxicity induced by cadmium, lead, and mercury focusing on changes in the structure and function of male and female reproductive organs of various animal species. Some of these aspects have been covered in published reports [4–9]. In relation to male infertility, cadmium is ranked as a highly toxic element [28,29]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
