Essential trace and toxic elemental concentrations in biological samples of male adult referent and Eunuch subjects

Abstract

BackgroundThe influence of essential nutrients such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) on male fertility has been extensively studied. For reproductive health, adequate spermatogenesis, sperm maturation and motility, as well as optimal sperm function, these essential elements are required. Several pathologic and male infertility disorders have been linked to an imbalance of these elements. MethodsThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between essential and toxic elements, such as Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg Se, and Zn, as well as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in human biological samples, such as blood, serum, and seminal plasma, from 96 referent male adults aged 21 to 49 years, who were further divided into three age groups. The biological samples of Eunuch people (n = 37), ranging in age from 21 to 42 years, were also analysed for comparison. The method of acid digestion was controlled by a microwave oven. The essential and toxic elements in the oxidised biological samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Certified reference material of blood and serum was being used to validate the methodology's accuracy. ResultThe Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn concentrations in blood and serum samples of Eunuch people were found to be lower, whereas Cd, Pb, and Hg levels were significantly higher than those found in data from normal adult male subjects (p 0.001). The results reveal that the concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se, and Zn in the seminal plasma of adult male participants in the younger age group (21–29) were higher than those in the older age groups (30–39) and (40–49). Although essential trace element levels in Eunuch people's biological samples were significantly lower than those observed in adult male subjects. ConclusionEssential elemental deficiency and elevated levels of toxic heavy metals in all biological fluid samples may have significant negative effects on human reproductive health (sperm quality and function), leading to male infertility.