The Role of Cadmium as a Causative Agent of Recurrent Abortion in Egyptian Women

Abstract

ABSTRACT Environmental pollution is one of the ever surging problems receiving careful attention in Egypt, as well as in the world. It has been evidenced that environmental pollutants play an important role in the manifestations of severe reproductive-associated disorders. Among them, an environmental pollutant, Cd, has contributed to several deleterious effects. Maternal exposure to Cd is associated with low birthweight and an increase in spontaneous abortion. Spontaneous abortion is highly frustrating for both patients and physicians. The data from the present study reveal that there was a significant increase in blood level of Cd in the aborter groups as compared to the control group of healthy women. Also there was a significant decrease in serum ferritin, which correlated positively with abortion. Also, plasma levels of malondialdehyde were significantly elevated in aborter groups. There was also a highly significant increase in plasma 8-hydroxyl-2-deoxyguanosine in the aborter groups as compared to the control group, accompanied by a significant decrease in plasma carnosine in aborter groups as compared with the control group. In the same manner there was a reduction in the progesterone hormone in aborter groups. Our results suggest that exposure to Cd is associated with an increased risk of recurrent spontaneous abortion in Egyptian women.