Impact of heavy metals on hormonal and immunological factors in women with repeated miscarriages.
In 111 women with repeated miscarriages, the urinary excretion of heavy metals was determined in a challenge test with the chelating agent 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulphonic acid in addition to hormonal, chromosomal, immunological and uterine investigations. The heavy metal excretion was correlated to different immunological (natural killer cells, T cell subpopulations) and hormonal (progesterone, oestradiol, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone) parameters. We conclude that heavy metals seem to have a negative impact on ovarian as well as on pituitary function. The heavy metal-induced immunological changes may interfere with the physiological adaptation of the immune system to the state of pregnancy with the result of a miscarriage. The observed heavy metal-induced hormonal and immunological changes may be important factors in the pathogenesis of repeated miscarriages.
Gerhard
I
I
Department of Endocrinology and Reproduction, University Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Heidelberg, Germany.
Waibel
S
S
Daniel
V
V
Runnebaum
B
B
D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology / Q000652:urine; D002614:Chelating Agents; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000652:urine; D011247:Pregnancy
D002614:Chelating Agents; D006728:Hormones; D019216:Metals, Heavy