Toxic trace metals and human oocytes during in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Trace exposures to the toxic metals mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) may threaten human reproductive health. The aim of this study is to generate biologically-plausible hypotheses concerning associations between Hg, Cd, and Pb and in vitro fertilization (IVF) endpoints. For 15 female IVF patients, a multivariable log-binomial model suggests a 75% reduction in the probability for a retrieved oocyte to be in metaphase-II arrest for each microg/dL increase in blood Pb concentration (relative risk (RR)=0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-2.50, P=0.240). For 15 male IVF partners, each microg/L increase in urine Cd concentration is associated with an 81% decrease in the probability for oocyte fertilization (RR=0.19, 95% CI 0.03-1.35, P=0.097). Because of the magnitude of the effects, these results warrant a comprehensive study with sufficient statistical power to further evaluate these hypotheses.
Bloom
Michael S
MS
Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA. mbloom@uamail.albany.edu
Parsons
Patrick J
PJ
Steuerwald
Amy J
AJ
Schisterman
Enrique F
EF
Browne
Richard W
RW
Kim
Keewan
K
Coccaro
Gregory A
GA
Conti
Giulia C
GC
Narayan
Natasha
N
Fujimoto
Victor Y
VY
D015415:Biomarkers; D002104:Cadmium / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000187:drug effects*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000097:blood; D008670:Metals / Q000097:blood; D008677:Metaphase; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000097:blood*
D015415:Biomarkers; D008670:Metals; D014131:Trace Elements; D002104:Cadmium; D008628:Mercury