Evaluation of effect of selected trace elements on dynamics of sperm DNA fragmentation.
BACKGROUND
Lead and cadmium can lead to negative effects on sperm chromatin DNA integrity. Copper, zinc and selenium are essential components of many enzymes which are important for reproduction. The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of lead, cadmium, zinc, copper and selenium on the dynamics of semen DNA fragmentation.


METHODS
The present study concerned 85 fertile and 131 infertile men aged 25-35. DNA fragmentation in the samples was determined after 3 h, 6 h and 12 h. The Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Se measurements were performed by the electrothermal-atomic absorption spectrometry method.


RESULTS
We found that sperm DNA fragmentation was a dynamic process which was intensified with an increase in the level of lead in seminal plasma. The levels of lead and cadmium were higher in seminal plasma of infertile men, compared to fertile men. The levels of zinc, copper and selenium in seminal plasma were higher in men with proven fertility, compared to infertile men, and did not exert a significant effect on the dynamics of sperm DNA fragmentation. The level of cadmium had no significant effect on intensification of sperm DNA fragmentation in time.


CONCLUSIONS
Reports in the literature which concern the effect of trace elements on human reproduction are equivocal. The present study confirmed an unfavourable effect, especially that of lead, on the dynamics of sperm DNA fragmentation; however, these studies need to be expanded and continued in the future.
Diagnostic Techniques Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University Lublin, (Collegium Maximum), Poland.
Artur
A
Wdowiak
Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Obstetric-Gynaecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
Grzegorz
G
Bakalczuk
Non-Public Health Care Unit "Ovum Reproduction and Andrology", Lublin, Poland.
Szymon
S
Bakalczuk
D000328:Adult; D002104:Cadmium; D003300:Copper; D053938:DNA Fragmentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D012643:Selenium; D012661:Semen; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015032:Zinc
D014131:Trace Elements; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead; D003300:Copper; D012643:Selenium; D015032:Zinc