DNA Fragmentation in Spermatozoa due to Cadmium and Lead Intoxication among Some Egyptian Population

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

2 Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

The present study aimed to throw the light on cadmium and lead concentrations in seminal plasma among some Egyptian men with infertility history that are likely to be representative of those toxins among the Egyptian general population and to predict the most affected semen parameters by the above metals. In addition, the current study aims to explore the possible correlation of spermatozoa DNA damage with the cadmium and lead metals concentration. Ninety semen samples obtained from patients attending the andrology out-patient's clinic, Mansoura University Hospital. Studied groups include group of idiopathic infertile men (n=46) and group of fertile healthy men (n=44) who matched according to age and residence. Semen analysis results revealed highly statistical significant differences on comparing infertile to fertile groups. There was highly statistical significant increase in cadmium and lead seminal plasma levels on comparing infertile to fertile groups. DNA laddering test revealed 82.6% DNA damage in infertile group comparing to 11.4% in fertile group. The results revealed a positive correlation between both metals level and spermatozoa DNA damage percentage in infertile group. Linear regression analysis revealed that exposure to cadmium affected sperm motility then sperm function while, exposure to lead affected sperm motility then morphology. In conclusion, chronic low-level exposure to environmental toxicants such as cadmium and lead impair male reproductive ability.

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