The impact of heavy metals exposure on male fertility: a scoping review of human studies.

Q3 Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology Pub Date : 2025-04-22 eCollection Date: 2025-03-01 DOI:10.1515/jbcpp-2025-0049

Carlo Giulioni, Federico Falsetti, Valentina Maurizi, Francesco Del Giudice, Felice Crocetto, Ciro Imbimbo, Angelo Cafarelli

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction: Male infertility is a critical global health issue, with environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As), impacting male reproductive health. This scoping review aims to evaluate the effects of heavy metal exposure on semen parameters.

Content: This study adhered to the 2020 PRISMA framework. A broad literature search was performed on January 2025, using Embase, PUBMED, and Scopus. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus on January 12, 2025, using a combination of Medical Subject terms and keywords.

Summary: Of the 1,709 identified studies, 21 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Findings indicate that lead exposure negatively impacts sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, primarily through oxidative stress and enzymatic inhibition. Cadmium disrupts the blood-testis barrier and acrosomal function, leading to sperm abnormalities. Arsenic exposure is linked to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and impaired sperm motility.

Outlook: The cumulative evidence supports a strong association between heavy metal exposure and male infertility. This review underscores the need for stricter occupational safety regulations and environmental policies to mitigate heavy metal exposure.

查看原文本刊更多论文

重金属暴露对男性生育能力的影响：人类研究的范围审查。

导言：男性不育是一个严重的全球健康问题，环境和职业暴露于重金属，如铅（Pb）、镉（Cd）、汞（Hg）和砷（as），影响男性生殖健康。本综述旨在评价重金属暴露对精液参数的影响。内容：本研究遵循2020 PRISMA框架。于2025年1月使用Embase、PUBMED和Scopus进行了广泛的文献检索。在2025年1月12日使用PubMed、Embase和Scopus进行了全面的文献检索，使用医学主题术语和关键字的组合。总结：在1709项研究中，21项符合纳入标准并被分析。研究结果表明，铅暴露主要通过氧化应激和酶抑制对精子浓度、活力和形态产生负面影响。镉破坏血睾丸屏障和顶体功能，导致精子异常。砷暴露与氧化应激、细胞凋亡和精子活力受损有关。展望：累积证据支持重金属暴露与男性不育之间的强烈关联。这一审查强调需要制定更严格的职业安全法规和环境政策，以减轻重金属暴露。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics-Pharmacology

CiteScore

3.90

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology (JBCPP) is a peer-reviewed bi-monthly published journal in experimental medicine. JBCPP publishes novel research in the physiological and pharmacological sciences, including brain research; cardiovascular-pulmonary interactions; exercise; thermal control; haematology; immune response; inflammation; metabolism; oxidative stress; and phytotherapy. As the borders between physiology, pharmacology and biochemistry become increasingly blurred, we also welcome papers using cutting-edge techniques in cellular and/or molecular biology to link descriptive or behavioral studies with cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the integrative processes. Topics: Behavior and Neuroprotection, Reproduction, Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity, Vascular Conditions, Cardiovascular Function, Cardiovascular-Pulmonary Interactions, Oxidative Stress, Metabolism, Immune Response, Hematological Profile, Inflammation, Infection, Phytotherapy.