Influence of lifestyle factors on reproductive hormones and micronutrients in workers occupationally exposed to heavy metals

Context: Unhealthy lifestyles or social habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption in addition to heavy metals exposure may enhance alterations in micronutrients and fertility hormones. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the influence of smoking and alcohol consumption on reproductive hormones and micronutrients in workers exposed to heavy metals. Materials and Methods: Fifty workers from auto repair workshops and 44 occupationally unexposed control participants were recruited for the study. The occupationally exposed workers and control were further grouped into alcohol drinking smokers (ADS) and abstainers. The occupationally exposed workers comprised 28 ADS and 22 abstainers, while the control comprised 24 ADS and 20 abstainers. Blood samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn); testosterone (Tt), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH); and statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Pb, Cd, FSH, and LH levels were significantly higher, while Se, Zn, and Tt levels were significantly lower in the occupationally exposed workers compared to the control. Blood Pb and Cd levels in the exposed ADS were significantly higher compared to exposed abstainers and the control groups. Blood Se level was significantly lower in the exposed ADS compared to the exposed abstainers and control groups (P < 0.05). Blood Zn level in the exposed ADS was significantly lower compared to the exposed abstainers and abstainers in the control group. Serum Tt level was significantly lower in the exposed ADS compared to the exposed abstainers and control groups (P < 0.05). The serum FSH and LH were significantly higher in the exposed ADS compared to the control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Smoking and alcohol consumption may exacerbate the adverse effect of heavy metal exposure on reproductive health and fertility. Hence, these workers should be enlightened on the imminent dangers of such unhealthy habits.