Reproductive toxicity of low-level lead exposure in men

Telišman, S; Čolak, B; Pizent, A; Jurasović, J; Cvitković, P

HERO ID

527447

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2007

Language

English

PMID

17632096

HERO ID 527447
In Press No
Year 2007
Title Reproductive toxicity of low-level lead exposure in men
Authors Telišman, S; Čolak, B; Pizent, A; Jurasović, J; Cvitković, P
Journal Environmental Research
Volume 105
Issue 2
Page Numbers 256-266
Abstract Parameters of semen quality, seminal plasma indicators of secretory function of the prostate-and seminal vesicles, sex hormones in serum, and biomarkers of lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, and selenium body burden were measured in 240 Croatian men 19-52 years of age. The subjects had no occupational exposure to metals and no known other reasons suspected of influencing male reproductive function or metal metabolism. After adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol, blood cadmium, and serum copper, zinc, and selenium by multiple regression, significant (P<0.05) associations of blood lead (BPb), delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), and/or erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) with reproductive parameters indicated a lead-related increase in immature sperm concentration, in percentages of pathologic sperm, wide sperm, round sperm, and short sperm, in serum levels of testosterone and estradiol, and a decrease in seminal plasma zinc and in serum prolactin. These reproductive effects were observed at low-level lead exposure (BPb median 49 mu g/L, range 11-149 mu g/L in the 240 subjects) common for general populations worldwide. The observed significant synergistic effect of BPb and blood cadmium on increasing serum testosterone, and additive effect of a decrease in serum selenium on increasing serum testosterone, may have implications on the initiation and development of prostate cancer because testosterone augments the progress of prostate cancer in its early stages.
Doi 10.1016/j.envres.2007.05.011
Pmid 17632096
Wosid WOS:000250042200010
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Human semen quality; Sex hormones; Prostate damage; Nonoccupational lead exposure; Toxic and essential metals interaction
Relationship(s)