engleski

Metal exposure and reproductive health in men with varicocele

Recent data indicate the association of varicocele with increased Cd and decreased Zn, and with increased parameters of oxidative stress. Data concerning the environmental exposure to low levels of metals in varicocele- associated infertility is scarce. We evaluated the significance of the difference in values of Cd, Hg, Pb in whole blood, Ca, Cu, Fe, Se and Zn in serum, and antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx between the group of men with varicocele and control subjects, and among the subgroups with various degree or intensity of varicocele. Men with varicocele had significantly higher levels of Pb, Cd and GPx in blood and Cu in serum, and significantly lower levels of Ca and Se in serum and SOD in erythrocytes than control subjects. The results showed a significant deterioration in almost all measured reproductive parameters with increasing grade of varicocele. The observed significant inverse relationship between Pb and Cd with Se and SOD suggest that oxidative stress may be implicated in the development of particular Pb- and/or Cd- dependent reproductive effects in patients with varicocele.

multielement analysis; antioxidant enzymes; varicocele grade

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