Impacts of Selected Heavy Metals and Pesticides on Sperm Parameters Among Men Being Evaluated for Fertility in A Tertiary Hospital in South-West Nigeria

Authors

  • Waliu O. Oladosu Department of Chemical Pathology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Adekunle O. Okunowo Department of Chemical Pathology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Mukaila A. Alayo Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Olanrewaju S. Jimoh Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Rasaki A. Oyewo Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria
  • Omotola A. Oladosu-Aderolu Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63623/w6ghj032

Keywords:

Heavy metals toxicity, Infertility, Male etiology, Pesticides toxicity, Semen Analysis

Abstract

Background: Research indicates a worldwide decrease in male fertility with limitations in seminal fluid analysis (SFA), focus must shift to identifying underlying causes, including environmental toxins. Assessing seminal pesticide residues and heavy metal levels, as well as their influence on antioxidant status and sperm quality, provides a clear understanding of how environmental factors affect male fertility.

Aim and Objective: To evaluate the influence of seminal concentrations of specific pesticides (Malathion, DDT, Permethrin, and Carbamate) and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Fe) on semen analysis parameters and antioxidant markers (vitamins C and E, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) in men exhibiting abnormal compared to normal sperm profiles.

Methods and Materials: Semen samples were obtained from 130 men each with abnormal sperm (study group) and healthy sperm (control group) following a minimum of three days of sexual abstinence. Samples were collected through either coitus interruptus or masturbation. After liquefaction and centrifugation, supernatants were digested and analyzed: pesticide residues by GC-MS; Pb, Cd, and Fe by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry; Vitamins C and E by spectrophotometry; and GPx and CAT by ELISA.

Result: Subjects had significantly elevated seminal concentrations of cadmium, lead, and iron compared to the control group (p<0.001). Pesticide levels were also higher: Malathion, DDT, Permethrin, and Carbamate (p<0.001). Conversely, antioxidants were lower in subjects: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, GPx and CAT (p<0.001). Seminal levels of Pb, Cd, and Fe showed significant negative correlations with sperm count and motility. Similar negative correlations were observed for pesticide residues, except Carbamate. Antioxidant levels were positively correlated with count and motility. None of the evaluated variables showed a significant correlation with sperm morphology.

Conclusion: Quantifying seminal levels of pesticide residues and heavy metals may aid in evaluating male infertility__especially idiopathic cases__where current tools fall short, offering clinical value for both management and prevention of sperm quality decline.

Author Biographies

  • Waliu O. Oladosu, Department of Chemical Pathology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

    MD, FWACP (Lab Med), FMCPath

  • Adekunle O. Okunowo, Department of Chemical Pathology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

    Medical officer, MBChB

  • Mukaila A. Alayo, Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

    FMCOG

  • Olanrewaju S. Jimoh, Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

    FMCOG

  • Rasaki A. Oyewo, Department of Anatomy, Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria

    MSc Anatomy

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2025-06-18

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