Association of seminal plasma cadmium levels with semen quality in non-occupationally exposed infertile Nigerian males

Abstract

Mathias Abiodun Emokpae, Christian Ajiri Adobor

Aim: Male infertility of unknown etiology may be attributed to various environmental exposures to toxic substances such as metals. Very few human studies have evaluated the relationship between male reproductive function and toxic metal concentrations in seminal plasma in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of cadmium in seminal plasma of non-occupationally exposed infertile Nigerian males and correlate their levels with semen quality. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 subjects were enrolled, which includes 60 infertile males on a routine visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City and 20 fertile males (controls). The concentration of cadmium in seminal plasma was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Semen analyses were performed according to World Health Organization standard. Results: Mean seminal plasma cadmium level was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in infertile males compared with controls. The toxic metal correlated negatively (P < 0.001) with sperm count, progressive motility, total motility and morphology but not with semen volume. Conclusion:It appears that cadmium may contribute to infertility in occupationally unexposed infertile Nigerian males and levels of toxic metals may be assayed when evaluating subjects with idiopathic infertility