Association between the levels of heavy metals and IVF outcomes in women with infertility


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Abstract

Aim. To analyze the association between the levels of heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, lead) in the blood of patients with infertility and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs. Materials and methods. Infertility treatment by ART was carried out in 301 couples. The levels of mercury, cadmium, and lead were determined in the blood of patients by ICP-MS. The medians of heavy metal levels were evaluated in patients with different outcomes of ART (clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, cumulative live birth rate), as well as the ratio between the quartile groups of metals and different outcomes of ART. Results. The levels of cadmium were statistically significantly higher in smoking patients compared to nonsmokers. The median levels of cadmium, mercury and lead did not differ in patients with different outcomes of ART cycles. In different subgroups stratified by quartiles based on cadmium levels, a comparable frequency of clinical outcomes of ART were observed (the rates of clinical pregnancy, live births, cumulative live births). In patients with the highest cadmium level quartile (Q4), no blastocysts for embryo transfer could be obtained significantly more often - OR 2.95 (95% CI 1.22-7.02). When comparing mercury quartile groups, no statistically significant differences were noted. A decrease (but not statistically significant) in the rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth was noted along with an increase in the lead level quartile (Q1-Q4). Conclusion. An increase in cadmium level is associated with a 3-fold increase in the risk of lack of blastocysts for embryo transfer, and an increase in lead level (Q1-Q4) led to a 10% decrease in the rates of the clinical pregnancy and live birth.

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About the authors

Anastasia G. Syrkasheva

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of the Healthcare of Russian Federation

Email: anast.syrkasheva@gmail.com
M.D., Ph.D., Senior Researcher of the IVF Department

Vladimir E. Frankevich

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of the Healthcare of Russian Federation

Email: v_frankevich@oparina4.ru
PhD, Head of Department of Systems Biology in Reproduction

Nataliya V. Dolgushina

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of the Healthcare of Russian Federation

Email: n_dolgushina@oparina4.ru
M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., Head of R&D Department

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