Effect of Lead and Organophosphates on Sperm Morphology

Y. Swart Reproductive Biology Unit and the Andrology Unit of the Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Department of Chemical Pathology, Tygberberg Hospital, Tygerberg, 7507, South Africa

T. F. Kruger Reproductive Biology Unit and the Andrology Unit of the Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Department of Chemical Pathology, Tygberberg Hospital, Tygerberg, 7507, South Africa

R. Menkveld Reproductive Biology Unit and the Andrology Unit of the Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Department of Chemical Pathology, Tygberberg Hospital, Tygerberg, 7507, South Africa

I. Schabort Reproductive Biology Unit and the Andrology Unit of the Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Department of Chemical Pathology, Tygberberg Hospital, Tygerberg, 7507, South Africa

C. J. Lombard Reproductive Biology Unit and the Andrology Unit of the Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Department of Chemical Pathology, Tygberberg Hospital, Tygerberg, 7507, South Africa; Institute for Biostatistics, Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa

Abstract

Lead and organophosphates can exert a toxic action on the male reproductive function. A cross-sectional study involving 40 men was undertaken to investigate the effect of these toxins on sperm morphology. Based on the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, subjects were divided into two groups. The control group (sperm morphology ≥20% normal forms) consisted of 18 patients, and the study group (sperm morphology <5% normal forms) consisted of 22 patients. Lead, pseudo-cholinesterase, dibucaine, and fluoride levels were measured in blood samples of these men. The 22 men with low morphologically normal forms (<5%) did not display significantly different levels of the abovementioned substances compared to the control group.

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Effect of Lead and Organophosphates on Sperm Morphology

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