Toxic trace metals and embryo quality indicators during in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Trace exposures to the toxic metals mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) may interfere with in vitro fertilization (IVF). The aim of this study is to explore biologically plausible hypotheses concerning associations between metals and embryo quality indicators during IVF. For 24 female patients, a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model suggests a 75% reduction in the odds for higher embryo cell cleavage per mu g/dL increase in blood Pb (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.86). For 15 male partners, each mu g/L increase in blood Hg (aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45-0.79) and mu g/dL increase in blood Pb (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.91) is associated with a decrease in the analogous odds. Embryo fragmentation is reduced by higher blood Hg (aOR 0.85.95% CI 0.72-1.00), but increased by higher blood Pb (aOR 1.47,95% CI 1.11-1.94)in men. The magnitude of these suggested effects warrants confirmation in a larger study. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.