Quantitative assessment of heavy metal effects on sperm function using computer-aided sperm analysis and cytotoxicity assays

• DOI: 10.1111/and.13141
• Publication Date: 2018-09-18T07:04:40Z
• Authors: Farren Hardneck; Gadieja Israel; Edmund Pool; Liana Maree
• Keywords: Sperm cell

One known environmental risk factor impacting on human reproduction is heavy metal pollution. Although some metals (e.g., Cu, Se and Zn) have protective effects the male reproductive system in low doses, can accumulate to toxic levels result poor semen quality decreased sperm function. We investigated effect of CuSO4 CdCl2 (10, 50, 100 250 µg/ml or 500 µg/ml) motility vitality by using computer-aided analysis (CASA) two cytotoxicity assays (WST-1 XTT). Several parameters were significantly reduced after 5 hr exposure highest concentrations (250 (500 µg/ml). The WST-1 assay also revealed lower absorbance values for CdCl2; however, no significant was seen with XTT. calculated average IC50 value 50.31± 4.34 392.32 ±76.79 CdCl2. these confirmed MgCl2, a positive control. This study provides threshold harmful spermatozoa recommends use as future vitro studies.