Sperm count

Lead is known to cause reproductive and developmental toxicity. Decreased sperm counts and abnormal sperm development have been reported in male workers heavily exposed to lead. Increased incidences of spontaneous abortion have been reported in female lead workers as well as in the wives of male lead workers (13). Lead crosses the placenta and has been found to cause irreversible neurologic impairment to the fetus at maternal blood levels as... 

Organic molecules thus far identified, such as those fisted above, appear either to have irreversible antifertifity effects, to be inherently toxic, or to affect libido. It has been demonstrated that sperm count could be depressed in men injected with large doses of androgens. However, questions about the potential utility of androgens as male antifertifity agents are stiU debated. 

A study of sperm counts conducted worldwide suggested that an annual fall of 0.8% had occurred between 1938 and 1990. Since then, falling sperm count and quality have been reported in a number of countriesand a recent study of... 

The issue of whether sperm counts are declining has been the focus of most media attention. A debate still continues as to whether the reported changes in sperm quality are genuine. In 1992, an article described the meta analysis of available data on semen quality in normal men, taken from reports published between the period 1938-1990. This analysis showed a 50% decline in sperm concentration... 

Controversy will continue to persist over allegations that sperm counts are declining. Prospective studies on semen quality in fertile men involving centres in... 

Europe, the USA and Japan are under way. In these studies, semen analysis methodology and subject selection criteria have been standardised to address whether there are region-specific differences in semen quality. These data can then be used as a reference point for any studies on future decline in sperm counts. More importantly, it still remains to be demonstrated whether the reported decrease in semen quality is sufficient to compromise fertility. 

In order to discuss the biological mechanisms involved in the aetiology of genital tract malformations, testicular cancer and lowered sperm counts, some knowledge of the processes involved in the differentiation and development of the male reproductive tract and determination of normal testicular function is required. An early embryo has the potential to develop either a male or a female... 

Heavy menses, may be unable to conceive, loss of fetus possible Low sperm count... 

M (reduced sperm count Sinha et al. 1995 changes in enzyme activity Technical indicating altered spermatogenesis)... 

Fisch, H. and Golden, R. (2003). Environmental estrogens and sperm counts. Pure and Applied Chemistry 75, 2181-2193. 

Behavioral effects were noted when reproductive function was assessed in male Long-Evans rats that were given trichloroethylene in com oil by gavage for 6 weeks (Zenick et al. 1984). Copulatory behavior was decreased at 1,000 ppm, and the study authors attributed this to the narcotic properties of trichloroethylene. Sperm count, motility, or morphology were not affected in these rats. The time between dosing and observation of copulatory behavior was not stated. 

There has been some speculation that estrogenic compounds may adversely affect the fertility of men by reducing testosterone levels and sperm counts (Atanassova et al, 2000). To date, however, the limited information available suggests that consumption of phytoestrogens does not affect reproductive hormones or semen quality (Nagata, 2000 Nagata et al., 2001 Mitchell et... 

SHARPE R M and SKAKKEBAEK N E (1993) Are oestrogens involved in falling sperm counts and disorders of the male reproductive tract Lancet. 341 (8857) 1392-5. 

Sulfasalazine is associated with various adverse effects, most of which are thought to be due to the sulfapyridine component. Common adverse effects that may be dose related include headache, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.19 Idiosyncratic effects include bone marrow suppression, reduction in sperm counts in males, hepatitis, and pulmonitis. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur in patients allergic to sulfonamide-containing medications. 

Male infertility may result from cancer surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal imbalances, or damage of germinal stem cells. Testicular damage from radiotherapy depends on the treatment field, total dose, and fractionation schedule. Depending on the radiation, sperm counts may return to pretreatment levels in 10 to 24 months after therapy or maybe permanent in 80% of men after total-body irradiation for transplant. 

Chowdhury et al. (1986) reported that occupational exposure of 10 men to lead caused a significant decrease in sperm count and motility and an increased percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. The average PbB concentration in the lead-exposed group was higher (42.5 pg/dL) compared to controls (14.8 pg/dL). Assennato et al. (1987) reported decreased sperm production in 39 battery factory workers with high PbB levels ranging from 50 to 61 pg/dL, compared to 39 nonexposed workers. Lerda (1992)... 

Assennato G, Baser M, Molinini R, et al. 1987. Sperm count suppression without endocrine dysfunction in lead-exposed men. Arch Environ Health 42 124-127. 

There is information on intermediate-duration oral exposure in animals. Studies revealed decreased reproductive indices, decreased sperm count and tubular degeneration in rats and mice. Blood cell counts were low in rats and there was evidence of ulcerogenic effects in dogs. Acrylonitrile was also lethal in dogs. Data in animals were sufficient to derive an intermediate-duration oral MRL. Further studies in animals would be useful in defining threshold for these effects. 

Reproductive Toxicity. No studies have been conducted in humans regarding reproductive toxicity of acrylonitrile after inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure or inhalation and dermal exposures in animals. Studies in male mice have shown that exposure to acrylonitrile in drinking water affects sperm count and results in tubular degeneration. No effects on male reproductive organs have been reported in... 

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