J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2026 Mar 11;95:127858. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127858. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Endocrine disrupting metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) may have significant influence on fertility issues among otherwise healthy women.
METHODS: In this study, fifty women with preserved ovarian function, undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure were tested for heavy metals (Cd, Hg and Pb) in their morning urine samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave digestion.
RESULTS: None of the women had measurable lead in the urine samples while cadmium and mercury were quantified in 28% and 60% of the samples, respectively. Serum LH levels were significantly lower (p = 0.046) among women with measurable urinary cadmium values compared to those with cadmium below the limit of quantification (LOQ). The number of immature oocytes retrieved during transvaginal aspiration was significantly higher (p = 0.030) in women with mercury above LOQ in comparison to those below LOQ. The elevation of urinary mercury concentrations was followed by the increment AST and ALT (p = 0.035 and p = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, higher urinary mercury levels were positively associated with fasting and 2 h post-load serum glucose levels during oral glucose tolerance testing (p = 0.035 and p = 0.002, respectively). For the first time, statistically significant (p = 0.009) correlation was obtained between the urinary mercury concentration and serum LDH values. All the associations between mercury and the observed parameters remained significant after adjustments for age, BMI and time attempting to conceive were made.
CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing IVF have considerable amount of cadmium and mercury in the urine samples, despite the absence of occupational exposure.
PMID:41844457 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127858
