The Influence of Lead on Semen Parameters in Workers in a Battery Factory in Helwan Governorate, Egy
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 3, October 2008 Page 39- 51
The Influence of Lead on Semen Parameters in Workers in a BatteryFactory in Helwan Governorate, Egypt
Talal Abd El-Raheem* and Ashraf A Selim**
Departments of Dermatology/STDs & Andrology*, Faculty of Medicine, El-Menia University and National Egyptian
Center for Environmental and Toxicological Research**, Cairo University
Abstract
Sperm quality is affected by many environmental factors. Lead is a major hazardous factor and its effect is more on those working in certain occupations. We evaluated the influence of lead exposure on the semen parameters in a Military battery factory worker in Egypt. A complete medical, occupational, and environmental history followed by routine check-up including blood pressure, random blood sugar, liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT), kidney function tests (Creatinine), ECG, and chest X-ray. Detection of lead level in air and blood was done followed by serum testosterone and semen analysis. The study population was divided into two groups according to their serum lead level: Group 1 with serum lead <45 μg/dl and Group 2 with serum lead >45 μg/dl. Semen parameters showed marked deterioration in all aspects among Group 2 compared to Group 1 workers. This study shows that exposure to high levels of lead will directly affect spermatogenesis leading to decrease in sperm count and density, lowering of sperm motility and more specifically affecting the active progressive type of motility and finally leading to increase in the abnormal forms.
Journal of Pan-Arab League of Dermatologists
Vol. 19, No. 3, October 2008 Page 39- 51
The Influence of Lead on Semen Parameters in Workers in a BatteryFactory in Helwan Governorate, Egypt
Talal Abd El-Raheem* and Ashraf A Selim**
Departments of Dermatology/STDs & Andrology*, Faculty of Medicine, El-Menia University and National Egyptian
Center for Environmental and Toxicological Research**, Cairo University
Abstract
Sperm quality is affected by many environmental factors. Lead is a major hazardous factor and its effect is more on those working in certain occupations. We evaluated the influence of lead exposure on the semen parameters in a Military battery factory worker in Egypt. A complete medical, occupational, and environmental history followed by routine check-up including blood pressure, random blood sugar, liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT), kidney function tests (Creatinine), ECG, and chest X-ray. Detection of lead level in air and blood was done followed by serum testosterone and semen analysis. The study population was divided into two groups according to their serum lead level: Group 1 with serum lead <45 μg/dl and Group 2 with serum lead >45 μg/dl. Semen parameters showed marked deterioration in all aspects among Group 2 compared to Group 1 workers. This study shows that exposure to high levels of lead will directly affect spermatogenesis leading to decrease in sperm count and density, lowering of sperm motility and more specifically affecting the active progressive type of motility and finally leading to increase in the abnormal forms.