Evaluation of serum heavy metal levels on primary ovarian insufficiency

Abstract

In this study we aimed to investigate the level of exposure to these toxic heavy metals such as Aluminum (Al), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) ,Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb) among Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) patients. This cross-sectional study was performed in 23 women with normal reproductive hormones (control) and 23 women with POI (case). Risk factors evaluated were; age,body mass index(BMI), gravidity and blood serum metal levels (Al,As,Hg,Mn,Pb). Risk factors were compared between groups. Women with history of pelvic surgery, any cancer or autoimmune disease treatment, endometriosis and other chronic systemic diseases were excluded from the study. The Age, BMI and Gravidity were similar between the case and control group (p > 0.05). And also the aluminum, arsenic, manganese, mercury and lead serum levels were smilar between the case and control group (p > 0.05). Etiology of most POI cases remains undetermined. Early recognition of predisposing factors of POI may help to make prevention about ovarian failure and would offer this patient population the opportunity to preserve fertility. Identifying people with elevated blood heavy metal levels will give chance of avoiding oncoming destructive health effects of heavy metals.