Health Effects of Cadmium and Manganese Exposure on Luteinizing Hormone Levels: A Pilot Study of Female Infertility

Female infertility occurs for many reasons, some unknown. Exposure to heavy metals is a risk factor that negatively impacts on female reproductive system. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of cadmium Cd and manganese Mn on luteinizing hormone LH levels for females’ infertility. This study included a healthy group (n = 20), primary infertile females (n = 40), and secondary infertile females (n = 20) collected from Al-Zahraa hospital in Najaf center, Iraq. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to measure the cadmium and manganese concentrations and LH levels were measured by a Maglumi 800 from Snibe (CLIA). For healthy females, Cd, Mn, and LH concentrations were 0.1307 ppm, 0.00049 ppm, and 6.769 IU/L, respectively. For females with primary and secondary infertility, high concentrations of cadmium, 0.2453 ppm and 0.2296 ppm, respectively, while, the concentrations of manganese were 0.000165 ppm and 0.000307 ppm, respectively. LH levels increased for infertile females (primary and secondary) at 14.2018 IU/L and 15.122 IU/L, respectively. Cadmium and manganese concentrations were indicator to understand why some females unexplained infertility. From the result, the higher concentration of cadmium can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the communication between the brain and ovaries. This disruption has been linked to higher levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and decreased egg quality. The lower concentrations of manganese hinder the body's ability to regulate the pituitary gland, resulting in hormonal imbalances and elevated LH levels. Many women who experience unexplained infertility have underlying hormonal imbalances. The combination of high cadmium levels and low manganese levels creates a compounded effect: cadmium increases oxidative stress and disrupts the function of the pituitary gland, while low manganese limits the body’s ability to combat this stress or manage the resulting hormonal fluctuations.