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Background: The World Health Organization reported that more than 10 % of women are severely affected by infertility, making the condition a major worldwide public health problem. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) are environmental pollutants that may contribute to reproductive disorders. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between blood concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As and risk factors for infertility in women.Methods: Women who were infertile (N = 310) or pregnant (N = 57) were recruited from the gynecology and obstetrics department of a hospital. The participants were interviewed to obtain their sociodemographic, reproductive, and lifestyle information. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As in their blood samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.Results: Our findings suggested that the concentrations of Pb and As, but not Cd, were significantly higher in the blood of infertile women than in that of pregnant women. A higher percentage of the infertile women consumed more alcohol, used Chinese herbal medicine more frequently, and lacked physical activity compared with the pregnant women. After accounting for potentially relevant predictors, we observed that blood Pb levels might be elevated by using Chinese herbal medicine 1-6 times per week (aOR = 2.82, p = 0.05). In addition, engaging in physical activity 1-2 times per week (aOR = 0.37, p = 0.05) might assist in reducing Pb accumulation in infertile women, though the p value was borderline.Conclusions: Lack of physical activity and frequent use of Chinese herbal medicine may be associated with elevated blood Pb levels in infertile women. Chinese herbal medicine use was observed to increase the Pb body burden of both infertile and pregnant women in this study. The risk-benefit for Chinese herbal medicine intake should be evaluated by women of childbearing age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated dietary intake, glucose metabolism and sex hormones in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of forty-five women (aged 25–40 years) with PCOS and 161 control women (aged 25–43 years) with non-PCOS-related infertility were recruited. Anthropometry, glucose tolerance and sex hormones were determined and dietary intake was assessed. Women with PCOS had lower serum sex hormone-binding globulin and increased BMI, waist:hip ratio, luteinising hormone, ratio of luteinising hormone:follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone and free androgen index (FAI). Postprandial glucose, fasting insulin and insulin resistance were elevated in women with PCOS. Women with PCOS had reduced energy and carbohydrate intake but higher fat intake. Serum sex hormone-binding globulin level was negatively associated with BMI in both groups and negatively correlated with macronutrient intake in the PCOS group with hyperandrogenism. However, FAI was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference and glucose metabolic parameters in both groups. Therefore, women with PCOS consume lower energy and carbohydrate compared with those with non-PCOS-related infertility and macronutrient intake is only negatively associated with serum sex hormone-binding globulin level in the PCOS group with hyperandrogenism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

: ObjectivesWe applied interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to testis sections to examine the evidence of spermatogenesis in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. This technique was evaluated and compared with conventional testicular histopathologic findings for the possibility of additional clinical applications.: MethodsThirty-seven consecutive patients with nonobstructive azoospermia were carefully evaluated clinically. Testes were biopsied for both sperm extraction and histopathologic examination. FISH staining was performed with a CEP 18 SpectrumAqua/CEP X SpectrumGreen/CEP Y SpectrumOrange probe.: ResultsEight of 11 cases (sensitivity 73%) that were found to have spermatids on the histopathologic slides also were proven to produce haploid cells by FISH staining. On the other hand, 21 of the 26 cases (specificity 81%) for which no spermatids could be found on the histopathologic slides also had only diploid cells by FISH staining. On the basis of the good correlation between the FISH staining and conventional histopathologic findings, we could confirm the diagnosis of spermatogenesis using both methods.: ConclusionsFISH staining of testicular sections allows more reliable prediction of spermatogenesis and provides benefits for a patient’s decision regarding fertility counseling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]