The role of physiologically occurring elements in semen and effect of heavy metals on semen
 
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1
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
 
2
Department of Urology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
 
 
Corresponding author
Dorota Chyra-Jach   

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
 
 
Ann. Acad. Med. Siles. 2020;74:1-13
 
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ABSTRACT
Over the last 40 years, the quality of male semen, including the sperm count, has decreased. There are numerous reasons for this phenomenon, including occupational and environmental exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic. Food contaminated with mycotoxins and pesticides, the influence of industrial chemicals, cigarette smoking and endocrine factors are also of great significance. This paper discusses the problem based on the literature of the last few years on the role of physiologically occurring metals in semen and the effect that heavy metals have on decreasing male fertility.
 
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