Investigating the Quantitative and Qualitative Indicators of Sperm and Glutathione Peroxidase in Male Rats Exposed to Heavy Metals

Abstract

Background: Examining the composition of heavy metals emitted from welding fumes and related adverse effects on the health status of exposed workers is one of the most important topics in the field of occupational health and toxicology. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of oxidative stress and measure the quantitative and qualitative sperm indices of male Wistar rats exposed to welding fumes containing heavy metals. Methods: In this experimental study, the welding operation was performed manually by an operator for 8 consecutive days and 30 minutes daily in a designed chamber. The generated fumes were transferred to the exposure chamber of the rats through a connecting tube. The rats of the experimental group were exposed to an average of 44.48 mg/m3 of fumes daily, and the control group was in the same physical conditions without exposure to fumes. Finally, the effects of oxidative stress and quantitative and qualitative indicators of sperm were investigated in rats of both groups. Findings: The composition of heavy metals identified in fumes contained iron > manganese > lead > aluminum in order of highest average concentration. According to the findings, daily exposure to metal fumes has been associated with a significant decrease in the average activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as a significant decrease in the quantitative and qualitative indicators of sperm in exposed rats compared to the control group. Conclusion: Exposure to heavy metals has decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and caused oxidative stress, and can lead to reproductive disorders in rats, such as reducing the number and quality of sperms. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.