Abstract
Essential elements perform variety of cellular functions of the body and are required in trace amounts. However, non-essential elements are harmful even in small quantities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum levels of a) eight essential (Cr, Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se), and seven non-essential elements (Pb, Cd, As, Ba, Bi, U, V); and b) seven biochemical parameters namely, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), albumin, total protein. A total of 139 adult women (49 with primary infertility, 32 with secondary infertility, and 58 with healthy pregnancy) were enrolled from the Malwa region of Punjab, India. Serum element levels were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and biochemical variables were evaluated by colorimetric methods. Statistical analysis was conducted using software IBM SPSS statistic version 26 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) and R package version 4.1.3. A significant difference was observed for Cr, Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, Zn, Se, U, V, and Bi between the studied groups. Triglyceride and LDL levels are significantly higher among infertile women (p < 0.05). High serum copper levels are associated with elevated triglyceride levels; however, bismuth is negatively correlated with LDL levels. A higher risk of primary and secondary infertility was found with altered Cu, Co, Mn, Zn, Se, U, V, Bi, cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels. Investigation of metals in the patients with infertility may help to understand the pathogenesis of the disease and could also be useful to plan treatment strategies in future.