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Exploring environmental contaminants and dietary pattern in relation to infertility in reproductive age women
Item Type: Scientific Poster
Editor:
Year: 00/11/2024
Abstract: Identifying modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet, that influence human fertility is of major clinical and public health significance. Medical treatment for impaired fecundity is also on the rise. The use of assisted reproductive technologies in Malaysia has steadily increased. This study aims to explore environmental contaminants and dietary pattern in Malaysian reproductive age women. This case control study will involve cross-sectional analysis of 128 women with infertility, with matched 256 regular cycling women from a community-based cohort. Sociodemographic data, mental health, physical activity and dietary intake for 7 days were obtained from interviews using questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, BMI, and body fat percentage were collected. Physical activity data showed that infertile women have lower physical activity compared to those in control and higher stress and depression. Data analysis using multivariate tests showed that an increase in one unit of BMI increased the risk of infertility in women by 1.15 times [Adjusted OR=1.147 (95% CI= 1.059-1.243)])(p<0.01).Meanwhile, high intake of folic acid will reduce the risk of infertility in women by1.0% [Adjusted OR=0.990 (95% CI= 0.981-1.000)] (p<0.05). Likewise, highselenium intake also reduced the risk of infertility in women by 3.0% [Adjusted OR=0.972 (95% CI= 0.949-0.996)] (p<0.05). Significant differences were observed in Anti Mullerian Hormone levels, FSH, LH, lipid peroxidation, advanced glycation end products, inflammatory markers, micronucleus frequency (chromosomal damage), insulin (HOMA-IR), fasting insulin, lipid profile and fasting blood glucose. Based on the hair heavy metal analysis, it was observed that zinc, selenium, calcium and chromium is lower in case group as compared to the control group. On the other hand, lead, copper and cadmium were observed to be higher in case as compared to control. It was observed that urinary bisphenol A and Phtalate metabolites are higher in case group. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DHEP), MEHHP, Mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate and MEOHP, mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate are detected in our case group. For paraben, only methyl paraben were higher in the cases but not other paraben metabolites. Per- and polyfluorinated substances) concentration observed is not significant. Based on the metabolomic analysis, the pathway with the highest impact factor was the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, with an impact factor of 0.60. This indicates that this pathway is very important in the metabolic network and has a significant impact on the overall system. Other pathways with high impact factors include Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis (0.5), Taurine and hypotaurine metabolism (0.42), Phenylalanine metabolism (0.35), Histidine metabolism (0.32), Cysteine and methionine metabolism (0.274), Glycine, serine and threonine metabolism (0.271), and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism (0.21). Based on our findings, risk factors which include BMI, intake of folic acid and selenium have a significant relationship with the risk of infertility in women. We have also shown that there is existence of endocrine disrupting chemicals affecting infertility but the cause or the source of contamination is still unknown. Pathway related to ketone bodies and tricarboxylic acid is involved showing the relationship with healthier weight for better reproductive outcome. We have also showed that higher genomic instability and inflammation was observed in those infertile showing that managing dietary and lifestyle related to it is very crucial. Therefore, healthy lifestyle practices need to be improved, targeted and personalized to reduce the risk of infertility in women.
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Effects of socio-demographic, lifestyle and environmental factors on semen quality of men attending the sub fertility clinic in National Population and Family Development Board
Item Type: Research Report
Editor:
Year: 02/01/2017
Abstract: Couples are considered infertile if they are unable to conceive after one year of regular unprotected sex. The impact of lifestyle and environment on human fertility may vary depending on aetiology, demographic characteristics, genetic variation and other factors. As used by previous researchers, semen parameters were used to measure male infertility. Therefore, a decrease in semen quality is considered as a major factor in male infertility (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semen_quality). Previous studies (Kidd et al.2001,Eskenazi et al.2003, de La Rochebrochard and Thonneau 2003) have found that older men tend to have lower semen quality than younger ones. Testicular hyperthermia (elevated temperature) also has been known to affect male fertility. Men who like taking hot baths or sit in a sedentary position for a long time are at risk of having infertility. The objectives of this study are to identify the relationship between socio-demographic profile, lifestyle and environmental factors and semen quality, and to identify risk factors of poor semen quality among men attending the National Population and Family Development Board's (NPFDB) Subfertility Clinic. This study was done in Andrology Laboratory, NPFDB. Five hundred men from couples having their first infertility consultation between September 2010 abd June 2011 were recruited. Each patient was required to register, deposit semen and fill in the quesstionnaire. Sperm concentration, morphology and motility from semen analysis were used to study the relationship between semen quality and independent variables. Reference limits used were 15 cells x 10'6/ml, 4% and 40 %, respectively (World Health Organization, 2010). For statistical analysis, descriptive statistic, t test and ANOVA were used; 0.05 alpha value was chosen. Results showed that one-third of the study population were between 26 to 30 years of age and another one third were aged between 31 to 35 years old; mean age was 33.2. majority were Malays (71.2%), resided in Selangor (64.3%) and professionals (41.6%). Semen quality showed a negative relationship (p<0.05) with age. Meanwhile, sperm motility varied significantly for different ethnic group. Chinese (57.75%) had the highest motile-sperm compared to Malays (53.44%) and Indians (46.60%). Among lifestyles variables, frequency of sexual intercourse had a posive relationship (p<0.05) with sperm motility, whilst sedentary position had negative relationship (p<0.05) with the latter. Regression analysis was used to predict the risk factors of poor semen quality. This study found that men above 30 years old were two times more likely to have low sperm motility than men in the twenties. Moreover, less frequent sexual activity between couples was more likely (p<0.05) to have abnormal sperm compared to those who had sexual intercourse more frequently. In conclusion, this study suggested that age over 30 years and infrequent sexual activity were the risk factors to lower semen quality. Even though not regarded as a risk factor, sedentary work position had a negative impact on sperm motility. These factors may affect male fertility and cause difficulty in conception. Public awareness through advocacy programs and talks on infertility and its risk factors should be carried out regularly. Public education should be carried out to advice men to practice a healthy lifestyle and work life balance. This study has shown encouraging results, and should be replicated in the general population in Malaysia
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Ethnicity, attitude and fertility survey
Item Type: Research Report
Editor:
Year: 00/00/1980
Abstract: The objectives of this study is to provide information of ethnic differentials in fertility and associated cultural practices in Malaysia, to test hypotheses explaining the differentials or linking the differentials to cultural practices and social structure and to assess the role of the fertility differentials in perceptions of ethnic relations.
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