Impact of Cadmium Toxicity on Testicular Function: Risk of Male Infertility

The World Health Organization estimates that about 15% of couples in their adult years in industrialized countries experience infertility, which is described as the inability of a sexually active and non-contraceptive couple to achieve spontaneous pregnancy within a year. Environmental pollution is a significant health concern worldwide and one of the possible risk factors leading to male infertility. Cadmium is a common heavy toxin derived from industrial activities, a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, and can cause severe harm to various organs including the testis. Cadmium toxicity can lead to severe impairment of male germ cells in both rodents and humans, which can result in azoospermia. The negative effects of cadmium on the testicles are caused by its induction of oxidative stress, spermatogenic apoptosis, and testicular inflammation or its detriment to androgenic and sperm cell functions, which damages the vascular endothelium and blood–testis barrier. Overall, this review describes the detrimental impact of cadmium on the testicles and its effect on male infertility. Therefore, by considering recent research findings and identifying future research directions, this review underlines the need to develop new treatments for male infertility related to heavy metal exposure.