Association between heavy metals, essential trace elements in follicular fluid and diminished ovarian reserve: a hospital-based case-control study - Report - MDSpire

Association between heavy metals, essential trace elements in follicular fluid and diminished ovarian reserve: a hospital-based case-control study

  • By

  • Xin-chen Huang

  • Ming-li Sun

  • Yi-qin Chen

  • Xin-lan Zhang

  • Xin-yao Song

  • Wen-xiang Wang

  • Yan Sun

  • July 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Linking Heavy Metals and Essential Trace Elements in Follicular Fluid to Reduced Ovarian Reserve

Overview

This study investigates the association between heavy metals and essential trace elements in follicular fluid and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Significant findings indicate that higher concentrations of arsenic, strontium, and calcium in follicular fluid are linked to increased odds of DOR.

Background

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a significant factor contributing to infertility, affecting approximately 10% of infertile populations. The etiology of DOR is multifactorial, involving genetic, metabolic, and environmental influences.

Data Highlights

ElementDOR GroupControl GroupP-value
Arsenic (As)HigherLower0.001
Strontium (Sr)HigherLower<0.001
Calcium (Ca)HigherLower0.002

Key Findings

  • FF concentrations of arsenic, strontium, and calcium were significantly higher in the DOR group.
  • Logistic regression indicated that arsenic and strontium were associated with higher odds of DOR.
  • Copper, vanadium, and zinc were associated with lower odds of DOR.
  • The weighted quantile sum regression identified strontium, arsenic, and calcium as primary contributors to DOR risk.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the potential impact of environmental heavy metals and trace elements on ovarian reserve when evaluating infertility.

Conclusion

The study highlights the association between heavy metals and essential trace elements in follicular fluid and diminished ovarian reserve.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Lead concentration in follicular fluid of infertile patients with and without endometriosis: a propensity score matching exploratory study
  2. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Systemic dysregulation of essential and toxic elements and redox homeostasis in gynecologic malignancies
  3. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Exposure to heavy metals and trace elements and risk of dyslipidemia: a nested case-control analysis in rural adults
  4. Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 2026 -- Body mass index as a key determinant of oxidative stress in women undergoing infertility treatment
  5. Exposure to heavy metallic and trace essential elements and risk of diminished ovarian reserve in reproductive age women: A case-control study - ScienceDirect
  6. Guidelines on ovarian reserve and DOR
  7. Exposure to heavy metallic and trace essential elements and risk of diminished ovarian reserve in reproductive age women: A case-control study - ScienceDirect
  8. Frontiers | Assessment of ovarian dysfunction induced by environmental toxins: a systematic review

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