Even very small amounts of elements in follicular fluid may impact IVF success rates, according to new study from George Mason University researcher

Though exposure to “trace” (an extremely small amount) elements has been shown to affect ovarian functions in experimental studies, there has been little research on the impact of trace levels of non-essential elements, such as lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), on female reproduction. Studies have shown that high levels of these non-essential elements may lead to decreased female fertility and reduce the likelihood of getting pregnant. Taken together, this evidence raises concern about the potential negative impact of exposure to trace levels of non-essential elements on human reproduction.  

In a new study from George Mason University researchers and funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), some trace elements measured in ovarian follicular fluid were associated with differences in ovarian response to in vitro fertilization (IVF), which in turn, may affect the chance of getting pregnant. Trace elements are measured in very small concentrations with units such as parts per million or parts per billion. 

“By studying the association between trace elements and ovarian response to IVF, we aim to better understand factors that may influence conception. Ultimately, the goal is to provide guidance for patients and clinicians in strategies to improve their chances of a successful pregnancy in IVF treatment,” said Michael S. Bloom, the principal investigator and professor in the Department of Global and Community Health. “Associations between follicular fluid trace elements and ovarian response during in vitro fertilization” was published in the July 2024 issue of Environmental Research. 

“This study is unique because we used follicular fluid which is in direct contact with the developing egg to measure concentrations of trace elements. We found that elements may play a beneficial or detrimental role in reproductive health through ovarian function,” said Rooshna Mohsin, first author and George Mason Ph.D. in Public Health student.  

Higher concentrations of cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) in ovarian follicular fluid were associated with a stronger ovarian response, possibly increasing the likelihood of getting pregnant. However, higher concentrations of lead (Pb) were associated with a reduced number of ovarian follicles than in lower concentrations, which may result in a lower chance of achieving pregnancy. 

Researchers also found that low antioxidant levels (called oxidative stress) were associated with higher levels of some metal elements and may play an important role in the associations that were found between follicular fluid trace elements and ovarian function. 

This was a clinical observational study of 56 couples using IVF to conceive a pregnancy. Researchers collected follicular fluid from people’s ovaries after the egg was removed, during the routine IVF procedure, measured levels of different metals and other elements in the ovarian follicular fluid, and tested for statistical associations between the follicular fluid metals and measures of ovarian function. 

This work was funded by the NIEHS [grant numbers R56ES023886 (MSB), 1U2CES026542-01 (PJP)]. Co-authors include George Mason Associate Professor Jenna Krall; Victor Fujimoto and Evelyn Mok-Lin from the University of California at Berkley; Aubrey Galusha and Patrick Parsons from the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health and the University at Albany, State University of New York; and Celeste Butts-Jackson from North Carolina A&T University.