scholarly journals Mycotoxin exposure and adverse reproductive health outcomes in Africa: a review

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
U.A. Eze ◽  
M.N. Routledge ◽  
F.E. Okonofua ◽  
J. Huntriss ◽  
Y.Y. Gong
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
High Serum ◽  
Foetal Development ◽  
Premature Thelarche ◽  
Increased Risk

It is well established that mycotoxin exposure can have adverse effects on reproductive health resulting to poor reproductive potential. The most studied mycotoxin in relation to poor reproductive health in humans is aflatoxin, although fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone have also been reported to impair reproductive function and cause abnormal foetal development. These potent fungal toxins contaminate many food products making them a prominent agricultural, food safety and public health challenge, especially in Africa due to little or lack of mycotoxin regulation in agricultural products. Neonates can be exposed to aflatoxins in utero, as the toxins pass from mother to the foetus through the placenta. This exposure may continue during breast feeding, to the introduction of weaning foods, and then foods taken by adults. The consequences of aflatoxin exposure in mothers, foetus and children are many, including anaemia in pregnancy, low birth weight, interference with nutrient absorption, suppression of immune function, child growth retardation and abnormal liver function. In males, reports have indicated a possible relationship between aflatoxin exposure and poor sperm quality culminating in infertility. Maternal exposure to fumonisin during early pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of neural tube defects among newborns in regions where maize is the common dietary staple with the possibility of chronic fumonisin exposure. Furthermore, zearalenone has been linked to precocious puberty and premature thelarche in girls, correlating with extremely high serum oestrogen levels. This review presents an overview of the several reports linking aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, and zearalenone exposure to poor reproductive health outcomes in Africa, with emphasis on birth outcomes, foetal health and infertility.

scholarly journals The Evaluation of Evidence Bisphenol A Exposure and Human Reproductive Health: A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17
Author(s):  
Tomas Jambor ◽  
Eva Kovacikova
Keyword(s):  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Environmental Toxicants ◽  
Spermatozoa Motility ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Human Reproductive

Infertility is widespread problem defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. One of the most notable factors causing this status is the exposure to environmental contaminants. It is now recognized that many contaminants present in the environment have the ability to interfere in the action of hormones and therefore are termed endocrine disruptors (EDs). Some of these compounds are present in nature, but the majority are artificial and released into the environment by the human activities without any prior knowledge of their impact on ecosystems, animal welfare, or wildlife and human health. Many epidemiological studies have reported a radical growth in the incidence of male infertility, accompanied by decreasing sperm quality, decline in spermatozoa motility, defect in Leydig cell morphology, insufficient activity of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. The similar situation was observed in female, when the increased risk for endometriosis, reproductive and other endocrine-related cancer, impaired oocytes, ovarian dysfunction, or irregular menstrual cycle was confirmed. All mentioned consequences have been associated with increasing concentration of bisphenol A (BPA) in the environment. Humans are exposed to BPA not only through specific occupational circumstance, but nowadays more generally also from the ordinary day-to-day domestic and workplace lifestyles. Almost 3.4 million tons per year of BPA is used in a variety common product such as food packaging, household products, epoxy resins, dental sealants and many others. Under these endpoints, apprehensions about the reproductive dysfunctions associated with BPA action are unquestionable. In this review, we address the topic of BPA effects on reproductive function in males and females and emphasize its effects on overall health. A considerably more detailed and systematic research in EDs toxicology is required for a better understanding of risks associated with exposure to environmental toxicants.

The relation between obesity, kisspeptin, leptin, and male fertility

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saber Ghaderpour ◽  
Rafighe Ghiasi ◽  
Hamed Heydari ◽  
Rana Keyhanmanesh
Keyword(s):  
Male Fertility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Leptin Resistance ◽  
Resistance Development ◽  
Reproductive Axis ◽  
Gnrh Release ◽  
Hpt Axis ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Over the past decades, obesity and infertility in men increased in parallel, and the association between both phenomena have been examined by several researchers. despite the fact that there is no agreement, obesity appears to affect the reproductive potential of men through various mechanisms, such as changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, spermatogenesis, sperm quality and/or alteration of sexual health. Leptin is a hormone produced by the adipose tissue, and its production elevates with increasing body fat. Many studies have supported the relationship between raised leptin production and reproductive function regulation. In fact, Leptin acts on the HPT axis in men at all levels. However, most obese men are insensitive to increased production of endogenous leptin and functional leptin resistance development. Recently, it has been recommended that Kisspeptin neurons mediate the leptin’s effects on the reproductive system. Kisspeptin binding to its receptor on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, activates the mammal’s reproductive axis and stimulates GnRH release. Increasing infertility associated with obesity is probably mediated by the Kisspeptin-GnRH pathway. In this review, the link between obesity, kisspeptin, leptin, and male fertility will be discussed.

What is the association between IPV and Fertility in Uganda?

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-54
Author(s):  
Sasha Frade ◽  
Clifford Odimegwu
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy

Abstract IPV, which emanates as a severe consequence of gender inequality in society, is the most pervasive form of IPV as most cases of abuse is perpetrated by intimate partners and has major health consequences for women. Women with a history of abuse are also at increased risk of reproductive health outcomes; such as high parity, inconsistent and lower levels of contraceptive use, unintended pregnancies, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite concerted efforts by African governments, fertility levels in the region remain high. Africa is the region that has been least responsive to family planning programmes. This study investigates the associations between IPV and fertility in Uganda, using the Ugandan Demographic and Health Survey of 2011. Adult women of reproductive ages (15-49) that were included in the domestic violence module of the individual recode, were included in this study. Univariate, bivariate analysis, and unadjusted and adjusted Poisson Regression models were conducted for children ever born and the different forms of IPV (emotional, physical and sexual), as well as the socio-demographic and women’s empowerment variables. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses show a strong association between both these pervasive health problematics; and may therefore be one of the unexplained proximate determinants of persistently high fertility in countries such as Uganda. These results have important implications for understanding both the fertility transition in Uganda, but also for programmes and policies addressing unwanted pregnancies and unmet need for contraception that is driving fertility up, and IPV amongst women which we know from previous work has severe reproductive health outcomes but which we have now identified is a contributor to high fertility as well.

scholarly journals Intersections of Immigration and Sexual/Reproductive Health: An Umbrella Literature Review with a Focus on Health Equity

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Violeta Alarcão ◽  
Miodraga Stefanovska-Petkovska ◽  
Ana Virgolino ◽  
Osvaldo Santos ◽  
Andreia Costa
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Maternal Health Services ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Native Population ◽  
Increased Risk

Identifying the opportunities and barriers of promoting and fulfilling the sexual health rights of migrants remains a challenge that requires systematic assessment. Such an assessment would include estimating the influence of acculturation processes on sexual and reproductive health, and mapping intersectional inequities that influence migrants’ sexual and reproductive health in comparison with the native population. The aim of this research was to locate, select, and critically assess/summarize scientific evidence regarding the social, cultural, and structural factors influencing migrants’ sexual and reproductive health outcomes in comparison with native population. An umbrella review of systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) standards was undertaken. Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from their start date until June 2019. The quality of the included articles was determined using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews tool (AMSTAR 2). From the 36 selected studies, only 12 compared migrant with native populations. Overall, the findings indicated that migrants tend to underuse maternal health services and have an increased risk of poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Specific intersectional inequities were identified and discussed.

scholarly journals Constellation of risk factors of the reproductive potential of youth

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 ◽  
pp. 00040
Author(s):  
S.I. Filippchenkova ◽  
E.A. Evstifeeva ◽  
I.I. Stolnikova
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Young People ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Attribution Of Responsibility

The concept of reproduction as a value-semantic formation, a natural biological process, a bloodrelated nature, and a psychological responsibility for preserving the genus is transforming in modern youth. Youth perceptions of life quality, demographic projections, levels of claims, degrees of satisfaction with life situations, and behavioral patterns are influenced by such psychological predictors as responsibility, reflexivity, value-semantic matrix, personal risk factors of decision making. The following issues were analyzed: sexual behavior, reproductive behavior, reproductive attitudes, reproductive function risks, attribution of responsibility, contraception, bad habits, sexually transmitted infections, caring for health in general and reproductive health in particular, needs for specialists in the field of sexual and reproductive health, demographic expectations of young people, awareness of the federal demographic policy and psychological support, social institutions aimed to preserve reproductive health, gender differences in the demographics of expectations. Attitudes of young people to sexuality and reproduction, family-marriage relations were studied. Sources of information on these issues were determined and their effectiveness was evaluated. Identification of features of the relationship between reproductive health and psychological characteristics of youth was embedded in the authors’ psychological model.

Modern approaches to the prevention and treatment of alterations in reproductive health in women with somatoform disorders and autonomic homeostasis

2016 ◽  
pp. 98-101
Author(s):  
Vl.V. Podolsky ◽  
◽  
V.V. Podolsky ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Somatoform Disorders ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Uterine Fibroids ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Artificial Abortion

The objective: the developing of a system of preventive measures and principles of pregravid preparation for women with somatoform disorders and violation of autonomic homeostasis (VAH), in which observed changes in reproductive health (CRH) in the shape of states after undergoing artificial abortion, infertility and uterine fibroids. Patients and methods. Conducted clinical and epidemiological studies in the population of women of fertile age (WFA) allowed identifying for further examination of women with CRH in the form of state after undergoing artificial abortion, infertility and uterine fibroids in women with VAH. Further women were examined, in particular the conducted clinical and instrumental methods of research; determined the state of autonomic homeostasis and psycho emotional health of the biotopes of the organism, immunity; analyzed the hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle; performed genetic studies and determined the morphofunctional state of reproductive system. Results. The most frequent complications during pregnancy in women who had CRH in history in the form of abortions, infertility and uterine fibroids and in the background of the PAF, there was a threat of interruption of pregnancy (often in I and II trimester – 56%) and preterm delivery (21%). The study of the catamnesis of further reproductive health found that in the case of well-conducted therapeutic measures in women undergoing artificial abortion, had infertility and uterine leiomyoma in the background of VAH, restore reproductive function, and in 82% of cases occurred a pregnancy. Conclusion. The the provided study of reproductive health, and state of various organs and systems of fertile aged women with somatoform disorders and violations of the autonomic homeostasis allowed to develop preventive measures for these women and pregravid preparation with the inclusion to the therapy Magnesium and vitamins (Magne-В6®). Key words: somatoform disorders, violation of autonomic homeostasis, changes in reproductive health, prevention and treatment, women of fertile age, Magne-В6®.

Development of innovative hygienic technologies for preservation of the workers’ reproductive health

2020 ◽  
pp. 792-792
Author(s):  
M. A. Fesenko ◽  
G. V. Golovaneva ◽  
A. V. Miskevich
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Machine Learning ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Reproductive System ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Learning Algorithms ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
New Model

The new model «Prognosis of men’ reproductive function disorders» was developed. The machine learning algorithms (artificial intelligence) was used for this purpose, the model has high prognosis accuracy. The aim of the model applying is prioritize diagnostic and preventive measures to minimize reproductive system diseases complications and preserve workers’ health and efficiency.

The Prevalence of Bacteriospermia in Infertile Men and Association with Semen Quality in Southwestern Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Motamedifar ◽  
Yalda Malekzadegan ◽  
Parisa Namdari ◽  
Behzad Dehghani ◽  
Bahia Namavar Jahromi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Male Reproductive Function ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Southwestern Iran

Introduction: Infertility considered as a social and public health issue and estimated that most of these infertile couples are residents of developing countries. Infectious diseases including the history of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may impact on male reproductive function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial contaminants of semen and probable association with sperm quality of infertile men in Iranian population. Methods: The study population consisted of 200 infertile men and 150 fertile men attending an infertility Center in southwestern Iran during the study period in 2015. The assessment of sperm parameters was according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The presumptive pathogens were identified using standard microbiology tests and confirmed by specific PCR primers. Results: The prevalence of bacteriospermia in the semen of the infertile group was significantly higher than that in the fertile group (48% vs. 26.7%, P <0.001). The microbiological analysis of samples showed that the most abundant species of bacteria in semen of infertile men were Chlamydia trachomatis (12.5%) followed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (11%). On the other hand, in the control group, Lactobacillus spp. (17.3%) was the most isolated pathogen. Results showed that the presence of N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Haemophilus, and Klebsiella was significantly associated with sperm abnormality. Conclusion: Based on our findings, it seems that bacteriospermia is associated with alterations in the properties of semen which may lead to a decrease in the fertilization potential of sperm. Therefore, immediate and appropriate treatment is necessary before investigating every other possible cause of infertility.

Outcomes of a digitally delivered, culturally-sensitive behaviour change platform for BAME adults with type 2 diabetes: 1 year health and engagement outcomes (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Summers
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Culturally Sensitive ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Haemoglobin A1c ◽  
Central Asian ◽  
Increased Risk

BACKGROUND People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups are known to have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and face greater barriers to accessing healthcare resources compared to their “white British” counterparts. The main mediators of lifestyle behavioural change are gender, generation, geography, genes, God/religion, and gaps in knowledge and economic resources. Dietary and cultural practices of these individuals significantly vary according to gender, generation, geographical origin and religion. Recognition of these factors and implementing culturally sensitive interventions for type 2 diabetes prevention and management is essential in increasing knowledge of healthy eating, engagement in physical activity and improving health outcomes in BAME communities. Few health apps are tailored for BAME populations, and BAME communities are considered hard-to-reach. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to establish whether the Low Carb Program is a viable scalable solution that can be used as an effective tailored type 2 diabetes intervention for BAME communities. We hypothesized that by taking into account cultural sensitivities, providing the platform in native languages and personalising the platform in accordance with known barriers to health disparities including gender, generation, dietary preferences and religion, the app would engage BAME communities and improve type 2 diabetes related health outcomes. METHODS The study used a quasi-experimental research design comprised of an open-label, single-arm, pre-post intervention using a sample of convenience. All 705 adults with type 2 diabetes who had activated their referral to the Low Carb Program as a result of an NHS consultation between September 2018 and March 2019 were followed for a period of 12 months; mean age 54.61 (SD 16.69) years; 58.2% (410/705) women; 45.1% (318/705) white, 28.5% (201/705) Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Other Central Asian, 10.8% (76/705) Arab, 6.2% (44/705) Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups, 6% (43/705) black, 1.8% (13/705) other, (7/705) 1% Chinese/Japanese/Other East Asian. Mean starting glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 7.99% (SD 2.05%); mean body weight 88.96kg (SD 23.25kg). RESULTS Of the 705 study participants, 513 (72.76%) had completed the Low Carb Program at 12 months. There were statistically significant reductions in body weight and HbA1c in white, Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Other Central Asian, Arabic and black participants with the most significant differences in the Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi/Other Central Asian population HbA1c -1.18% (SD 1.49%) and weight 8.03kg (SD 10.65kg). 82.9% of all participants (419/705) of all participants lost at least 5% of their body weight. CONCLUSIONS Offering the culturally tailored Low Carb Program that empowers members to make dietary and lifestyle changes to different BAME groups is an effective and engaging tool in the management of type 2 diabetes. Most importantly, BAME populations in particular people from Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi and Arabic groups who achieve better health outcomes than their white counterparts.

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