A study of Sperm Parameters and Reproductive Hormones among Male Sudanese Workers Who are Exposed to High Occupational Heat

Abstract

The goal of this study is to determine the effect of heat on sperm and male reproductive hormones among Sudanese labourers who work in hot working conditions. Since the scrotal temperature is maintained 2 – 3 degree lower than the body temperature, this is an important prerequisite for optimal spermatogenesis. Thus the effect of higher temperatures need to be evaluated. Some Sudanese labourers work in a very hot environment like Bakers, boilers,mail- houses,pans- flour, evaporator section and turbines section in sugar factories together with workers of Khartoum foundry center. These labourers were exposed to high occupational heat, with temperatures flocculating between ( 50 – 52 ) degree . 216 subjects with high testiculo –epididymal temperature varying from (38.9 – 41) degree for a duration of ( 1-24) years, and ages varying from ( 18 – 54 ) years, were enrolled in this study as a test group. 102 subjects participated as a control group who work at the same places but not exposed to high environment temperature, with normal testiculo- edidiymal temperature, their ages varying from (18–52) years. History and examination of both groups was conducted to exclude the diseases of significance. Semen specimens and blood samples for hormones (FSH, LH, Testosterone and Prolaction) were taken from both groups of volunteers. The semen samples were analyzed by Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis ( CASA) method. Fertility hormones were analyzed by RIA, method. The results were analyzed statistically using (SPSS) program . The sperms (count, motility and morphology) were assessed in both groups. The sperm density, motility and morphology were significantly affected in the test group P.value (000). In the test group it was found that the longer the duration of exposure the more significance is the decline in all sperm parameters, and those who were exposed for more than 10 years may developed azoospermia. 20 volunteers were found to have primary infertility and 8 to have secondary infertility. FSH significantly increased in the azoospermic and oligospermic groups , while the other hormones , LH , Testosterone and Prolactin , remained within the normal range levels. High testicular temperature impaired spermatogenesis leading to oligozoospermia , asthenozoospermia , teratzoospermia and azoospermia. There for the long term effect of hyperthermia adversely affect the sperm quantity and quality. Long term testicular hyperthermia may lead to primary and secondary infertility. The fasting baseline of FSH levels is negatively proportional with the sperm density.