Metals

Toxic metals are potent reproductive disruptors inculcating adversities in male gonadal functioning at the pretesticular, testicular, and posttesticular levels. There are varied sources by which they get access to male reproductive organs. They either intrude into reproductive cells via different transporters mimicking essential metals or endogenous ligands or curb reproductive functions indirectly by disrupting neuroendocrine cross-talk. In contrast, the essential metals bestow their beneficial effects to aid robust functioning of male reproductive system being integral parts of their metabolism and different levels of sperm development. Thus, metals can both induce and mitigate male reproductive adversities and consequently male infertility.