Research links in winter spikes in air pollution PM2.5 to reduce pregnancy rates and live births in patients with art, creating concerns about the impact of the fertility of environmental exposure.
Study: Environmental pollution and human fertility: Investigating the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and the results of assisted reproductive technology. Credit Picture: Shutterstock Ai Generator / Shutterstock.com
A recent study published in BMC Public Health Examines the effect of seasonal fluctuations on a thin particle (PM) with a diameter of 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5) The pollution for the results of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
How does air pollution affect fertility?
The success of art processes can be influenced by various factors, some of which include age, lifestyle and genetics. To date, the impact of PM2.5 Exposure to reproductive health, especially the results of art, remains unclear.
Long -term exposure to pm2.5 Air pollution significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Current evidence suggests that air pollution can also lead to reduced fertility rates and at a higher risk of pregnancy complications, such as reduced life birth rates. As a result, clinicians will often recommend limiting exposure to air pollution at least three months before starting in vitro Fertilization Therapy (IVF).
Despite these observations, few studies have explored the impact of the PM environment2.5 Levels in the results of art in times.
For the study
The current study was conducted at Shangqiu’s first hospital and included 13,476 patients undergoing treatment problems with art between February 2018 and December 2022.
The period during which pm2.5 The levels were examined began with controlled ovarian stimulation and ended within 30 days of the pregnancy test. This period is considered a critical window of success for optimal development and implantation of fetus and fetus, respectively.
Study findings
With comparable gonadotropin use, multiple reproductive results changed in all seasons and have been associated with PM2.5 report. These included both the early stages in the art process such as the number of oocytes and how many metal II (MII), the number of embryos suitable for transport and the number of good quality embryos.
After adjusting for age and expected changes to seasonal prices, a significant negative correlation between PM was observed2.5 Exposure and both the birth rates of pregnancy and the births of life. MM2.5 The report did not significantly affect the miscarriage rates.
Compared to the winter months, the spring and summer seasons were associated with a higher number of pregnancy rates for each transfer, with this difference statistically significant between winter and spring months. Live birth rates were also higher during the months of spring, summer and autumn.
The findings of this study demonstrate a consistent adverse relationships between PM2.5 The levels and significant results of art, including the number of oocytes, the number of MII oocytes, transferable embryos and good quality. ”
Analyzing the mechanisms of PM2.5-They -made reproductive toxicity
After inhalation or ingestion of PM2.5These particles can introduce systematic circulation to reach the embryos and adversely affect the optimal development of oocytes and fetus. Several studies have reported that PM2.5 The report causes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage and early apoptosis, which can reduce the quality of the oocytes and prevent embryo implantation.
Inside the female reproductive system, pm2.5 The exposure can also damage the endometrial cells, thereby causing oxidative stress and inflammation that does not favor the fetal adhesion to the endometrial lining. MM2.5 The exposure can also change the expression of attachment molecules, growth factors and other substrates necessary for successful fetal implantation.
MM2.5 It has toxic effects on oocytes and embryos, to immediately disturb the cellular processes and ultimately harm fertility effects. “
In addition to the toxic effects of PM2.5 Exposure to maternal reproductive health, various aspects of male fertility can also be affected by PM2.5. Previously, researchers have reported that PM2.5 The exposure reduces the quality and density of sperm with targeting of the O1 protein (Foxo1), in addition to lowering testosterone levels and increasing inflammation within the testicles.
Conclusions
Overall, study findings indicate seasonal influence on PM results2.5 Air pollution for the results of art, as birth rates were significantly lower during the winter months compared to other seasons of the year. Although reproductive toxicity associated with PM2.5 Possible multifactorial, additional studies are required to clarify the expensive mechanisms with which PM2.5 interferes with the possible success of art therapies.
Magazine report:
- Li, F., Duan, X, Li, M., et al. (2025). Environmental pollution and human fertility: Investigation of the relationship between PM2.5 report and assisted technology technology. BMC Public Health. DOI: 10.1186/S12889-025-22518-5.
