Mercury exposure as a determinant of female infertility: Mechanistic insights and reproductive outcomes

Abstract

Mercury is the third most toxic heavy metal affecting ecosystems and human health. This review examines mercury's toxic effects on female reproductive function through acute and chronic pathways. Mercury exposure occurs through various sources and leads to infertility and reduced fertility in females. The primary mechanisms underlying mercury-induced infertility include oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction, and direct effects on ovarian tissue. This review highlights recent evidence linking mercury exposure to female infertility and underscores the need for improved biomonitoring, risk assessment, and public health strategies to mitigate exposure. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in female infertility is essential for developing targeted therapeutic and preventive interventions to protect female reproductive health.