Association between serum copper level and reproductive health of Women in the United States: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Copper is an indispensable trace element in metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between copper and reproductive health, and possibly provide new insights for diagnosis and treatment. This study was based on data extracted from the NHANES database (2013–2014 and 2015–2016). The t-test, ANOVA, Chi-square test, multiple linear regression, and restricted cubic spline analysis were used. Serum copper levels were significantly higher in women with gestational diabetes than in those without gestational diabetes (P = 0.0150). Women with higher copper levels and smoking habits tended to deliver overweight babies (P = 0.028). Women with diabetes had higher serum copper and were prone to deliver overweight babies (P = 0.024). Serum copper levels showed a positive relationship with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels (P < 0.0001). In this study, serum copper levels were found to be associated with reproductive health in women. Further studies are required to draw causal inferences.

KEYWORDS:

• Copper
• reproductive health
• pregnancy
• sex hormone
• cross-sectional study

Acknowledgements

We express gratitude to Dr. Qin from Public Health College, Guangzhou Medical University, for her assistance with the necessary knowledge of statistics.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authors’ contributions

Yi Yuan, Zi Lv and Suxin Luo: Conception and design; Yuan Yi and Guang-yuan Yu: Data collection; Yuan Yi, Tong-yu Peng and Zao Zou: Data analysis; Yuan Yi, Guang-yuan Yu and Meng-ze Wu: Figures presentation; Yuan Yi, Tong-yu Peng, Ruo-fei Zhu and Shuang Wu: Manuscript writing; Zi Lv and Su-xin Luo: substantial revision of the manuscript.

Availability of data and materials

Data collection for this study was consented to by each individual, which was also approved by the National Center for Health Statistics Research Ethics Review Board. This study included data from two dataset cycles of NHANES (2013–2014 and 2015–2016).

Consent for publication

The authors confirm that (1) the work described has not been published before; (2) it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere; (3) all co-authors have approved its publication; (4) the responsible authorities at the institution where the work was carried out have approved its publication.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Chongqing municipal health and Health Committee (2023FY202), Guangzhou Science and Technology Project (2023A04J1220, 202201010942, 202201011009) , the Research Foundation of Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center for Clinical Doctor (2021BS050), and the Research Foundation of Pediatrics College in Guangzhou Medical University (2023ekky001), and the Research Foundation of Guangzhou Medical Univeristy (2022A151).