Abstract
Several epidemiologic studies have demonstrated during the last 50 years an increased incidence in testis cancer, male genital tract malformations (cryptorchidism and hypospadias) and a decrease in sperm quality in men. These three pathologies seem to be linked and to belong to the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). It was suggested that TDS is a consequence of intra-uterine exposure to environmental compounds that disrupt the metabolism of native hormones. Such substances are so called endocrine disruptors (EDs). EDs are present in our daily environment such as food and water (through the use of pesticides), cosmetics, house-care products etc. Experimental models have been carried out to (i) establish a link between EDs exposure and SDT and (ii) identify the mechanisms that are involved in. After a brief definition of EDs and having underlined the importance of the window of exposure to EDs, several mechanisms will be described such as (i) intergenerational transmission (epigenetic), (ii) programmed cell death of testicular cells, (iii) modification of the androgenic signal and (iv) role of the germ cells-nourishing cells. To conclude, we will try to propose some biomarkers that would be useful to identify the potential link between fetal exposure to anti-androgenic EDs and male testicular pathology.
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