Abstract
Great attention has been paid in recent years to the harmful effects of various chemicals that interfere with our natural hormone balance, collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or endocrine disruptors. The effects on the reproductive system of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates have received particular attention: while they have a short half-life, they are so widespread that human exposure can be considered as continuous. Evidence is often limited to the animal model, disregarding the likelihood of human exposure to a mixture of contaminants. Data from animal models show that maternal exposure probably has harmful effects on the male fetus, with an increased risk of urogenital developmental abnormalities. After birth, exposure is associated with changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, hindering the development and function of the male genital pathways through the mediation of inflammatory mechanisms and oxidative stress. The epidemiological and clinical evidence, while generally confirming the association between reproductive abnormalities and some phthalate esters and BPA, is more contradictory, with wildly different findings. The aim of this review is therefore to provide an update of the potential mechanisms of the damage caused by BPA and phthalates to reproductive function and a review of the clinical evidence currently available in the literature.
Highlights
The Endocrine Disruptor “Dilemma”The Endocrine Society currently defines an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) as “an exogenous chemical, or mixture of chemicals, that interferes with any aspect of hormone action” [1]
Great attention has been paid in recent years to the harmful effects of various chemicals that interfere with our natural hormone balance, collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or endocrine disruptors
Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate esters are among the most widely investigated EDCs in relation to reproductive dysfunctions and impaired spermatogenesis, but evidence is often limited to animal models and the results are controversial, often disregarding the likelihood of human exposure to a “cocktail” of contaminants [11]
Summary
The Endocrine Society currently defines an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) as “an exogenous chemical, or mixture of chemicals, that interferes with any aspect of hormone action” [1]. Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiation process culminating in the production of spermatozoa [7] which requires the functional coordination of numerous endocrine and paracrine factors For this reason, EDCs have been repeatedly linked to its disruption [8,9]. Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate esters are among the most widely investigated EDCs in relation to reproductive dysfunctions and impaired spermatogenesis, but evidence is often limited to animal models and the results are controversial, often disregarding the likelihood of human exposure to a “cocktail” of contaminants [11]. There is a great body of published evidence on various molecular aspects of the action of endocrine disruptors and their associations with urogenital diseases These studies often focus on a single or single class of EDC, meaning that the real risk to human health may be underestimated [17]. In light of all this, the aim of this narrative review is to provide an update of the possible ways that EDCs with a high exposure risk (phthalates and bisphenols) can disrupt reproductive function, especially testicular function, and what repercussions these might have on fertility in adulthood
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
