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J Xenobiot. 2021 Nov 29;11(4):163-196. doi: 10.3390/jox11040012.

The Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Male Fertility: Focus on the Action of Obesogens.

Journal of xenobiotics

Luís Rato, Ana C A Sousa

Affiliations

  1. Health School of the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-035 Guarda, Portugal.
  2. Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, University of Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal.
  3. Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal.

PMID: 34940512 DOI: 10.3390/jox11040012

Abstract

The current scenario of male infertility is not yet fully elucidated; however, there is increasing evidence that it is associated with the widespread exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and in particular to obesogens. These compounds interfere with hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism and are associated with weight gain, being also able to change the functioning of the male reproductive axis and, consequently, the testicular physiology and metabolism that are pivotal for spermatogenesis. The disruption of these tightly regulated metabolic pathways leads to adverse reproductive outcomes. The permanent exposure to obesogens has raised serious health concerns. Evidence suggests that obesogens are one of the leading causes of the marked decline of male fertility and key players in shaping the future health outcomes not only for those who are directly exposed but also for upcoming generations. In addition to the changes that lead to inefficient functioning of the male gametes, obesogens induce alterations that are "imprinted" on the genes of the male gametes, establishing a link between generations and contributing to the transmission of defects. Unveiling the molecular mechanisms by which obesogens induce toxicity that may end-up in epigenetic modifications is imperative. This review describes and discusses the suggested molecular targets and potential mechanisms for obesogenic-disrupting chemicals and the subsequent effects on male reproductive health.

Keywords: Sertoli cells; environmental contaminants; germ cells; infertility; obesogens; reproductive axis; sperm quality; spermatogenesis

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