Environmental toxicants and male fertility. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodprasert, Wiwat; Toppari, Jorma; Virtanen, Helena E.
• Is Part Of: Best practice & research. Volume 86(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Endocrine disrupting chemicals -- Semen quality -- Heavy metals -- Smoking -- Alcohol; AhR aryl hydrocarbon receptor -- ART assisted reproductive technologies -- BPA bisphenol A -- CB cannabinoid -- DBCP 1, 2-dibromo-3-chloropropane -- DBP di-n-butyl phthalate -- DDE dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene -- DDT dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane -- DEHP di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate -- DEP diethyl phthalate -- DiNP di-isononyl phthalate -- EDC endocrine disrupting chemical -- HCB hexachlorobenzene -- MP methylparaben -- PBDEs polybrominated diphenyl ethers -- PCBs polychlorinated biphenyls -- PCDDs polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins -- PCDFs polychlorinated dibenzofurans -- PFASs poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances -- PFOA perfluorooctanoic acid -- PFOS perfluorooctane sulfonate -- POPs persistent organic pollutants -- p, p'-DDE p, p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene -- TCDD 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin -- TSC total sperm count; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female; Obstetrics; Gynecology; Obstetrics; Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102298
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-6934

Abstract

Abstract: Semen quality has declined especially among Western men. Experimental and epidemiological studies have shown potential links between exposure to environmental toxicants and poor male fertility. Some environmental exposures in utero can disrupt fetal testicular function and result in cryptorchidism, low semen quality, low serum testosterone levels, and low fertility. Environmental exposure in childhood and adulthood can also adversely affect germ cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, or the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, resulting in impaired male fertility. In this review, we report the latest results from human studies that investigated the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and use of marijuana in low semen quality and impaired male fertility. Current evidence suggests the relationship between these environmental factors and low male fertility; however, some factors showed conflicting results which need further investigation. Highlights: Several studies have suggested that semen quality is declining. Reduced semen quality may be linked to exposure to environmental factors. Endocrine disrupting chemical exposure can affect hormone levels or actions. More studies are needed especially on prenatal exposures and exposures to mixtures.