Differential Disrupting Effects of Prolonged Low-Dose Exposure to Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane on Androgen and Estrogen Production in Males

Abstract

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is the most widespread, persistent pollutant and endocrine disruptor on the planet. Although DDT has been found to block androgen receptors, the effects of its low-dose exposure in different periods of ontogeny on the male reproductive system remain unclear. We evaluate sex steroid hormone production in the pubertal period and after maturation in male Wistar rats exposed to low doses of o,p’-DDT, either during prenatal and postnatal development or postnatal development alone. Prenatally and postnatally exposed rats exhibit lower testosterone production and increased estradiol and estriol serum levels after maturation, associated with the delayed growth of gonads. Postnatally exposed rats demonstrate accelerated growth of gonads and higher testosterone production in the pubertal period. In contrast to the previous group, they do not present raised estradiol production. All of the exposed animals exhibit a reduced conversion of progesterone to 17OH-progesterone after sexual maturation, which indicates putative attenuation of sex steroid production. Thus, the study reveals age-dependent outcomes of low-dose exposure to DDT. Prenatal onset of exposure results in the later onset of androgen production and the enhanced conversion of androgens to estrogens after puberty, while postnatal exposure induces the earlier onset of androgen secretion.

Malathion exposure during juvenile and peripubertal periods downregulate androgen receptor and 17-ß-HSD testicular gene expression and compromised sperm quality in rats

“…The same occurs with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), where lower doses alter intermediate proteins involved in the production of steroidal hormones. 57 However, there are no studies on the effects and mechanisms of damage after exposure to low doses of malathion on sperm quality. Thus, a novel characteristic is presented regarding this insecticide that is widely used in underdeveloped tropical countries.…”

Relationship between Prenatal or Postnatal Exposure to Pesticides and Obesity: A Systematic Review

“…Accordingly, DDT is regarded as an endocrine-disrupting (ED) chemical that can alter hormone-dependent functions, including several behaviors modulated by neuroendocrine systems [ 86 ]. One of the suggested mechanisms of action of DDT is through its estrogenic and androgenic effects on target tissues [ 87 ], particularly affecting the thyroid gland.…”

Sex specific associations between in utero exposure to persistent organic pollutants and allergy-related outcomes in childhood: The Rhea Mother–Child Cohort (Crete, Greece)

“…It is possible that POPs-estrogens associations are age-specific (as well as sex-specific) which might explain why we do not observe any associations after the age of 4 years. 50 Finally, animal studies suggest sex-specific differences in cytokine expression following gestational exposure to POPs, 51,52 which in turn, have been associated with asthma and related symptoms in children. 53,54 The mechanisms described above are to a large degree hypothetical and further studies are essential to shed light in our understanding of these sexually dimorphic effects.…”