Effects of endocrine disruptors on fetal testis development, male puberty, and transition age

Abstract

Purpose Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are exogenous substances able to impair endocrine system; consequently, they may cause numerous adverse effects. Over the last years, particular focus has been given to their harmful effects on reproductive system, but very little is known, especially in males. The aim of this review is to discuss the detrimental effects of EDs exposure on fetal testis development, male puberty, and transition age. Methods A search for the existing literature focusing on the impact of EDs on fetal testis development, male puberty, andrological parameters (anogenital distance, penile length, and testicular volume), and testicular cancer with particular regard to pubertal age provided the most current information available for this review. Human evidence-based reports were given priority over animal and in vitro experimental results. Given the paucity of available articles on this subject, all resources were given careful consideration. Results Information about the consequences associated with EDs exposure in the current literature is limited and often conflicting, due to the scarcity of human studies and their heterogeneity. Conclusions We conclude that current evidence does not clarify the impact of EDs on human male reproductive health, although severe harmful effects had been reported in animals. Despite controversial results, overall conclusion points toward a positive association between exposure to EDs and reproductive system damage. Further long-term studies performed on wide number of subjects are necessary in order to identify damaging compounds and remove them from the environment.

PFAS Environmental Pollution and Antioxidant Responses: An Overview of the Impact on Human Field

“…Regarding PFOS, it seems to damage Sertoli cells by perturbing actin cytoskeleton in primary cultures of rodent and human and may directly inhibit pubertal development of rat Leydig cells. In humans, prenatal PFOS exposure may increase fetal steroid hormone production, although no association with cryptorchidism or hypospadias has been observed [227].…”

“…Over the last years, particular focus has been given to their harmful effects on reproductive system, but very little is known, especially in males. A study of Cargnelutti et al [227], aimed to discuss the detrimental effects of EDs exposure on fetal testis development, male puberty and transition age, searching in the existing literature. According to WHO/IPCS 2002 definition, "an endocrine disruptor (ED) is an exogenous substance or mixture that alters functions of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse effects in an intact organism, or its progeny".…”

“…Testis development during fetal life is crucial for male reproductive function in adulthood. Indeed, fetal period is critical for the regular development of the testis and is known as a period of high sensitivity to many EDs [227]. Both functions of testis (spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis) are set up early during fetal life, involving Sertoli cells development and Leydig cells differentiation.…”

“…Both functions of testis (spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis) are set up early during fetal life, involving Sertoli cells development and Leydig cells differentiation. In particular, Leydig cells are responsible for testosterone production (responsible for masculinization) [227] which can be compromised by the presence of xenobiotics, as PFASs, and so altering ROS production.…”

“…In rats, PFOA does not seem to affect fetal Sertoli cells but may increase tendency of apoptosis in fetal Leydig cells. This damage seems to affect both proliferation and differentiation of stem Leydig cells or their progeny [227,231]. An altered redox environment is characteristic of the aging of many cell types, including Leydig cells, which steroidogenic function is regulated in part by luteinizing hormone (LH).…”