Environmental Factors-Induced Oxidative Stress: Hormonal and Molecular Pathway Disruptions in Hypogonadism and Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Hypogonadism is an endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate serum testosterone production by the Leydig cells of the testis. It is triggered by alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another common disorder in men that involves an alteration in erectile response–organic, relational, or psychological. The incidence of hypogonadism and ED is common in men aged over 40 years. Hypogonadism (including late-onset hypogonadism) and ED may be linked to several environmental factors-induced oxidative stresses. The factors mainly include exposure to pesticides, radiation, air pollution, heavy metals and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These environmental risk factors may induce oxidative stress and lead to hormonal dysfunctions. To better understand the subject, the study used many keywords, including “hypogonadism”, “late-onset hypogonadism”, “testosterone”, “erectile dysfunction”, “reactive oxygen species”, “oxidative stress”, and “environmental pollution” in major online databases, such as SCOPUS and PUBMED to extract relevant scientific information. Based on these parameters, this review summarizes a comprehensive insight into the important environmental issues that may have a direct or indirect association with hypogonadism and ED in men. The study concludes that environmental factors-induced oxidative stress may cause infertility in men. The hypothesis and outcomes were reviewed critically, and the mechanistic approaches are applied through oxidant-sensitive pathways. This study also provides reccomendations on future therapeutic interventions and protective measures against such adverse environmental factors-induced hypogonadism and ED.

Mediterranean Diet as a Shield against Male Infertility and Cancer Risk Induced by Environmental Pollutants: A Focus on Flavonoids

“…Other evidence on infertile populations suggested a negative association between semen quality, testicular cancer, and PAH levels [210]. Moreover, male infertility can be induced by PAH by affecting sperm motility, chromatin integrity, and increased oxidative stress [211]. However, considering the human exposure at PAHs in the environment, the impact of these compounds on testicular cancer and the related mechanisms involved in toxicity could be further investigated.…”

Testosterone Deficiency in Sickle Cell Disease: Recognition and Remediation

“…In recent years, progress has been made toward understanding the mechanism of testosterone deficiency in SCD, and primary hypogonadism has now been established as the principal cause for this hormonal abnormality. Oxidative/nitrosative stress is implicated in defective testosterone production by affecting the expression or enzymatic activation of several steroidogenic enzymes, or by depletion of antioxidants ( 25 – 27 ). In the vasculature of humans and experimental animals with SCD, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generated enzymes NADPH oxidase (NOX) and xanthine oxidase, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, autooxidation of HbS, heme iron release, and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine have been described ( 28 , 29 ).…”

The Mechanisms and Management of Age-Related Oxidative Stress in Male Hypogonadism Associated with Non-communicable Chronic Disease

“…Hypogonadism is also associated with environmental exposures that induce oxidative stress, which can result in male infertility. This includes exposure to air pollution, pesticides, heavy metals, radiation, and, particularly, endocrine-disrupting chemicals [ 14 ].…”