Exposure to modern, widespread environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals and their effect on the reproductive potential of women: an overview of current epidemiological evidence

Abstract

Growing evidence indicates that exposure to widespread, environmental contaminants called endocrine disruptors (EDCs) negatively affects animal and human reproductive health and has been linked to several diseases including infertility. This review aims to evaluate the impact of environmental exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals [phthalates, parabens, triclosan, bisphenol A (BPA), organochlorine (PCBs) and perfluorinated (PFCs) compounds] on the reproductive potential among women, by reviewing most recently published literature. Epidemiological studies focusing on EDCs exposure and reproductive potential among women for the last 16 years were identified by a search of the PUBMED, MEDLINE, EBSCO and TOXNET literature databases. The results of the presented studies show that exposure to EDCs impacts the reproductive potential in women, measured by ovarian reserve and by assisted reproductive technology outcomes. Exposure to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals decrease: (i) oestradiol levels (BPA); (ii) anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations (PCBs); (iii) antral follicle count (BPA, parabens, phthalates); (iv) oocyte quality (BPA, triclosan, phthalates, PCBs); (v) fertilization rate (PFCs, PCBs); (vi) implantation (BPA, phthalates, PCBs); (vii) embryo quality (triclosan, PCBs, BPA); (viii) rate of clinical pregnancy and live births (parabens, phthalates). The studies were mostly well-designed and used prospective cohorts with the exposure assessment based on the biomarker of exposure. Considering the suggested health effects, more epidemiological data is urgently needed to confirm the presented findings.

Butyl paraben promotes apoptosis in human trophoblast cells through increased oxidative stress‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress

“…In addition, prenatal exposure to BP causes impaired neurodevelopment . Moreover, as urinary BP increases with the progress of pregnancy, it is presumed that the metabolism of BP is also influenced by physiological alteration during pregnancy . It is also known that BP is closely related to the metabolism of endocrine disruptors such as BPA, which is known to adversely affect placental development .…”

“…As BP is widely contained in various beauty products, women of childbearing age are easily exposed to it, but the risk is not reported due to its relatively low content and toxicity. However, a recent study of BP‐induced histopathological or proteomic changes in the female reproductive organs of animal models suggested that the accumulation of BP may affect offspring . Based on this study, it is necessary to identify the adverse effects of BP, which accumulates in the placenta during pregnancy, and to study its stability.…”

Hershberger Assays for Bisphenol-A and Its Substitute Candidates

“…octylphenol and nonylphenol), BPA shows xenoestrogen exhibiting estrogen-mimicking properties ( Nimrod & Benson, 1996 ). Numerous studies have demonstrated adverse health effects attributed to BPA including a range of reproductive problems such are reduced fertility, male and female reproductive tract abnormalities, metabolic disorder, cancer induction, neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity ( Richter et al, 2007 ; Manfo et al, 2014 ; Karwacka et al, 2017 ; Giulivo et al, 2016 ; Ho et al, 2006 ; Itoh et al, 2012 ; Kimber, 2017 ).…”

“…Among them, bisphenol-A(BPA) is a member of alkylphenol family and is used primarily to make plastics, and products using BPA-based plastics have been available in commercial since 1957 ( Nimrod & Benson, 1996 ; Pivnenko et al, 2015 ). More recently, BPA is a preferred color developer in carbonless copy paper and thermal point of sale receipt paper ( Karwacka et al, 2017 ). Actually, BPA seems to be most commonly exposed industrial EDC in modern society, and its adverse effects have been extensively studied over past two decades ( Giulivo et al, 2016 ; McLachlan, 2016 ).…”

The ARTEMIS Center: An Environmental Health Prevention Platform Dedicated to Reproduction

“…Environmental exposure is known to interfere with reproduction (fertility disorders, pregnancy pathologies, and developmental abnormalities) [1,2]. Exposure to certain chemical or physical agents (solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, drugs, ionizing radiation, heat) is associated with alterations of spermatic parameters [3][4][5], negative effects on fertility in women [6], spontaneous abortions, and congenital malformations [7,8], as well as certain adverse pregnancy outcomes (fetal death, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and prematurity) [7]. In addition, environmental exposure during fetal life may increase the risk of chronic disease in childhood and adulthood (hypothesis of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD)) [9].…”