Testosterone and endocrine disruptors: Influence of endocrine disruptors on male reproductive tract

Abstract

A wide variety of chemical compounds with endocrine disruptor (EDC) activity have been recognized for environmental control agencies worldwide, including pesticides, pollutants, and substances used in the production of plastics. Biomonitoring studies have identified the compounds in adults, children, pregnant women, and fetuses. EDCs are contributing to the increased prevalence of chronic diseases, including those related to the reproductive system. Initially, it was assumed that EDCs exert their adverse effects by binding to hormone receptors and transcription factors, but it is currently known that they may also alter the expression of enzymes involved in the steroid synthesis and/or catabolism or cause epigenetic changes. The true impact of endocrine disruptors on human health is difficult to assess because specific end points may be differentially affected at different ages. Humans are exposed to east hundreds of environmental chemicals and a major limitation of epidemiologic studies is that usually they measured the human exposure to a single EDC. The EDCs are an international problem and the public, the media, politicians, and governmental agencies should be educated on ways to avoid EDC exposure.