Recent Updates on the Effect of Endocrine Disruptors on Male Reproductive Functions

Abstract

Endocrine disruptors are man-made or naturally occurring chemical substances, upon exposure, alter the male reproductive health by interfering with hormonal homeostasis and spermatogenesis. Several studies have supported the hypothesis that a decrease in sperm count over the past few decades is due to exposure to environmental contaminants possessing estrogenic or anti-androgenic properties. Bisphenol A, phthalates, alkylphenols, and polychlorinated biphenyls are some of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals commonly present in our day-to-day products that have been shown to pose a significant threat to reproductive health. Many chemicals directly or indirectly affect the endocrine systems, altering metabolism, sex differentiation, growth, stress response, gender behavior, and reproduction. The endocrine pathway disruption is possible via membrane receptors or nuclear receptors and inhibition of enzymatic pathways. The declining male reproductive health has been linked to an increased presence of chemical contaminants in our environment in the form of pesticides and plastics. The effect of endocrine disruptors on reproductive health remains a real issue considering public health. This review gives a recent update on environmental chemicals that have endocrine-disrupting potential and their effect on the male reproductive system.