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Epigenetic transgenerational effects of endocrine disruptors on male reproduction

Carlos M Guerrero-Bosagna1, Michael K Skinner

  • 1Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4231, USA.

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine
|August 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Endocrine disruptors can cause transgenerational diseases in males. We propose a new nomenclature distinguishing germ-line (intrinsic) from somatic (extrinsic) epigenetic transmission of these environmentally induced conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental toxicology
  • Epigenetics
  • Reproductive biology

Background:

  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with steroid receptor signaling, impacting development and promoting adult-onset diseases.
  • Exposure to EDCs during male reproductive tract development disrupts hormonal signaling and organ formation.
  • Vinclozolin exposure, an EDC, induces transgenerational diseases including infertility, tumors, and immune abnormalities in males.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a clear nomenclature for transgenerational epigenetic transmission.
  • To differentiate between germ-line mediated and somatic-tissue mediated epigenetic inheritance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
  • Definition and categorization of intrinsic and extrinsic epigenetic transgenerational processes.

Main Results:

  • Intrinsic epigenetic transgenerational process: involves germ-line epigenome alteration, requires a single exposure, and leads to permanent changes.
  • Extrinsic epigenetic transgenerational process: involves somatic tissue epigenetic alteration, requires repeated exposure across generations to maintain phenotypes.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed nomenclature clarifies distinct mechanisms of transgenerational epigenetic transmission.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing environmentally induced health issues across generations.

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