Obesogens and male fertility
A M Cardoso1, M G Alves1, P P Mathur2,3
1Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
Abstract:
In the last decades, several studies evidenced a decrease in male fertility in developed countries. Although the aetiology of this trend in male reproductive health remains a matter of debate, environmental compounds that predispose to weight gain, namely obesogens, are appointed as contributors because of their action as endocrine disruptors. Obesogens favour adipogenesis by an imbalance of metabolic processes and can be found virtually everywhere. These compounds easily accumulate in tissues with high lipid content. Obesogens change the functioning of male reproductive axis, and, consequently, the testicular physiology and metabolism that are pivotal for spermatogenesis. The disruption of these tightly regulated metabolic pathways leads to adverse reproductive outcomes. Notably, adverse effects of obesogens may also promote disturbances in the metabolic performance of the following generations, through epigenetic modifications passed by male gametes. Thus, unveiling the molecular pathways by which obesogens induce toxicity that may end up in epigenetic modifications is imperative. Otherwise, a transgenerational susceptibility to metabolic diseases may be favoured. We present an up-to-date overview of the impact of obesogens on testicular physiology, with a particular focus on testicular metabolism. We also address the effects of obesogens on male reproductive parameters and the subsequent consequences for male fertility.
Insights
Environmental obesogens disrupt male reproductive health and testicular metabolism, potentially causing infertility and transgenerational metabolic issues. Understanding these endocrine disruptors is crucial for male fertility and metabolic disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Male fertility has declined in developed countries over recent decades.
- Obesogens, environmental compounds promoting weight gain, are implicated as endocrine disruptors contributing to this decline.
- These compounds disrupt metabolic processes, favoring adipogenesis and accumulating in lipid-rich tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated overview of obesogen impact on testicular physiology and metabolism.
- To examine the effects of obesogens on male reproductive parameters and fertility.
- To highlight the potential for transgenerational effects via epigenetic modifications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on obesogens and male reproductive health.
- Analysis of studies focusing on testicular physiology and metabolism.
- Examination of research on male reproductive parameters and fertility outcomes.
Main Results:
- Obesogens disrupt the male reproductive axis and testicular metabolism, essential for spermatogenesis.
- Disruption of metabolic pathways by obesogens leads to adverse reproductive outcomes.
- Obesogen exposure may induce epigenetic modifications in male gametes, affecting subsequent generations' metabolic health.
Conclusions:
- Obesogens pose a significant threat to male reproductive health and fertility.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of obesogen toxicity is vital to prevent transgenerational susceptibility to metabolic diseases.
- Further research is needed to elucidate obesogen-induced epigenetic modifications and their long-term consequences.
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