Disruption of female reproductive function by endotoxins

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Toxicology
• Endocrinology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Endotoxemia, characterized by elevated endotoxin levels, arises from various physiological and environmental factors including obesity, infections, and chemical exposures.
• Disruptions in intestinal barrier integrity are a key pathway leading to endotoxemia.
• Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin mimetic, is implicated in reproductive dysfunctions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the physiological stressors that precipitate endotoxemia.
• To elucidate the mechanisms through which LPS adversely affects female reproductive processes.
• To pinpoint knowledge gaps concerning the impact of acute and metabolic endotoxemia on female reproduction.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes existing literature on endotoxemia and its reproductive consequences.
• It examines controlled experimental findings on the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure.
• The review analyzes studies investigating neonatal and transgenerational reproductive impacts of LPS.

Main Results:

• LPS exposure is shown to negatively impact folliculogenesis, puberty onset, estrus behavior, ovulation, meiotic competence, luteal function, and ovarian steroidogenesis.
• Neonatal LPS exposure demonstrates potential for transgenerational reproductive effects in females.
• Various stressors, including obesity and environmental chemicals, can induce endotoxemia by compromising intestinal barrier integrity.

Conclusions:

• Endotoxemia poses a significant threat to female reproductive health through multiple pathways.
• LPS is a critical mediator of reproductive compromise, with early-life exposure raising particular concern due to potential long-term and transgenerational effects.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between endotoxemia and female reproductive function, especially concerning acute and metabolic endotoxemia.