[Updated reproductive toxicology of polybrominated diphenyl ether]

Since 1970, polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) has been widely used as additive flame retardants in everyday consumer products, including polyurethane foam and electronic products like mattresses and upholstered furniture. Thermoplastics, mixed in polymers, do not chemically bond with plastics, textiles, etc., and therefore can be separated from the product into the environment. Because of its high lipophilicity, accumulation, degradation-resistance and biochemical toxicity, PBDE can invade the human body in a variety of ways and is toxic to multiple systems in the human body. PBDE affects the male reproductive system in many aspects, as by causing sperm quality decline, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate dysplasia, sperm head deformity, and decreased levels of testosterone and other reproductive hormones. PBDE also affects male reproductive function from the genetic aspect, as by altering the sperm DNA methylation level, inducing sperm chromatin damage, etc. Some environmental factors, such as high-fat diet and indoor dust increase, can indirectly promote the reproductive toxicity of PBDE. This article reviews the impacts of PBDE on exposed populations and the animal reproductive system and the latest research progress at home and abroad.