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Environmental disruption of reproductive rhythms
Marie-Azélie Moralia1, Clarisse Quignon1, Marine Simonneaux1
1Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France.
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology
|March 1, 2022
Summary
Environmental light and chemical pollution disrupt reproductive rhythms by interfering with the photoneuroendocrine system. This review examines how modern lifestyles threaten biological timing crucial for reproduction in humans and animals.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Environmental science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Reproduction relies on synchronizing biological functions with daily and seasonal environmental cues.
- Photoneuroendocrine pathways integrate light signals within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis for reproductive timing.
- Industrialization and modern lifestyles have altered natural rhythms, impacting reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on how environmental light and chemical pollution disrupt reproductive rhythms.
- To discuss the interference with the photoneuroendocrine timing system.
- To highlight the threats posed by artificial light and endocrine-disrupting chemicals to reproductive health.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of field studies.
- Examination of experimental research.
Main Results:
- Artificial light at inappropriate times disrupts natural biological rhythms.
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals contaminate the environment, threatening reproductive functions.
- Both light and chemical pollution interfere with the photoneuroendocrine system, impacting reproductive timing.
Conclusions:
- Environmental pollution, including light and chemical contaminants, poses a significant threat to reproductive health.
- Disruption of the photoneuroendocrine system by modern environmental factors can impair reproductive success.
- Urgent attention is needed to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental changes on reproductive rhythms.
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