Impacts and potential mechanisms of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on male testosterone biosynthesis disruption

Exposure to PM_2.5 is the most significant air pollutant for health risk. The testosterone level in male is vulnerable to environmental toxicants. In the past, researchers focused more attention on the impacts of PM_2.5 on respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system, and few researchers focused attention on the reproductive system. Recent studies have reported that PM_2.5 involved in male testosterone biosynthesis disruption, which is closely associated with male reproductive health. However, the underlying mechanisms by which PM_2.5 causes testosterone biosynthesis disruption are still not clear. To better understand its potential mechanisms, we based on the existing scientific publications to critically and comprehensively reviewed the role and potential mechanisms of PM_2.5 that are participated in testosterone biosynthesis in male. In this review, we summarized the potential mechanisms of PM_2.5 triggering the change of testosterone level in male, which involve in oxidative stress, inflammatory response, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and mitophagy, microRNAs (miRNAs), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. It will provide new suggestions and ideas for prevention and treatment of testosterone biosynthesis disruption caused by PM_2.5 for future research.