Reproductive toxicology: keeping up with our changing world

Area of Science:

• Reproductive toxicology and public health.

Background:

• Traditional reproductive toxicology focuses on acute toxicity and infertility.
• Emerging concerns include endocrine disruptors and intergenerational health impacts on offspring.
• Population changes like increased paternal age and obesity necessitate updated testing designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight limitations in current reproductive toxicology testing protocols.
• To advocate for expanded reproductive endpoints, including genetic and epigenetic sperm parameters.
• To discuss the potential of novel methodologies in reproductive toxicology.

Main Methods:

• Review of current reproductive toxicology testing limitations.
• Exploration of emerging trends in human reproduction (paternal age, obesity).
• Discussion of advanced testing strategies: mixture testing, novel animal models, in vitro systems (organoids), multigenerational protocols, in silico modeling, machine learning, and AI.

Main Results:

• Standard protocols have limitations in representing current population characteristics and exposure circumstances.
• Adverse outcomes extend beyond infertility to include metabolic, neurodevelopmental, and cancer risks in offspring.
• Genetic and epigenetic sperm parameters are crucial, underutilized endpoints.

Conclusions:

• Reproductive toxicology testing requires significant updates to address complex, intergenerational effects and changing population dynamics.
• Integrating advanced techniques like organoids, AI, and in silico modeling is essential for comprehensive risk assessment.
• Future testing must incorporate genetic and epigenetic factors to accurately evaluate reproductive toxicants.