Environmental contaminants: Is male reproductive health at risk?
Document Type
Article (peer-reviewed)
Publication Date
2011
Abstract
Contaminants such as cadmium, bisphenol A, and lead that pollute our environment affect male reproductive function. There is evidence that toxicant exposure adversely affects fertility. Cadmium and b2222isphenol A exert their effects in the testis by perturbing blood-testis barrier function, which in turn affects germ cell adhesion in the seminiferous epithelium because of a disruption of the functional axis between these sites. In essence, cadmium mediated its adverse effects at the blood-testis barrier by disrupting cell adhesion protein complexes, illustrating toxicants dismantle cell junctions in the testis. Herein, we will discuss how environmental toxicants affect reproductive function. We will also examine how these adverse effects on fertility may be mediated in part by adipose tissue and bone. Lastly, we will briefly discuss how toxicant-induced damage may be effectively managed so that fertility can be maintained. It is hoped that this information will offer a new paradigm for future studies.
Recommended Citation
Mruk, Dolores D. and C. Yan Cheng. 2011. "Environmental contaminants: Is male reproductive health at risk?" Spermatogenesis 1(4): 283–290.
DOI
10.4161/spmg.1.4.18328
Language
English
Project
Impact of Environmental Toxicants on Reproductive Function; The Biology of Blood–Testis Barrier Dynamics