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Giovanni SM, Letizia AAM, Chiara M, Vincenzo S, Erika P, Marta S. The Male Reproductive System and Endocrine Disruptors. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:686-703. [PMID: 34607552 DOI: 10.2174/1871530321666211004100633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The male reproductive system is exposed to a great number of chemical substances which can interfere with the normal hormonal milieu and reproductive function; these are called endocrine disruptors (EDs). Despite a growing number of studies evaluating the negative effects of EDs, their production is continuously growing although some of which have been prohibited. The prevalence of poor semen quality, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and testicular cancer have increased in the last decades, and recently, it has been postulated that these could all be part of a unique syndrome called testicular dysgenesis syndrome. This syndrome could be related to exposure to a number of EDs which cause imbalances in the hormonal milieu and oestrogenic over-exposure during the foetal stage. The same EDs can also impair spermatogenesis in offspring and have epigenetic effects. Although studies on animal and in vitro models have raised concerns, data are conflicting. However, these studies must be considered as the basis for future research to promote male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maneschi Chiara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
| | - Sciabica Vincenzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
| | - Pigatto Erika
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
| | - Sanna Marta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
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Cariati F, Carbone L, Conforti A, Bagnulo F, Peluso SR, Carotenuto C, Buonfantino C, Alviggi E, Alviggi C, Strina I. Bisphenol A-Induced Epigenetic Changes and Its Effects on the Male Reproductive System. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:453. [PMID: 32849263 PMCID: PMC7406566 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread chemical agent which can exert detrimental effects on the male reproductive system. Exposure to BPA has been shown to induce several epigenetic modifications in both animal and human cells. Specifically, BPA could not only modify the methylation pattern of multiple genes encoding proteins related to reproductive physiology but also directly influence the genes responsible for DNA methylation. BPA effects include hormonal alterations, microscopic and macroscopic alteration of male reproductive organs, and inheritable epigenetic changes involving human reproduction. BPA exposure was also linked to prostate cancer. This review aims to show the current scenario of BPA-induced epigenetic changes and its effects on the male reproductive system. Possible strategies to counter the toxic effect of BPA were also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cariati
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., Naples, Italy
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Federica Cariati
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Bagnulo
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Consolata Carotenuto
- Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology Department, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Cira Buonfantino
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Erminia Alviggi
- GENERA Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Ruesch, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology Institute (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Strina
- Fertility Unit, Maternal-Child Department, AOU Policlinico Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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Song X, Miao M, Zhou X, Li D, Tian Y, Liang H, Li R, Yuan W. Bisphenol A Exposure and Sperm ACHE Hydroxymethylation in Men. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E152. [PMID: 30626059 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been shown to impact human sperm quality. The epigenetic mechanisms underlying the effect remain unknown. The acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) gene is a sperm-expressed gene encoding the acetylcholine hydrolyzing enzyme acetylcholinesterase and participates in the apoptosis of cells, including sperm. This study aimed to examine whether BPA exposure is associated with the hydroxymethylation level of the sperm ACHE gene. A total of 157 male factory workers were studied, among whom 74 had BPA exposure in the workplace (BPA exposure group) and 83 had no BPA exposure in the workplace (control group). Urine samples were collected for BPA measurement and semen samples were collected to assay for ACHE hydroxymethylation. Sperm ACHE hydroxymethylation level was higher in the BPA exposure group (p = 0.041) compared to the control group. When subjects were categorized according to tertiles of detected BPA level, higher ACHE hydroxymethylation levels were observed for the lowest, middle, and top tertiles compared to those with BPA below the limit of detection (LOD). In a linear regression analysis adjusted for confounders, a positive linear association between urine BPA concentration and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) rate of the sperm ACHE gene was observed, although the association did not reach statistical significance in all categories after being stratified by the BPA tertile. In conclusion, 5hmC of the sperm ACHE gene was positively associated with BPA exposure, which may provide supportive evidence for BPA’s effects on male fertility or other health endpoints.
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