**Male Reproduction: One of the Primary Targets of Bisphenol A**

Tomáš Jambor, Bistáková Jana, Greifová Hana, Tvrdá Eva and Lukáč Norbert

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.68629

#### **Abstract**

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26 Bisphenol A Exposure and Health Risks

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Lab 1985, Wareham, MA, USA

Infertility is a major health issue affecting human life. The most notable factors causing male infertility is exposure to environmental contaminants. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common toxic environmental contaminant. Human population is exposed to bisphenol A through air, water, food and a variety of industrial products. Growing evidence from research on laboratory animals supports the hypothesis that bisphenol A is able to adversely affect male reproductive function. The specific mechanisms of action of bisphenol A are wide but not definite. Bisphenol A interferes with the hormonal metabolism and regulation, binding affinity or enzymatic activity, resulting in a deviation from a normal reproductive behaviour. Binding ability to androgen and oestrogen receptors, as well as other properties, is currently investigated. A decreased sperm count, inhibition of sperm motility and reduction of organ weights were observed and linked with oxidative stress after bisphenol A treatment. In addition, prenatal exposure to bisphenol A may lead to adverse effects in the offspring. In this review, we address the topic of BPA effects on male reproductive function and emphasize its effects on testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. A considerably more detailed and systematic research focusing on bisphenol A toxicology is required for a better understanding of risks associated with exposure to this endocrine disruptor.

**Keywords:** reproduction, male, bisphenol A, steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis
