Author details

mediates reactions on distant tissues and cells. Therefore, research that focuses only on isolated components of endocrine system or target tissues may provide incomplete information. Essential principles of toxicokinetics should be part of key studies related to impact of EDs on

3β-HSD, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; 17β-HSD, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; MOT, motility; StAR,

Chemicals Cellular effects Source/applications Study

Plasticizers, cosmetics, food packaging

Cosmetics, pesticides, paints, food packaging's,

Akingbemi et al. [100, 101] Svechnikov et al. [107] Dees et al. [105]

Jambor et al. [21, 57] Lukacova et al. [69, 82] Diemer et al. [127] Haavisto et al. [128]

↓17β-HSD; ↓ StAR expression, ↑ mitochondrial damages; ↑ ROS;

fragmentation,

↓ antioxidant defense; ↑spermatozoa apoptosis;

Alkylphenols ↓3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, StAR; ↑ ROS production; ↓ cell viability;

steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; and ROS, reactive oxygen species.

Table 1. Summary of some EDs affecting male reproduction.

↑ apoptosis; ↓ spermatozoa MOT and viability; ↑ DNA

In recent years, a growing incidence of EDs has led scientific community to show how these substances may affect the male reproductive system. The in vitro evaluation of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis are necessary for the screening potential of reproductive toxicants such as alkylphenols, bisphenols, phthalates, and many others. The mechanism of their negative effect is by diverse but one important endpoint is reduced processes, essential for normal reproductive functions. This review has demonstrated that certain groups of EDs may directly or indirectly interfere with the biosynthesis of steroid hormones and spermatogenesis via different mechanisms of action. Dysfunction of these processes may cause an incomplete masculinization, suppressed libido, reduced steroidogenic capacity, develop various malformations in spermatozoa and subsequently totally inhibit the reproductive potential of humans and animals. It must be noted that further studies are required to understand the effects of EDs on the male reproduc-

The study was supported by the Slovak Research and Development Agency Grant no. APVV-

16-0289, APVV-15-0543, APVV-15-0544, VEGA 1/0539/18, and KEGA 010SPU-4/2018.

tive functions and their contributions to male sub- or infertility.

specific structures of organisms.

4. Conclusion

Mono/Di-(2 ethylhexyl) phthalate

114 Endocrine Disruptors

Acknowledgements

Tomas Jambor\*, Hana Greifova, Jana Bistakova and Norbert Lukac

\*Address all correspondence to: tomasjambor1@gmail.com

Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic
