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Endocrine-Distributing Chemicals and Reproductive Function

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Health Impacts of Developmental Exposure to Environmental Chemicals

Abstract

Exposures to environmental chemicals affecting androgen action (endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)) are suspected to have a negative impact on male reproductive function by disrupting normal differentiation and development. In this chapter, the literature on the impact of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals on male reproduction will be reviewed. We will specifically address the effects of exposure to organochlorine compounds, perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFAS), phthalates, and phenols on anogenital distance, reproductive hormones in childhood, puberty onset, and semen quality, focusing on prenatal or early exposures during vulnerable time points of development. Generally, anogenital distance (AGD) appears to be a promising, easily obtainable marker of male reproductive health. Maternal exposure to phthalates has consistently been associated with shorter AGD in male offspring, but no consistent associations between PFAS or bisphenol A exposure and AGD have been found. Prenatal exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) appears to lower children’s testosterone concentrations and increase aromatase activity after birth. In addition, prenatal exposure to dioxins and OCPs may delay puberty, whereas exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) accelerates the onset of puberty in boys. Maternal, childhood, or adult phthalate exposure has been associated with lower reproductive hormone concentrations, changed onset of puberty and semen quality. No consistent associations between PFAS or phenol exposure and AGD, reproductive hormones, puberty onset, or semen quality have been found. We suggest that more research is urgently needed focusing on birth cohort studies addressing the adverse effects of exposures during vulnerable time windows during development, e.g., in utero, during early childhood, and puberty. The cohorts should have the necessary size, include biological material, focus on multiple exposures, and have long-term follow-up with repeated clinical examinations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hokkaido University, Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Japan

    Atsuko Araki

  2. Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

    Tina Kold Jensen

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  1. Atsuko Araki
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  2. Tina Kold Jensen
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Correspondence to Tina Kold Jensen .

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  1. Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

    Reiko Kishi

  2. Department of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA

    Philippe Grandjean

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Araki, A., Jensen, T.K. (2020). Endocrine-Distributing Chemicals and Reproductive Function. In: Kishi, R., Grandjean, P. (eds) Health Impacts of Developmental Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. Current Topics in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-0520-1_5

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