Endocrine disrupters, semen quality and anogenital distance

Abstract

The literature on effects on anogenital distance (AGD) and semen quality from exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (organochlorine compounds, phthalates, perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) and bisphenol A (BPA)) will be reviewed and challenges discussed. Generally, AGD appears to be a promising, easily obtainable marker of male reproductive health. Maternal exposure to phthalates has been associated with shorter AGD in male offspring although not consistently, whereas too few studies on the effects of exposure to PFAS and BPA and AGD is found to draw firm conclusion. Meta-analyses suggest that adult phthalate exposure may affect semen quality, whereas the results for the effect of PFAS and BPA exposure on semen quality is contradictory. Interestingly, few studies suggest that maternal exposure to these chemicals may affect semen quality in the offspring. It is therefore important to conduct birth cohort studies focusing on the effect of exposures during vulnerable time windows. They should include biological material and focus on multiple exposures, have the necessary size and long-term follow-up with clinical examinations.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Environment: Occupational and Exposure Events, Effects on Human Health and Fertility

“…Male exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as PCBs and their consequent bioaccumulation, has been associated with the reduction in semen quality, fertility and anogenital distance [ 34 , 194 , 195 , 196 , 197 , 198 , 199 ]. In particular, environmental exposure to PCBs influences circulating reproductive hormone levels, sperm concentration, motility, morphology and quantity and quality of gametes, and it alters the redox state of the seminal plasma and other sperm factors (e.g., sperm DNA integrity) [ 34 , 194 , 195 , 200 , 201 ].…”