Environmental contaminants

Abstract

C ontaminants such as cadmium, bisphenol A and lead pollute our environment and affect male reproductive function. There is evidence that toxicant exposure adversely affects fertility. Cadmium and bisphenol A exert their effects in the testis by perturbing bloodtestis barrier function, which in turn affects germ cell adhesion in the seminiferous epithelium because of a disruption of the functional axis between these sites. In essence, cadmium mediates its adverse effects at the blood-testis barrier by disrupting cell adhesion protein complexes, illustrating that toxicants can dismantle cell junctions in the testis. Herein, we will discuss how environmental toxicants may affect reproductive function. We will also examine how these adverse effects on fertility may be mediated in part by adipose tissue and bone. Lastly, we will briefly discuss how toxicantinduced damage may be effectively managed so that fertility can be maintained. It is hoped that this information will offer a new paradigm for future studies.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-2 is involved in apical ectoplasmic specialization dynamics during spermatogenesis in the rat

“…This in vivo model was used because environmental toxicants can affect spermatogenesis and contribute to subfertility/infertility (Siu et al . 2009 a , Mruk & Cheng 2011 b , Lagos-Cabre & Moreno 2012). Annexin II and Src, which were shown to bind ICAM2, also increased following administration of CdCl 2 .…”

Lifestyle behaviors associated with exposures to endocrine disruptors

“…The estrogen label would also not have led to predictions about the obesogenic properties of BPA (Carwile and Michels, 2011), its association with heart disease (Melzer et al, 2010, 2012), or its effects on spermatogenesis (Mruk and Cheng, 2011; Meeker et al, 2010). The scope of adverse consequences associated with BPA means that exploration of its sources should be an important goal of environmental health research.…”

Organic and inorganic transporters of the testis: A review

“…These can be especially problematic since several metals, such as cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) are known to be reproductive toxicants. 81 The primary transporter known for Cd, manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) for Sertoli cells is Zrt-, Irtrelated protein 8 (ZIP8). 81,82 Iron (Fe) is an essential nutrient for developing sperm but can easily reach cytotoxic concentrations if not carefully regulated.…”