Are abnormalities of male reproductive function becoming increasingly common? Facts and controversies, possible causative factors: an up to date analysis of the literature and of disease registers

[摘要] In recent decades, numerous observations in wildlife of various anomalies of the male reproductive functions-some being reminiscent of experimental toxicology data-have raised questions about the possible role of environmental pollutants. A number of studies suggest an increased prevalence of reproductive disorders in adult humans in recent decades in many (but not all) Western countries. The best documented data concern testicular cancer, its increasing rate suggesting that environmental factors and/or changes in lifestyle may come into play. However, considerable regional and ethnic differences exist in absolute incidence rates, suggesting in turn the concomitant role of the genetic background. Finally, several studies suggest that semen quality has declined in many countries. In the early 2000’s, Skakkebæk’s group in Copenhagen postulated a common origin to these different abnormalities — the so-called testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) — all possibly related to abnormal testis development during gestation. Is there a causal link between these different conditions and deleterious environmental and/or lifestyle factors? The answer is far from being unequivocal, and the subject, a potential major public health problem, remains a source of hot debate both within the scientific community and in the media. The present review aims to provide an updated synthesis of these complex issues.

[发布日期] 2011-01-14

[关键词] Cryptorchidism;Endocrine disruptors;Environment;Lifestyle;Low doses;Hypospadias;Male infertility;Multiple exposures;Semen quality;Reproductive toxins;Testicular cancer;Undescended testicle;Cancer du testicule;Cryptorchidie;Environnement;Expositions multiples;Faibles doses;Hypospadias;Infertilité masculine;Perturbateurs endocriniens;Qualité du sperme;Style de vie;Reprotoxiques;Testicule non descendu