A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Environmental toxicants and male fertility




AuthorsRodprasert Wiwat, Toppari Jorma, Virtanen Helena E.

PublisherBailliere Tindall Ltd

Publication year2023

JournalBest Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Journal name in sourceBest Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Article number102298

Volume86

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102298

Web address https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102298

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/178867031


Abstract

Semen quality has declined especially among Western men. Experimental and epidemiological studies have shown potential links between exposure to environmental toxicants and poor male fertility. Some environmental exposures in utero can disrupt fetal testicular function and result in cryptorchidism, low semen quality, low serum testosterone levels, and low fertility. Environmental exposure in childhood and adulthood can also adversely affect germ cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, or the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, resulting in impaired male fertility. In this review, we report the latest results from human studies that investigated the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and use of marijuana in low semen quality and impaired male fertility. Current evidence suggests the relationship between these environmental factors and low male fertility; however, some factors showed conflicting results which need further investigation. 



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Last updated on 2025-27-03 at 21:46