Abstract
Endocrine control of reproduction is very well known and has been echoed by many research groups. However, recent developments point to the ability of toxic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) to alter epigenetic information of the gametes which gets transferred to the developing embryo and affects the immediate reproductive outcome or even persists transgenerationally. These epigenetic aberrations contribute to the ensuing pathophysiology of reproductive disorders. Investigations of the female in cases of poor reproductive outcome have been the main strategy towards diagnosis. However, despite the male partner contributing half of his genome to the progeny, thorough investigations in the male have been ignored. Environmental pollutants are all pervading and are encountered in our day-to-day life. Many of these pollutants have potential to disrupt the endocrine system. Here, we discuss how the male gametes (spermatozoa) are susceptible to a myriad of epigenetic insults inflicted by exposure to endocrine disruptors and how important is the contribution of the epigenetic marks of the spermatozoa in healthy reproduction. We advocate that sperm epigenetics should be considered as a significant contributor to reproductive health and should be researched further and be subsequently included in routine diagnostic workup in cases of poor reproductive outcome.
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©2016 by De Gruyter
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Editorial Preface
- Preface to special issue on Peripheral and Central Control of Human Reproduction: Endocrine Aspects – Part 2
- Topic A: Impact of Metabolic Regulation and Epigenetic Control of Reproductive Function, Fertility and Gestational Programming
- Mini-Review Article
- A link between hypothyroidism, obesity and male reproduction
- Review Articles
- Is there a role for vitamin D in human reproduction?
- Mechanisms linking energy balance and reproduction: impact of prenatal environment
- Great migration: epigenetic reprogramming and germ cell-oocyte metamorphosis determine individual ovarian reserve
- Endocrine control of epigenetic mechanisms in male reproduction
Artikel in diesem Heft
- Frontmatter
- Editorial Preface
- Preface to special issue on Peripheral and Central Control of Human Reproduction: Endocrine Aspects – Part 2
- Topic A: Impact of Metabolic Regulation and Epigenetic Control of Reproductive Function, Fertility and Gestational Programming
- Mini-Review Article
- A link between hypothyroidism, obesity and male reproduction
- Review Articles
- Is there a role for vitamin D in human reproduction?
- Mechanisms linking energy balance and reproduction: impact of prenatal environment
- Great migration: epigenetic reprogramming and germ cell-oocyte metamorphosis determine individual ovarian reserve
- Endocrine control of epigenetic mechanisms in male reproduction