Effects of environmental adulterants on mammalian testis

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing concern regarding the adverse effects of various environmental contaminants on human health. High level of pesticides residue existing in the environment exerts adverse effects on reproductive health of animals leading to direct toxicity to the reproductive organs or by interference with the hormonal functions. Many of these chemicals have been shown to interfere with normal hormonal signaling and biological functions, leading to reproductive disorders or infertility, which has been a matter of concern within the recent decades. The present paper reviews adverse effects of these toxicants on mammalian testes, with emphasis on alteration of steroidgenesis, spermatogenesis, and histopathological effects. From the publications reviewed, it appears that environmental toxicants, especially heavy metals, pesticides and organic chemicals of synthetic and microbiological origins, disrupt hormone production and action in the mammalian testes. Endocrine disruption leads to disorders of testicular function. The toxicants also induce impairment of testicular cells function, testicular histology and sperm cells function directly. The release of the toxicants in the environment is still ongoing, if appropriate measures are not taken, their impact on the male reproductive function and especially on testicular function will be more serious.