Περίληψη:
The so-called endocrine disruption hypothesis suggests that exposures to
endocrine disruption (EDs) during fetal, neonatal and adult life may
interfere with the development of reproductive organs and alter semen
quality and reproductive hormone production. Even though animal studies
provide substantial evidence of adverse effects of EDs on male
reproductive system, epidemiological studies in humans arrive at
conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to systematically
review the literature to locate methodological characteristics of the
studies that struggle the formation of an association between EDs and
human male reproduction. Such characteristics include: (i) definition of
the exposed and the non-exposed population, (ii) age, (iii) insufficient
control for confounders, (iv) ED assay and threshold, (v) time
parameters of ED exposure, and (vi) study outcomes. Additional issues
are: (i) the late effect of an early exposure, (ii) the multiple
exposure effect, and (iii) the fact the same ED may exhibit different
modes of action. Unfortunately, the nature of the field precludes the
conduction of randomized-controlled trials, which could result to
etiological associations between EDs and human male reproduction.
Consequently, there is a great need to conduct well-designed studies of
case-control or cohort type to evaluate EDs effects on human male
reproductive health, and apply possible measures that could limit
dangerous exposures.
Συγγραφείς:
Bliatka, D.
Lymperi, S.
Mastorakos, G.
Goulis, D. G.
