Genital anomalies in boys and the environment

TY - JOUR

T1 - Genital anomalies in boys and the environment

AU - Main, Katharina M

AU - Skakkebaek, Niels E

AU - Virtanen, Helena E

AU - Toppari, Jorma

N1 - Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PY - 2010/4/1

Y1 - 2010/4/1

N2 - The prevalence of male reproductive disorders, such as testicular cancer and impaired semen quality, is increasing in many, albeit not all, countries. These disorders are aetiologically linked with congenital cryptorchidism and hypospadias by common factors leading to perinatal disruption of normal testis differentation, the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). There is recent evidence that also the prevalence of genital malformations is increasing and the rapid pace of increase suggests that lifestyle factors and exposure to environmental chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties may play a role. Recent prospective studies have established links between perinatal exposure to persistent halogenated compounds and cryptorchidism, as well as between phthalates and anti-androgenic effects in newborns. Maternal alcohol consumption, mild gestational diabetes and nicotine substitutes were also identified as potential risk factors for cryptorchidism. It may be the cocktail effect of many simultaneous exposures that result in adverse effects, especially during foetal life and infancy.

AB - The prevalence of male reproductive disorders, such as testicular cancer and impaired semen quality, is increasing in many, albeit not all, countries. These disorders are aetiologically linked with congenital cryptorchidism and hypospadias by common factors leading to perinatal disruption of normal testis differentation, the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). There is recent evidence that also the prevalence of genital malformations is increasing and the rapid pace of increase suggests that lifestyle factors and exposure to environmental chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties may play a role. Recent prospective studies have established links between perinatal exposure to persistent halogenated compounds and cryptorchidism, as well as between phthalates and anti-androgenic effects in newborns. Maternal alcohol consumption, mild gestational diabetes and nicotine substitutes were also identified as potential risk factors for cryptorchidism. It may be the cocktail effect of many simultaneous exposures that result in adverse effects, especially during foetal life and infancy.

U2 - 10.1016/j.beem.2009.10.003

DO - 10.1016/j.beem.2009.10.003

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1521-690X

VL - 24

SP - 279

EP - 289

JO - Best Practice and Research: Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

JF - Best Practice and Research: Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

IS - 2

ER -