Targeting testis-specific proteins to inhibit spermatogenesis: lesson from endocrine disrupting chemicals

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has recently been linked to declining fertility in men in both developed and developing countries. Since many EDCs possess intrinsic estrogenic or androgenic activities, thus, the gonad is one of the major targets of EDCs.

Areas covered: For the past 2 decades, studies found in the literature regarding the disruptive effects of these EDCs on reproductive function in human males and also rodents were mostly focused on oxidative stress-induced germ cell apoptosis, disruption of steroidogenesis, abnormal sperm production and disruption of spermatogenesis in particular cell adhesion function and the blood–testis-barrier (BTB) function. Herein, we highlight recent findings in the field illustrating testis-specific proteins are also targets of EDCs.

Expert opinion: This information should be helpful in developing better therapeutic approach to manage ECD-induced reproductive toxicity. This information is also helpful to identify potential targets for male contraceptive development.

Keywords::

• blood–testis-barrier
• endocrine disrupting chemicals
• spermatogenesis
• steroidogenesis
• testis
• testis-specific proteins

Declaration of interest

This work was supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NICHD U54 HD029990, Project 5 to C.Y.C.; R01 HD056034 to C.Y.C.; and The Hong Kong General Research Fund (GRF) (HKBU261812) to C.K.C.W. The authors state no conflict of interest and have received no payment in preparation of this manuscript.

Notes

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.