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Original Articles

Windows of sensitivity to toxic chemicals in the development of reproductive effects: an analysis of ATSDR’s toxicological profile database

, , &
Pages 553-578 | Received 04 Apr 2018, Accepted 29 Jun 2018, Published online: 19 Jul 2018
 

ABSTRACT

Development of the fetus is a complex process influenced by many factors including genetics, maternal health, and environmental exposures to toxic chemicals. Adverse developmental effects on the reproductive system have the potential to harm generations beyond those directly exposed. Here, we review the available literature in Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry toxicological profiles related to reproductive-developmental effects in animals following in utero exposure to chemicals. We attempt to identify windows of sensitivity. In the discussion, we correlate the findings with human development. The endpoints noted are fertility, estrus, anogenital distance, sex ratio, spermatogenesis, and mammary gland development. We identified some windows of sensitivity; however, the results were hampered by chronic-exposure studies designed to detect effects occurring throughout developmental, including multi-generational studies. This paper demonstrates the need for more acute studies in animals aimed at understanding time periods of development that are more susceptible to chemically induced adverse effects.

Abbreviation

2,3,7,8-TCDD:=

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin

AGD:=

anogenital distance

ATSDR:=

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

CDD:=

chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin

CI:=

confidence interval

DBP:=

di-n-butyl phthalate

DDD:=

dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane

DDE:=

dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene

DDT:=

dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane

decaBDE:=

decabromodiphenyl ether

DEHP:=

di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

EPA:=

Environmental Protection Agency

GD:=

gestational day

HCB:=

hexachlorobenzene

IR:=

ionizing radiation

JP-5:=

jet propellant-5

JP-8:=

jet propellant-8

LD:=

lactational day

LOAEL:=

lowest observed adverse effect level

NOA:=

nonobstructive azoospermia

NOAEL:=

no observed adverse effect level

OR:=

Odds ratio

PAH:=

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

PCB:=

polychlorinated biphenyl

PFOA:=

perfluorooctanoic acid

pentaBDE:=

pentabromodiphenyl

TCEP:=

tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate

tetraBDE:=

tetrabromodiphenyl

TDS:=

testicular dysgenesis syndrome

Disclosure of interest

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

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