Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Spermatogenesis and Reproductive Hormones in Bony Fishes (original) (raw)

2022, Acta Scientific Veterinary Sciences

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are naturally occurring or synthetic molecules present in an ecosystem that have the potential to alter the production, release, transport, metabolism, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body. They act by mimicking endogenous hormones, antagonizing normal hormones, altering the natural pattern of hormone synthesis or metabolism, or modifying hormone receptors. The chemicals, particularly disrupting the reproductive system, can be androgenic, anti-androgenic, estrogenic or anti-estrogenic. This review provides a brief overview on spermatogenesis, disruption of spermatogenesis and effects of various EDCs on hormones involved in spermatogenesis. EDCs affect spermatogenesis in two ways, by affecting the development and function of male gonads or by disrupting the synthesis and action of hormones involved in spermatogenesis, such as, GnRH, gonadotropin, dihydroandrogen, 11-ketotestosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.