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Thomsen AH, Gaml-Sørensen A, Brix N, Tøttenborg SS, Hougaard KS, Ernst A, Arendt LH, Toft G, Bonde JP, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy and biomarkers of fecundity in adult sons: A cohort study. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 119:108396. [PMID: 37217037 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Male fecundity may be largely determined through fetal programming and therefore potentially be sensitive to exposure to maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy. We investigated whether maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy was associated with biomarkers of fecundity in adult sons. In total, 1058 sons from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort nested in the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) provided blood and semen samples at around 19 years of age. Information on maternal weekly average alcohol intake (0 drinks [ref], >0-1 drinks, >1-3 drinks, >3 drinks) and binge drinking episodes (intake of ≥5 drinks on one occasion: (0 [ref], 1-2, ≥3 episodes)) was self-reported at around gestational week 17. Outcomes included semen characteristics, testes volume and reproductive hormones. We found some small tendencies towards lower semen characteristics and an altered hormone level profile in sons of mother who had an intake of > 3 drinks/week in early pregnancy and sons of mother who had ≥ 3 episodes of binge drinking in pregnancy. However, the effect estimates were overall small and inconsistent and with no indication of a dose dependent association. Due to the limited number of mothers with a high weekly alcohol intake, we cannot exclude whether prenatal exposure to higher doses than 4.5 drinks/week of alcohol in early pregnancy might have a detrimental effect on the biomarkers of fecundity in adult sons..
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hjorth Thomsen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Anne Gaml-Sørensen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; National Research Centre for Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Linn Håkonsen Arendt
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Dyląg KA, Anunziata F, Bandoli G, Chambers C. Birth Defects Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure-A Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050811. [PMID: 37238358 DOI: 10.3390/children10050811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the recognition of fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol has been accepted as a human teratogen. However, little is known about the relation between prenatal alcohol exposure and the spectrum of associated major birth defects. The objective of this review was to summarize data on the association of major congenital abnormalities and prenatal alcohol exposure. We included all major birth defects according to ICD-10 classification. We found that the strongest evidence to date lies in the research examining herniation (gastroschisis and omphalocele), oral clefts (cleft lip with or without palate and cleft palate) and cardiac defects. There is less consistent evidence supporting the association between prenatal alcohol exposure and anomalies of gastrointestinal system, diaphragmatic hernia, genitourinary system and neural tube defects. We found no material support for PAE and choanal atresia, biliary atresia or clubfoot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Anna Dyląg
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
- St. Louis Children Hospital, ul. Strzelecka 2, 31-503 Krakow, Poland
| | - Florencia Anunziata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0828, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412, USA
| | - Gretchen Bandoli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0828, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412, USA
| | - Christina Chambers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0828, La Jolla, CA 92093-0412, USA
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3
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Mitsui T. Effects of the prenatal environment on cryptorchidism: A narrative review. Int J Urol 2021; 28:882-889. [PMID: 34075642 DOI: 10.1111/iju.14600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cryptorchidism, the absence of testes from the scrotum, is the most common genital disorder in boys and a risk factor for reduced fertility and testicular cancer. The mechanism responsible for cryptorchidism involves two discrete stages: a transabdominal and an inguinoscrotal phase. These phases of testicular descent are regulated by the prenatal sex hormone environment, including levels of testosterone, insulin-like factor 3, and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Environmental endocrine disruptors, which are unfavorable environmental factors, may also affect testicular descent through prenatal sex hormones. This review examined the effects of environmental factors, particularly environmental endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates, organochlorine pesticides, diethylstilbestrol, bisphenol A, dioxins/dioxin-like compounds, and perfluoroalkyl substances, and parental lifestyles on the risk of cryptorchidism. Although some studies have shown that environmental endocrine disruptors can affect testicular descent by changing the hormonal environment during the prenatal period, no significant association has been established between exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors and the incidence of cryptorchidism. Therefore, the role played by environmental endocrine disruptor exposure (if any) in the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism remains unknown. Further studies are needed to examine these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, University of Yamanashi Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
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4
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de la Calle CM, Kim S, Baskin LS. Diagnosis and treatment of the intra-abdominal gonad in the pediatric population: Testes, ovaries, dysgenetic gonads, streaks, and ovotestes. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:2480-2491. [PMID: 32164982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Pediatric surgical specialists are often confronted with the difficult task of identifying, diagnosing and managing intra-abdominal gonads in children. Ranging from the intra-abdominal cryptorchid testis to normal or pathologic ovaries and gonads in disorders of sexual development, all intra-abdominal gonads in the pediatric population pose different diagnosis and management challenges. Understanding the hormonal and fertility potential of the gonad and knowing its potential cancer risk is essential when deciding how to manage these patients. In addition, the ideal surgical management for each one of these patients is often debated. METHODS Descriptive literature review. RESULTS/CONCLUSION Herein, we reviewed gonadal formation, common etiologies, diagnosis and management of intra-abdominal testes, pathologic ovaries and gonads in disorders of sexual development. Fertility potential and cancer risk for each were also reviewed and how both affect surgical management of the gonad. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Review Article, Level V.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M de la Calle
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Sunghoon Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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5
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Kjersgaard C, Arendt LH, Ernst A, Lindhard MS, Olsen J, Henriksen TB, Strandberg-Larsen K, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Lifestyle in pregnancy and cryptorchidism in sons: a study within two large Danish birth cohorts. Clin Epidemiol 2018; 10:311-322. [PMID: 29593434 PMCID: PMC5865585 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s150657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cryptorchidism is the most frequent congenital malformation in boys and is associated with low sperm count, infertility and testicular cancer. Unhealthy maternal lifestyle during pregnancy such as smoking, high prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) as well as alcohol and caffeine intake may constitute possible risk factors for cryptorchidism, but results from the few previous studies are conflicting. We aimed to explore the association between maternal lifestyle factors and occurrence of cryptorchidism in sons. Patients and methods The Danish National Birth Cohort and the Aarhus Birth Cohort provided information on maternal lifestyle from early pregnancy. Data were linked to several Danish health registers, multiple imputation was used to handle missing data and Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for potential confounders. Results In total, 85,923 boys were included, and of them, 2.2% were diagnosed with cryptorchidism. We observed the strongest associations between maternal tobacco smoking and prepregnancy BMI and cryptorchidism. Sons of women who smoked 10–14 cigarettes/day had the highest hazard ratio (HR) for cryptorchidism (1.37; 95% CI: 1.06–1.76), and for maternal BMI ≥30 kg/m2, the HR was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.06–1.65). Binge drinking was associated with an HR <1, if the women had one or two episodes in pregnancy (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67–0.98). Average maternal alcohol intake and caffeine intake during pregnancy were not significantly associated with a higher occurrence of cryptorchidism detected at birth or later in life. Conclusion Maternal tobacco smoking, overweight and obesity in pregnancy were associated with higher occurrence of cryptorchidism in boys in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Kjersgaard
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus
| | - Linn Håkonsen Arendt
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus.,Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus
| | | | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus
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6
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Strandberg-Larsen K, Poulsen G, Bech BH, Chatzi L, Cordier S, Dale MTG, Fernandez M, Henriksen TB, Jaddoe VW, Kogevinas M, Kruithof CJ, Lindhard MS, Magnus P, Nohr EA, Richiardi L, Rodriguez-Bernal CL, Rouget F, Rusconi F, Vrijheid M, Andersen AMN. Association of light-to-moderate alcohol drinking in pregnancy with preterm birth and birth weight: elucidating bias by pooling data from nine European cohorts. Eur J Epidemiol 2017; 32:751-764. [PMID: 29027084 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-017-0323-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Women who drink light-to-moderately during pregnancy have been observed to have lower risk of unfavourable pregnancy outcomes than abstainers. This has been suggested to be a result of bias. In a pooled sample, including 193 747 live-born singletons from nine European cohorts, we examined the associations between light-to-moderate drinking and preterm birth, birth weight, and small-for-gestational age in term born children (term SGA). To address potential sources of bias, we compared the associations from the total sample with a sub-sample restricted to first-time pregnant women who conceived within six months of trying, and examined whether the associations varied across calendar time. In the total sample, drinking up to around six drinks per week as compared to abstaining was associated with lower risk of preterm birth, whereas no significant associations were found for birth weight or term SGA. Drinking six or more drinks per week was associated with lower birth weight and higher risk of term SGA, but no increased risk of preterm birth. The analyses restricted to women without reproductive experience revealed similar results. Before 2000 approximately half of pregnant women drank alcohol. This decreased to 39% in 2000-2004, and 14% in 2005-2011. Before 2000, every additional drink was associated with reduced mean birth weight, whereas in 2005-2011, the mean birth weight increased with increasing intake. The period-specific associations between low-to-moderate drinking and birth weight, which also were observed for term SGA, are indicative of bias. It is impossible to distinguish if the bias is attributable to unmeasured confounding, which change over time or cohort heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Strandberg-Larsen
- Section for Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Postbox 2099, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Gry Poulsen
- Section for Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Postbox 2099, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Rethimno, Greece
| | - Sylvaine Cordier
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), U1085-IRSET, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Maria Teresa Grønning Dale
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vincent Wv Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manolis Kogevinas
- ISGlobal Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claudia J Kruithof
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Per Magnus
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Aagaard Nohr
- Research Unit for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Lorenzo Richiardi
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - Clara L Rodriguez-Bernal
- FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, València, Spain.,Health Services Research Area, FISABIO Salud Pública.Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Red de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas (REDISSEC), Tenerife, Spain
| | - Florence Rouget
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), U1085-IRSET, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Franca Rusconi
- Unit of Epidemiology, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen
- Section for Social Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Postbox 2099, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
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7
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Duarte AMBDR, Bessa JD, Mrad FCDC, Tibiriçá SHC, Camargo MLDS, Vieira AAP, Araujo FCC, Figueiredo AAD, Bastos-Netto JMD. Smoking and its association with cryptorchidism in Down syndrome. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2017; 63:693-696. [PMID: 28977107 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.63.08.693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptorchidism is a common and prevalent condition in patients with Down syndrome. Environmental factors, such as smoking, can be associated with malformations during fetal development. The study of the prevalence of cryptorchidism and its association with parental tobacco use in Down syndrome can contribute to alert health care professionals, patients and family members regarding the prevention of the harms caused by cryptorchidism and its possible predisposing factors. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of cryptorchidism in Down syndrome and its association with maternal and paternal smoking. METHOD Forty (40) patients of a public clinic specialized in Down syndrome were evaluated, using a semi-structured questionnaire for evaluation of antecedents and sociodemographic characteristics, as well as physical and complementary examinations. RESULTS Cryptorchidism was observed in 27.5% of the patients (95CI 15.98-42.96). Of these, 55% (5/9) were the children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy, and 19.35% (6/31) were the children of mothers who did not smoke during pregnancy (OR = 5.26 [95CI 1.06-25.41]; p=0.032). Similarly, paternal smoking was also observed in greater frequency among the parents of cryptorchid patients compared with subjects with descended testis, 63.36% (7/11) and 31.03% (9/29), respectively (OR = 3.89 [95CI 0.91-16.73]; p=0.060). CONCLUSION The prevalence of cryptorchidism is high in patients with Down syndrome. We can show a strong association between smoking parents and the occurrence of cryptorchidism, especially when it comes to maternal smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José de Bessa
- Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - José Murillo de Bastos-Netto
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.,Hospital Maternidade Therezinha de Jesus, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas e da Saúde de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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8
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Abstract
Undescended testis - known as cryptorchidism - is one of the most common congenital abnormalities observed in boys, and is one of the few known risk factors for testicular cancer. The key factors that contribute to the occurrence of cryptorchidism remain elusive. Testicular descent is thought to occur during two hormonally-controlled phases in fetal development - between 8-15 weeks (the first phase of decent) and 25-35 weeks gestation (the second phase of descent); the failure of a testis to descend permanently is probably caused by disruptions to one or both of these phases, but the causes and mechanisms of such disruptions are still unclear. A broad range of putative risk factors have been evaluated in relation to the development of cryptorchidism but their plausibility is still in question. Consistent evidence of an association with cryptorchidism exists for only a few factors, and in those cases in which evidence seems unequivocal the factor is likely to be a surrogate for the true causal exposure. The relative importance of each risk factor could vary considerably between mother-son pairs depending on an array of genetic, maternal, placental and fetal factors - all of which could vary between regions. Thus, the role of causative factors in aetiology of cryptorchidism requires further research.
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9
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Schagdarsurengin U, Western P, Steger K, Meinhardt A. Developmental origins of male subfertility: role of infection, inflammation, and environmental factors. Semin Immunopathol 2016; 38:765-781. [PMID: 27315198 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-016-0576-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Male gamete development begins with the specification of primordial cells in the epiblast of the early embryo and is not complete until spermatozoa mature in the epididymis of adult males. This protracted developmental process involves extensive alteration of the paternal germline epigenome. Initially, epigenetic reprogramming in fetal germ cells results in removal of most DNA methylation, including parent-specific epigenetic information. The germ cells then establish sex-specific epigenetic information through de novo methylation and undergo spermatogenesis. Chromatin in haploid germ cells is repackaged into protamines during spermiogenesis, providing further widespread epigenetic reorganization. Finally, after fertilization, epigenetic reprogramming in the preimplantation embryo is necessary for regaining totipotency. These events provide substantial windows during which epigenetic errors either may be corrected or may occur in the germline. There is now increasing evidence that environmental factors such as exposure to toxicants, the parents' and individual's diet, and even infectious and inflammatory events in the male reproductive tract may influence epigenetic reprogramming. This, together with other damage inflicted on the germline chromatin, may result in negative consequences for fertility and health. Large epidemiological birth cohort studies have yielded insight into possible causative environmental factors. Together with experimental animal studies, a clearer view of environmental impacts on fetal development and their intergenerational and even transgenerational effects on reproductive health has emerged and is reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Undraga Schagdarsurengin
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Patrick Western
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, Hudson Institute for Medical Research and Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Section Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Unit of Reproductive Biology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany.
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10
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Skakkebaek NE, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Buck Louis GM, Toppari J, Andersson AM, Eisenberg ML, Jensen TK, Jørgensen N, Swan SH, Sapra KJ, Ziebe S, Priskorn L, Juul A. Male Reproductive Disorders and Fertility Trends: Influences of Environment and Genetic Susceptibility. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:55-97. [PMID: 26582516 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00017.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 583] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is predicted that Japan and European Union will soon experience appreciable decreases in their populations due to persistently low total fertility rates (TFR) below replacement level (2.1 child per woman). In the United States, where TFR has also declined, there are ethnic differences. Caucasians have rates below replacement, while TFRs among African-Americans and Hispanics are higher. We review possible links between TFR and trends in a range of male reproductive problems, including testicular cancer, disorders of sex development, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, low testosterone levels, poor semen quality, childlessness, changed sex ratio, and increasing demand for assisted reproductive techniques. We present evidence that several adult male reproductive problems arise in utero and are signs of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). Although TDS might result from genetic mutations, recent evidence suggests that it most often is related to environmental exposures of the fetal testis. However, environmental factors can also affect the adult endocrine system. Based on our review of genetic and environmental factors, we conclude that environmental exposures arising from modern lifestyle, rather than genetics, are the most important factors in the observed trends. These environmental factors might act either directly or via epigenetic mechanisms. In the latter case, the effects of exposures might have an impact for several generations post-exposure. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to prioritize research in reproductive physiology and pathophysiology, particularly in highly industrialized countries facing decreasing populations. We highlight a number of topics that need attention by researchers in human physiology, pathophysiology, environmental health sciences, and demography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Germaine M Buck Louis
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katherine J Sapra
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Ziebe
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth & Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Department of Physiology & Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Male Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; and The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Zhang L, Wang XH, Zheng XM, Liu TZ, Zhang WB, Zheng H, Chen MF. Maternal gestational smoking, diabetes, alcohol drinking, pre-pregnancy obesity and the risk of cryptorchidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119006. [PMID: 25798927 PMCID: PMC4370654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal gestational smoking, diabetes, alcohol drinking, and pre-pregnancy obesity are thought to increase the risk of cryptorchidism in newborn males, but the evidence is inconsistent. Method We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the association between maternal gestational smoking, diabetes, alcohol drinking, and pre-pregnancy obesity and the risk of cryptorchidism. Articles were retrieved by searching PubMed and ScienceDirect, and the meta-analysis was conducted using Stata/SE 12.0 software. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the influence of confounding variables. Results We selected 32 articles, including 12 case—control, five nested case—control, and 15 cohort studies. The meta-analysis showed that maternal smoking (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.11–1.23) or diabetes (OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.00–1.46) during pregnancy were associated with increased risk of cryptorchidism. Overall, the association between maternal alcohol drinking (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.87–1.07), pre-pregnancy body mass index (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.95–1.09) and risk of cryptorchidism were not statistically significant. Additional analysis showed reduced risk (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82–0.96) of cryptorchidism with moderate alcohol drinking during pregnancy. No dose—response relationship was observed for increments in body mass index in the risk of cryptorchidism. Sensitivity analysis revealed an unstable result for the association between maternal diabetes, alcohol drinking and cryptorchidism. Moderate heterogeneity was detected in studies of the effect of maternal alcohol drinking and diabetes. No publication bias was detected. Conclusion Maternal gestational smoking, but not maternal pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity, was associated with increased cryptorchidism risk in the offspring. Moderate alcohol drinking may reduce the risk of cryptorchidism while gestational diabetes may be a risk factor, but further studies are needed to verify this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| | - Xing-Huan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin-Min Zheng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong-Zu Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Bin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Zheng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mi-Feng Chen
- Department of Obstetrical, Jingmen No. 2 People’s Hospital, Jingmen Hubei, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Håkonsen LB, Brath-Lund ML, Hounsgaard ML, Olsen J, Ernst A, Thulstrup AM, Bech BH, Ramlau-Hansen CH. In utero exposure to alcohol and puberty in boys: a pregnancy cohort study. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e004467. [PMID: 24916086 PMCID: PMC4067820 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epidemiological studies have raised concerns about the reproductive consequences of in utero exposure to alcohol. Maternal lifestyle factors have been associated with altered pubertal development, but the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on male puberty is unknown. Thus, the objective was to explore whether prenatal alcohol exposure alters pubertal development in boys. SETTING Follow-up of a Danish pregnancy cohort. PARTICIPANTS Sons (N=2522) of women who were enrolled in a Danish pregnancy cohort between 1984 and 1987. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Indicators of pubertal development, assessed by age at first nocturnal emission, voice break, acne and regular shaving. RESULTS We found a tendency towards a later age at first nocturnal emission and voice break following in utero exposure to binge drinking. Boys exposed to ≥5 binge drinking episodes during pregnancy experienced their first nocturnal emission 7.3 months (95% CI -2.8 to 17.4) later and voice break 4.9 months (95% CI -0.6 to 10.4) later than the unexposed boys. Results for average weekly alcohol consumption were in the same direction, but differences were smaller and not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS We found no strong support for the hypothesis that in utero exposure to weekly alcohol consumption is a risk factor for altered pubertal development, but a tendency towards delayed pubertal development among boys exposed to binge drinking during fetal life was observed. Longitudinal studies, with data collected as children go through puberty, are needed to explore this further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Berger Håkonsen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mette Louise Brath-Lund
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Marie Louise Hounsgaard
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Ane Marie Thulstrup
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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13
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Lan N, Vogl AW, Weinberg J. Prenatal ethanol exposure delays the onset of spermatogenesis in the rat. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2013; 37:1074-81. [PMID: 23488802 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During late prenatal and early postnatal life, the reproductive system in males undergoes an extensive series of physiological and morphological changes. Prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure has marked effects on the development of the reproductive system, with long-term effects on function in adulthood. The present study tested the hypothesis that prenatal EtOH exposure will delay the onset of spermatogenesis. METHODS Development of the seminiferous tubules and the onset of spermatogenesis were examined utilizing a rat model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Male offspring from ad libitum-fed control (C), pair-fed (PF), and EtOH-fed (prenatal alcohol exposure [PAE]) dams were terminated on postnatal (PN) days 5, 15, 18, 20, 25, 35, 45, and 55, to investigate morphological changes through morphometric analysis of the testes from early neonatal life through young adulthood. RESULTS PAE males had lower relative (adjusted for body weight) testis weights compared with PF and/or C males from PN15 through puberty (PN45). In addition, fewer gonocytes (primordial germ cells) were located on the basal lamina on PN5, while more of those touching the basal lamina were dividing in PAE compared with PF and C males, suggesting delayed cell division and migration processes. As well, the percentage of tubules with open lumena was lower in PAE compared with PF and C males on PN18 and 20, and PAE males had fewer primary spermatocytes per tubule on PN18 and round spermatids per tubule on PN25 compared with C males. Finally, the percentage of tubules at stages VII and VIII, when mature spermatids move to the apex of the epithelium and are released, was lower in PAE compared with PF and/or C males in young adulthood (PN55). CONCLUSIONS Maternal EtOH consumption appears to delay both reproductive development and the onset of spermatogenesis in male offspring, with effects persisting at least until young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Lan
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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14
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Jensen MS, Snerum TMØ, Olsen LH, Thulstrup AM, Bonde JP, Olsen J, Henriksen TB. Accuracy of cryptorchidism diagnoses and corrective surgical treatment registration in the Danish National Patient Registry. J Urol 2012; 188:1324-9. [PMID: 22902026 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2012.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In recent years several Danish studies of the etiology, time trends and long-term health consequences of cryptorchidism have relied on diagnoses and surgical treatments registered in the National Patient Registry. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of these registry data. MATERIALS AND METHODS According to the Danish National Patient Registry, 16,168 males were diagnosed with cryptorchidism and 9,244 surgical treatments for cryptorchidism were performed between January 1, 1995 and October 10, 2009. We randomly selected 500 diagnosed cases, of which 284 had been managed surgically. We requested the medical records from the departments making the diagnoses and performing the surgery. RESULTS We successfully retrieved medical records for 452 diagnosed cases (90%) and 249 operations (88%). Overall positive predictive value of a registry diagnosis of cryptorchidism was 80% (95% CI 77-84) using the testicular position described by the physician performing the clinical examination as the gold standard. Similarly the positive predictive value of the surgical treatment registration was 99% (95% CI 98-100) using the type of procedure performed. CONCLUSIONS The data on cryptorchidism in the Danish National Patient Registry are quite accurate. In etiological research the limited misclassification will in most cases only slightly attenuate estimates of the true relative association. Thus, the registry has the potential to serve as a valuable research tool, although caution should be exercised when studying time trends or geographical differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Jensen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark.
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15
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Conover EA, Jones KL. Safety concerns regarding binge drinking in pregnancy: a review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 94:570-5. [PMID: 22706886 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is ongoing debate about the risks to the fetus associated with maternal binge drinking. This makes it difficult to counsel patients about the potential risks associated with their use of alcohol during pregnancy. METHODS This article reviews the literature on animal and human studies regarding binge drinking (four to five drinks at one time in humans, or the equivalent in laboratory animals). RESULTS Animal studies provide evidence that high doses of alcohol over a short period of time can be more damaging than lower doses over a long period of time. Human data are more inconsistent, especially in terms of the association with malformations. Although neurobehavioral effects are the most commonly reported adverse outcome, some studies do not find such an association. Conclusions are confounded by the design of many studies, which fail to document pattern and total amount of alcohol consumption at one time. In addition, it has been suggested there is a bias against the null effect in publications. CONCLUSION Although the evidence in humans is not conclusive, the incidence of binge exposures in pregnancy is high, and it appears prudent to counsel patients to avoid this exposure whenever possible. Women inadvertently exposed to a single binge episode of alcohol early in the first trimester before pregnancy recognition can be reassured that the risks for adverse effects in their baby are likely low if they are able to discontinue use for the duration of the pregnancy. Unfortunately, there may be some residual fetal risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Ann Conover
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Munroe Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
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16
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Nordkap L, Joensen UN, Blomberg Jensen M, Jørgensen N. Regional differences and temporal trends in male reproductive health disorders: semen quality may be a sensitive marker of environmental exposures. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 355:221-30. [PMID: 22138051 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2011] [Revised: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The decline in semen quality has been the subject of an animated debate. A recent prospective study now irrefutably shows a decline in semen quality in men from Finland, a country that previously boasted good semen quality. Semen quality has, in some countries, reached a level where a considerable fraction of young men are at risk of fertility problems. Impaired semen quality, testicular cancer, cryptorchidism and hypospadias are risk factors for each other, and the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) has been put forward to explain the observations. This syndrome implies that the four disease entities share the same patho-physiological etiology caused by disturbed testicular development in early fetal life. It seems likely that the rapid rise in TDS-associated conditions can, at least partly, be explained by environmental factors. Animal studies provide strong evidence that manmade chemicals can disrupt the hormone dependent pathways responsible for fetal gonadal development, subsequently leading to TDS-like symptoms. In humans, fetal exposure to endocrine disrupting substances may play a role, although genetic factors are probably also involved. Recent studies indicate that exposure to endocrine disrupters also in adulthood may affect semen quality and reproductive hormones. Causal relationships are inherently difficult to establish in humans, and a clear connection between the disorders and specific toxicants has not been established. It seems likely that the cumulative effects of various low-dose exposures to endocrine disrupters in our environment are responsible for the adverse effects in the male reproductive system. Semen quality may be the most sensitive marker of adverse environmental exposures, and we suggest that standardized surveillance studies of semen quality are continued or initiated to monitor the combined effects of various preventive actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loa Nordkap
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Section 5064, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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17
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Wagner-Mahler K, Kurzenne JY, Delattre I, Bérard E, Mas JC, Bornebush L, Tommasi C, Boda-Buccino M, Ducot B, Boullé C, Ferrari P, Azuar P, Bongain A, Fénichel P, Brucker-Davis F. Prospective study on the prevalence and associated risk factors of cryptorchidism in 6246 newborn boys from Nice area, France. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e499-510. [PMID: 21831232 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01211.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To assess the incidence and risk factors of cryptorchidism in Nice area. A 3-year prospective study was conducted at two maternity wards involving neonatal screening of boys born ≥34weeks of amenorrhoea. Methodology was strict with examination at birth, 3 and 12months by the same paediatrician. Two strictly matched controls were included for each case. Information on child and parents (medical history, pregnancy, lifestyle) was recorded using medical chart and self-administered questionnaires. A total of 102 of 6246 boys were born with cryptorchidism (prevalence 1.6%, 95 included). Half of them were still cryptorchid at three and 12months with, however, 10% of secondary re-ascent (recurrent cryptorchidism) at 12months, justifying long-term follow-up. Cryptorchidism at birth was associated with instrumental delivery, inguinal hernia and urogenital malformations, particularly micropenis and paternal history of cryptorchidism. Our results suggest that maternal exposure to anti-rust or phthalates could be a risk factor, whereas eating fruits daily seemed somewhat protective. Prevalence of cryptorchidism in our area is on the lower bracket compared with other countries, and is associated with both familial and environmental risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Wagner-Mahler
- Pediatrics Department, CHU Nice, Nice, France Conseil Général Des Alpes Maritimes, Nice, France.
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18
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Mobjerg Kristensen D, Main KM, Jensen TK, Skakkebaek NE, Toppari J. Reply: analgesic use and its effect on male reproduction. Hum Reprod 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Abstract
Complete testicular descent is a sign of, and a prerequisite for, normal testicular function in adult life. The process of testis descent is dependent on gubernacular growth and reorganization, which is regulated by the Leydig cell hormones insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and testosterone. Investigation of the role of INSL3 and its receptor, relaxin-family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), has contributed substantially to our understanding of the hormonal control of testicular descent. Cryptorchidism is a common congenital malformation, which is seen in 2-9% of newborn boys, and confers an increased risk of infertility and testicular cancer in adulthood. Although some cases of isolated cryptorchidism in humans can be ascribed to known genetic defects, such as mutations in INSL3 or RXFP2, the cause of cryptorchidism remains unknown in most patients. Several animal and human studies are currently underway to test the hypothesis that in utero factors, including environmental and maternal lifestyle factors, may be involved in the etiology of cryptorchidism. Overall, the etiology of isolated cryptorchidism seems to be complex and multifactorial, involving both genetic and nongenetic components.
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20
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Ramlau-Hansen CH, Toft G, Jensen MS, Strandberg-Larsen K, Hansen ML, Olsen J. Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and semen quality in the male offspring: two decades of follow-up. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:2340-5. [PMID: 20587536 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concurrent alcohol exposure has been associated with reduced fecundity, but no studies have estimated the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on male fecundity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, semen quality and levels of reproductive hormones in young, adult men. METHODS From a Danish pregnancy cohort established in 1984-1987, 347 sons were selected for a follow-up study conducted in 2005-2006. Semen and blood samples were analyzed for conventional semen characteristics and reproductive hormones, respectively, and results were related to prospectively self-reported information on maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. RESULTS The sperm concentration decreased with increasing prenatal alcohol exposure. The adjusted mean sperm concentration among sons of mothers drinking >or=4.5 drinks per week during pregnancy was 40 (95% CI: 25-60) millions/ml. This concentration was approximately 32% lower compared with men exposed to <1.0 drink per week, who had a sperm concentration of 59 (95% CI: 44-77) millions/ml. The semen volume and the total sperm count were also associated with prenatal alcohol exposure; sons prenatally exposed to 1.0-1.5 drinks per week had the highest values. No associations were found for sperm motility, sperm morphology or any of the reproductive hormones, including testosterone. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that prenatal exposure to alcohol may have a persisting adverse effect on Sertoli cells, and thereby sperm concentration. If these associations are causal they could explain some of the reported differences between populations and long-term changes in semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, Build. 2C, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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