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Zhang Y, Xie J, Ouyang Y, Li S, Sun Y, Tan W, Ren L, Zhou X. Adverse outcome pathways of PBDEs inducing male reproductive toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117598. [PMID: 37939807 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used brominated flame retardants, they are easily released into environment and causing adverse effects to the ecosystem and human health. This review aims to summarize the research status of PBDEs-induced male reproductive toxicity and its mechanisms at various levels such as molecular/cellular, tissue/organ and individual/population. The Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) diagram showed that PBDEs-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, disruptions of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and antagonism of androgen receptor (AR) were defined as critical molecular initiating events (MIEs). They caused key events (KEs) at the molecular and cellular levels, including oxidative stress, increased DNA damage, damaging mitochondria, increased glycolipid levels and apoptosis, depletion of ectoplasmic specialization and decreased Leydig cells numbers. These in turn lead to followed KEs at the tissue or organ levels, such as the impaired spermatogenesis, impaired blood-testis barrier and reduced testosterone synthesis and function. As a result, reproductive system-related adverse outcomes (AOs) were reported, such as the decreased sperm quantity or quality, shorten male anogenital distance and cryptorchidism in individual and reduced reproduction of the population. This review assembled information on the mechanisms of male reproductive toxicity induced by PBDEs, and constructed a causal mechanism relationship diagram from different levels using the an AOP framework to provide theoretical basis for ecological risk assessment and environmental management of PBDEs. The AOP framework makes it possible to develop risk management strategies based on toxicity mechanisms and support for development of Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment (IATA) which are available for regulatory purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Junhong Xie
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yixin Ouyang
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yulin Sun
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Weilun Tan
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lihua Ren
- School of Nursing, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- Department of Toxicology and Hygienic Chemistry, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Barrett ES, Sharghi S, Thurston SW, Sobolewski Terry M, Loftus CT, Karr CJ, Nguyen RH, Swan SH, Sathyanarayana S. Associations of Exposure to Air Pollution during the Male Programming Window and Mini-Puberty with Anogenital Distance and Penile Width at Birth and at 1 Year of Age in the Multicenter U.S. TIDES Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:117001. [PMID: 37966231 PMCID: PMC10648757 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient air pollution may be a developmental endocrine disruptor. In animal models, gestational and perinatal exposure to diesel exhaust and concentrated particulate matter alters anogenital distance (AGD), a marker of prenatal androgen activity, in both sexes. Little is known in humans. OBJECTIVES We examined exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) in relation to human AGD at birth and at 1 year of age, focusing on exposures during critical windows of reproductive development: the male programming window (MPW; gestational weeks 8-14) and mini-puberty (postnatal months 1-3). METHODS The Infant Development and Environment Study (TIDES) recruited first trimester pregnant women (n = 687 ) at four U.S. sites (Minneapolis, Minnesota; Rochester, New York; San Francisco, California; and Seattle, Washington) from 2010 to 2012. We measured anus to clitoris (AGD-AC) and anus to fourchette (AGD-AF) in female infants at birth; in males, we measured anus to penis (AGD-AP), anus to scrotum (AGD-AS), and penile width at birth and at 1 year of age. Using advanced spatiotemporal models, we estimated maternal exposure to PM 2.5 and NO 2 in the MPW and mini-puberty. Covariate-adjusted, sex-stratified linear regression models examined associations between PM 2.5 and NO 2 and AGD. RESULTS In males, a 1 - μ g / m 3 increase in PM 2.5 exposure during the MPW was associated with shorter AGD at birth, but a longer AGD at 1 year of age (e.g., birth AGD-AP: β = - 0.35 mm ; 95% CI: - 0.62 , - 0.07 ; AGD-AS: β = 0.37 mm ; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.73). Mini-pubertal PM 2.5 exposure was also associated with shorter male AGD-AP (β = - 0.50 mm ; 95% CI: - 0.89 , - 0.11 ) at 1 year of age. Although not associated with male AGD measures, 1 -ppb increases in NO 2 exposure during the MPW (β = - 0.07 mm ; 95% CI: - 0.02 , - 0.12 ) and mini-puberty (β = - 0.04 mm ; 95% CI: - 0.08 , 0.01) were both associated with smaller penile width at 1 year of age. Results were similar in multipollutant models, where we also observed that in females AGD-AC was inversely associated with PM 2.5 exposure, but positively associated with NO 2 exposure. DISCUSSION PM 2.5 and NO 2 exposures during critical pre- and postnatal windows may disrupt reproductive development. More work is needed to confirm these novel results and clarify mechanisms. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12627.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S. Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sima Sharghi
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sally W. Thurston
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Marissa Sobolewski Terry
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Christine T. Loftus
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Catherine J. Karr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ruby H.N. Nguyen
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shanna H. Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Zhang Q, Wang Y, Shen X, Zhan M, Zhang J, Tian Y, Chen X. Environmental exposure to per- and perfluoroalkyl substances in early pregnancy and newborn anogenital distance: A prospective cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:99704-99712. [PMID: 37615915 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29446-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, ubiquitous pollutants, and the current epidemiological evidence regarding the impact of in utero exposure to PFAS on anogenital distance (AGD) is limited and inconclusive. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the potential associations between maternal exposure to PFAS during pregnancy and AGD in newborns. A total of 2273 mother-child pairs were recruited for this study, and both PFAS levels and AGD were measured. Multiple linear regression models were utilized to explore the relationships between individual PFAS and AGD. Additionally, quantile-based g-computation (QGC) was employed to assess the joint effects of mixtures of PFAS on AGD. Our findings showed that maternal exposure to PFOS (β = 0.518, 95% CI: 0.093, 0.942), PFNA (β = 0.487, 95% CI: 0.037, 0.937), PFDA (β = 0.443, 95% CI: 0.048, 0.838), PFUA (β = 0.434, 95% CI: 0.031, 0.838), and PFBS (β = 0.444, 95% CI: 0.124, 0.763) during early pregnancy had a significant positive association with AGD in boys. Similarly, in girls, maternal exposure to PFOS (β = 0.423, 95% CI: 0.006, 0.841), PFNA (β = 0.641, 95% CI: 0.207, 1.074), PFDA (β = 0.670, 95% CI: 0.306, 1.033), PFUA (β = 0.895, 95% CI: 0.509, 1.281), and PFBS (β = 0.474, 95% CI: 0.178, 0.770) had a positive association with AGD, while PFOA (β = -1.254, 95% CI: -1.786, -0.723) had a negative association. QGC models further confirmed that PFAS mixtures were positively associated with AGD. Moreover, PFBS was the primary contributor to the joint effects of PFAS mixtures on AGD. In summary, our study has provided further corroboration for the possibility that PFAS exposure can have an impact on AGD in both boys and girls. The use of AGD as a promising biomarker for endocrine disruption highlights the significance of our findings, which may have valuable clinical implications for reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaoli Shen
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ming Zhan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China.
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, 200135, China.
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Tsutida CA, Veiga ACB, Martino-Andrade AJ, de Andrade DP, Mello RG, Müller JC. Association between Late Manifestations of Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome and Anogenital Distance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Hum Reprod Sci 2023; 16:174-184. [PMID: 38045500 PMCID: PMC10688286 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_44_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In 2001, Skakkebæk et al. proposed that certain male reproductive disorders might be grouped into a syndrome called testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), as they all appear to be associated with disruption of the embryonic and foetal programming of gonadal development. TDS may be manifested in early life by the presence of genital malformations (hypospadias and cryptorchidism) and in adult life as disorders represented by low sperm counts and testicular cancer. Changes in androgen hormones during the foetal development, in addition to resulting in TDS, can also cause permanent changes in anopenile anogenital distance (AGDap) and anoscrotal anogenital distance (AGDas). Aims The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between late manifestations of TDS and reduced anogenital/anoscrotal distance. Materials and Methods The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. The research included papers from 2001 to 2020, comprising a total of 737 articles, and 13 articles were selected. Results Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the two anogenital distance measures, which showed a significant positive association (P = 0.039). A meta-analysis was also performed and compared AGDap and AGDas between control and case groups, with cases defined as men with any late TDS manifestation. These data showed a significant reduction in AGDas in the affected population (P = 0.04), but no differences in the AGDap measure (P = 0.59). Conclusion Our study confirmed a significant relationship between reduced AGDas and late manifestations of TDS, providing further support to the association between prenatal androgen deficiency and late-onset reproductive disorders.
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Shen X, Meng X, Wang C, Chen X, Chen Q, Cai J, Zhang J, Zhang Q, Fan L. Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter and newborn anogenital distance: a prospective cohort study. Environ Health 2023; 22:16. [PMID: 36755317 PMCID: PMC9909868 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00969-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considerable attention has been paid to reproductive toxicity of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, the relationship between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and anogenital distance (AGD) has not been well studied. We aim to investigate the potential effects of prenatal exposure to PM2.5 on newborn AGD. METHODS Prenatal PM2.5 exposure of 2332 participates in Shanghai (2013-2016) was estimated using high-performance machine learning models. Anoscrotal distance (AGDas) in male infants and anofourchette distance (AGDaf) in female infants were measured by well-trained examiners within 3 days after birth. We applied multiple linear regression models and multiple informant models to estimate the association between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and AGD. RESULTS Multiple linear regression models showed that a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure during full pregnancy, the second and third trimesters was inversely associated with AGDas (adjusted beta = - 1.76, 95% CI: - 2.21, - 1.31; - 0.73, 95% CI: - 1.06, - 0.40; and - 0.52; 95% CI: - 0.87, - 0.18, respectively) in males. A 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure during the full pregnancy, the first, second, and third trimesters was inversely associated with AGDaf (adjusted beta = - 4.55; 95% CI: - 5.18, - 3.92; - 0.78; 95% CI: - 1.10, - 0.46; - 1.11; 95% CI: - 1.46, - 0.77; - 1.45; 95% CI: - 1.78, - 1.12, respectively) in females after adjusting for potential confounders. Multiple informant models showed consistent but slightly attenuated associations. CONCLUSION Our study observed a significant association between gestational PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy and shortened AGD in newborns, and provided new evidence on potential reproductive toxicity of prenatal PM2.5 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Shen
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Meng
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cuiping Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Cai
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lichun Fan
- Women and Children's Medical Center of Hainan Province, No.75, Longkunnan Road, Haikou, 570100, Hainan, China.
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Chen Y, Liang H, Ji H, Sun X, He G, Wang Y, Dai W, Miao M, Yuan W. Associations between maternal urinary isoflavone concentrations and anogenital distance of offspring throughout infancy: a prospective cohort study. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:277-292. [PMID: 36331496 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are maternal urinary isoflavone (ISO) concentrations during pregnancy associated with anogenital distance (AGD) in infants at birth, and at 6 and 12 months of age? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher maternal urinary ISO concentrations during pregnancy were associated with longer AGD in infants of both sexes, and equol (EQU) and daidzein (DAD) were identified as the important ISO mixture components in the observed associations. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Evidence of the association of prenatal exposure to ISO with offspring's AGD is mainly derived from animal studies, which used different study designs and had inconsistent results. Only one human study has been reported and it found null associations between maternal ISO exposure during pregnancy and AGD among boys at birth, with a small sample size and a wide range of exposure windows. No human study on girls was found. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Prospective cohort study (Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study), with pregnant women recruited at 12-16 weeks of gestation in Shanghai, China between April and December 2012. One thousand two hundred and twenty-five live singletons were left in the cohort at delivery of which 480 mother-infant pairs had data on both maternal urinary ISO concentrations and at least one AGD measurement and were included in the present study. Anopenile distance (AGDAP) and anoscrotal distance (AGDAS) of boys and anoclitoral distance (AGDAC) and anofourchette distance (AGDAF) of girls were measured at birth and at 6 and 12 months of age. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between maternal ISO concentrations and AGD. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was implemented to examine both the overall effects of ISO mixture and the single effect of each ISO and identify important components of ISO mixture. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A general profile of higher concentrations of maternal ISO associated with longer AGD in infants of both sexes was observed, when maternal education, parity, BMI before pregnancy (BMI, categorical variable), passive smoking during early pregnancy, age at delivery, gestational weeks and infant body size were adjusted for. Among boys, EQU was associated with increased AGDAS at birth and at 6 and 12 months, and DAD was associated with increased AGDAP at birth. Among girls, the associations of EQU and DAD with increased AGDAC and AGDAF at birth were found. When gestational weight gain and feeding patterns of infants in the first 6 months were additionally adjusted for, and maternal BMI was adjusted for as a continuous variable, more pronounced associations were observed, especially for associations of genistein (GEN), DAD and glycitein (GLY) with increased AGDAP and AGDAS at 6 months in boys. However, these associations were not always observed in the highest tertile group, and no consistent dose-response relationships were found. Similar results were observed in BKMR models, showing positive correlations of concentration of ISO mixture with increased AGDAS at both 6 and 12 months among boys, and increased AGDAC and AGDAF at birth among girls. Statistically significant increments of 4.96 mm (95% credible interval (CrI): 1.40, 8.52) and 1.07 mm (95% CrI: 0.02, 2.13) in AGDAS at 6 months among boys and AGDAC at birth among girls, respectively, were observed at the 75th percentile of ISO mixture, compared with 25th percentile. EQU and DAD were identified as the important components among ISO-AGD associations. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION First, due to the short half-lives of ISO, the accuracy of a single spot urine sample reflecting ISO exposure during pregnancy may be limited, and thus may cause non-differential misclassification. Second, despite the adjustments for several important covariates in the study, unmeasured and residual confounding factors may remain a concern. Third, false discovery due to multiple testing may remain. Finally, the reduced sample sizes attributed to the loss of follow-up and missing data of confounders may limit our ability to detect an association, if any existed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Prenatal ISO exposure may affect the reproductive development of offspring. As ISO can be widely detected in pregnant women, especially in Eastern countries, more studies are warranted to provide evidence of the effects of prenatal ISO exposure on long-term reproductive outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFC2701003), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22076123), the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (21ZR1454700 and 20ZR1448000), the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (20194Y0160) and Innovation-oriented Science and Technology Grant from NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (CX2022-04). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglei Ji
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengsheng He
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Dai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Madvig F, Pedersen MK, Urhoj SK, Bräuner EV, Jørgensen N, Priskorn L. Anogenital distance, male factor infertility and time to pregnancy. Andrology 2022; 10:686-693. [PMID: 35178873 PMCID: PMC9306635 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anogenital distance (AGD), the distance between the anus and genitals, is in rodents a well-established marker of early androgen action and has been suggested to be so in humans as well. Thus, a link between human AGD and semen quality and potentially fecundity may exist. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the association between AGD and male factor infertility and among proven fertile men also time to pregnancy (TTP). MATERIAL AND METHODS All included men were recruited from and examined at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark (N=388). Men with impaired semen quality were included from infertile couples (N=128), and men with naturally conceived pregnant partners were invited to participate when their partners had their routine second trimester examination (N=260). All men underwent a physical examination, completed a questionnaire (including TTP for the fertile men), delivered a semen sample and had a blood sample drawn. The primary exposure was AGDAS measured from the centre of the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum. Associations between AGD and fertility status as well as between AGD and TTP among the fertile men were calculated using multiple logistic regression adjusted for covariates. RESULTS AGD did not show a statistically significant association with fertility status. In adjusted logistic regression models, the odds of infertility per 1 cm increase in AGDAS was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.88; 1.19). Amongst fertile men, a 1 cm increase in AGDAS was associated with an 8% non-statistically significantly reduced odds of having a longer (>3months) TTP (adjusted OR= 0.92, 95%CI: 0.76-1.11). CONCLUSION Our study showed that the clinical application of AGD as a predictor of fertility and fecundity seems to be limited as no associations were observed between AGD and fertility status, nor was the decreased risk of experiencing a longer TTP with longer AGDAS statistically significant. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Madvig
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M K Pedersen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S K Urhoj
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E V Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Leite Leão D, Vasconcelos Sampaio W, da Cunha Sousa P, Oskam IC, Rodrigues Dos Santos R, Souza Domingues SF. The use of anogenital distance as a non-invasive predictor of seminal quality in captive squirrel monkey (Saimiri collinsi Osgood 1961). J Med Primatol 2021; 50:299-305. [PMID: 34476816 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anogenital distance is considered a non-invasive measure to assess the development and functionality of sexual organs in different animal species. Hence, this measurement could potentially be used during the selection of non-human primates for reproductive biotechnology programs. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between anogenital distance and reproductive parameters in captive Saimiri collinsi. METHODS Eight mature S. collinsi males were evaluated. Body weight, reproductive hormone levels, testicular volume, and seminal parameters were determined, and their relationship with anogenital distance measurements was assessed. RESULTS Anogenital distance was correlated with seminal volume, sperm motility, vigor, and plasma membrane integrity, but not with body weight, reproductive hormones, and testicular volume. CONCLUSION The determination of anogenital distance is a non-invasive method to predict seminal quality. This procedure has the advantage of providing andrologic information without a negative impact on animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuza Leite Leão
- Laboratory of Wild Animal Biotechnology and Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Wlaisa Vasconcelos Sampaio
- Laboratory of Wild Animal Biotechnology and Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Animal Health and Production in the Amazon, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belém, Brazil.,Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Parauapebas, Brazil
| | - Patrícia da Cunha Sousa
- Laboratory of Wild Animal Biotechnology and Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Irma Caroline Oskam
- The Livestock Production Research Centre, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sheyla Farhayldes Souza Domingues
- Laboratory of Wild Animal Biotechnology and Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Animal Health and Production in the Amazon, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belém, Brazil
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9
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Priskorn L, Kreiberg M, Bandak M, Lauritsen J, Daugaard G, Petersen JH, Aksglaede L, Juul A, Jørgensen N. Testicular cancer survivors have shorter anogenital distance that is not increased by 1 year of testosterone replacement therapy. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2443-2451. [PMID: 34223605 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is anogenital distance (AGD) shorter in testicular cancer (TC) survivors than in men from the general population, and is AGD affected by testosterone replacement therapy in adulthood? SUMMARY ANSWER AGD, measured as distance from anus to scrotum (AGDas), is shorter in TC survivors and does not change as a result of testosterone replacement therapy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Animal studies have shown that AGD is a postnatal 'read-out' of foetal androgen action, and short AGD in male offspring is considered a sign of feminization caused by in utero disruption of the reproductive system. Likewise, measurement of AGD in human studies has suggested AGD to be part of the testicular dysgenesis syndrome hypothesis, which proposes that male reproductive disorders, such as hypospadias, cryptorchidism, some cases of impaired semen quality and TC, all share a common foetal origin. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The aim was to assess AGD in men with a history of TC and controls, and furthermore to examine AGD during testosterone replacement therapy in adulthood. Study participants were TC survivors with a mild Leydig cell insufficiency who participated in a randomized double-blind study of testosterone replacement therapy versus placebo for 52 weeks (N = 69). Men from the general population were prospectively included from a study on testicular function as controls (N = 67). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We measured two variants of AGD; as our primary outcome the anoscrotal distance (AGDas) measured from the centre of the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum, and secondarily the anopenile distance (AGDap) measured from the anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis. Using multiple regression analysis, the mean difference in AGD between TC survivors and men from the general population was assessed, adjusted for height, BMI and examiner. Next, AGD was measured before and after 52 weeks of treatment with testosterone or placebo, and with covariance analysis differences between the two groups at follow-up was assessed after adjustment for baseline AGD, examiner, BMI and change in BMI during treatment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE TC survivors had a shorter AGDas (-0.84 cm, 95% CI: -1.31; -0.37) compared to men from the general population, and AGDas did not differ between the testosterone and placebo treated group at follow-up (0.11 cm, 95% CI: -0.22; 0.44). In contrast, AGDap was not shorter in TC survivors after adjustment (0.05 cm, 95% CI: -0.30; 0.39), and was 0.48 cm longer (95% CI: 0.13; 0.82) at follow-up in the testosterone treated compared to the placebo-treated group. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A limitation of the study is that the number of included men was limited, and results need confirmation in a larger study. Furthermore, TC survivors were significantly older than controls. For the comparison of AGD in TC survivors and controls, it was not possible to conduct the examinations with the examiner being blinded to which group he was examining, and it cannot be excluded that this can cause a bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The shorter AGDas in TC survivors compared to controls, which did not change upon adult testosterone replacement therapy, supports the hypothesis that reduced AGD is part of the testicular dysgenesis syndrome and may be a marker of disrupted foetal testicular development. By contrast, AGDap was not shorter in TC survivors and might be modestly sensitive to adult testosterone treatment, and thus inferior to AGDas as a constant postnatal marker of the foetal androgen environment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Expenses were paid by the Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet. Kiowa Kirin International covered expenses for Tostran and placebo. The Danish Cancer Society, The Danish Cancer Research Foundation, the Preben & Anna Simonsen Foundation, and Rigshospitalet have supported the study. L.P. was financed by the Research Fund of the Capital Region of Denmark. The authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Part of the study is based on men participating in a randomized controlled trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02991209, 25 November 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Kreiberg
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Bandak
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Lauritsen
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Daugaard
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J H Petersen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Aksglaede
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Christensen JVR, Bangash KK, Weihe P, Grandjean P, Nielsen F, Jensen TK, Petersen MS. Maternal exposure to perfluoroalkyl chemicals and anogenital distance in the offspring: A Faroese cohort study. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 104:52-57. [PMID: 34182087 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has in some studies been associated with reduced anogenital distance (AGD) in newborns as a sensitive indicator of prenatal anti-androgenic exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal PFAS exposure and offspring AGD in a population with wide ranges of PFAS exposures. Participants were recruited in the Faroe Islands in 2007-2009, and information on AGD and PFAS exposure was obtained from 463 mother-infant pairs. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were measured in maternal serum. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for birth weight, child age at examination, parity, and maternal education level. Among boys, higher maternal serum concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFDA were significantly associated with a longer AGD, both with the exposure entered as a continuous variable and as quartiles. Boys in the highest quartile of PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFDA exposure had an increase in AGD of 1.2 mm (95 % CI 0.1;2.2), 1.3 mm (95 % CI 0.3;2.3), 1.0 mm (95 % CI 0.0:2.0) and 1.3 mm (95 % CI 0.3;2.4), respectively, when compared to boys in the lowest quartile of exposure (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between male AGD and PFHxS. No association was found for girls. In conclusion, elevated maternal exposure to major PFASs was significantly associated with a longer AGD in boys. No significant associations were found among girls, thus suggesting a sex-dimorphic effect of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khushal Khan Bangash
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroes Hospital System, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; Center of Health Science, University of the Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Phillippe Grandjean
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Skaalum Petersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroes Hospital System, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; Center of Health Science, University of the Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
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11
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Cargnelutti F, Di Nisio A, Pallotti F, Sabovic I, Spaziani M, Tarsitano MG, Paoli D, Foresta C. Effects of endocrine disruptors on fetal testis development, male puberty, and transition age. Endocrine 2021; 72:358-374. [PMID: 32757113 PMCID: PMC8128728 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02436-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are exogenous substances able to impair endocrine system; consequently, they may cause numerous adverse effects. Over the last years, particular focus has been given to their harmful effects on reproductive system, but very little is known, especially in males. The aim of this review is to discuss the detrimental effects of EDs exposure on fetal testis development, male puberty, and transition age. METHODS A search for the existing literature focusing on the impact of EDs on fetal testis development, male puberty, andrological parameters (anogenital distance, penile length, and testicular volume), and testicular cancer with particular regard to pubertal age provided the most current information available for this review. Human evidence-based reports were given priority over animal and in vitro experimental results. Given the paucity of available articles on this subject, all resources were given careful consideration. RESULTS Information about the consequences associated with EDs exposure in the current literature is limited and often conflicting, due to the scarcity of human studies and their heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that current evidence does not clarify the impact of EDs on human male reproductive health, although severe harmful effects had been reported in animals. Despite controversial results, overall conclusion points toward a positive association between exposure to EDs and reproductive system damage. Further long-term studies performed on wide number of subjects are necessary in order to identify damaging compounds and remove them from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cargnelutti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Iva Sabovic
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Tarsitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
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12
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Tian Y, Liang H, Miao M, Yang F, Ji H, Cao W, Liu X, Zhang X, Chen A, Xiao H, Hu H, Yuan W. Maternal plasma concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances during pregnancy and anogenital distance in male infants. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1356-1368. [PMID: 31242507 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are maternal plasma concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) during pregnancy associated with anogenital distance (AGD) in male infants at birth, 6, and 12 months of age? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher maternal plasma concentrations of some PFASs were associated with shorter AGD in male infants at birth and 6 months of age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Two animal studies have found that exposure to PFASs was associated with shorter AGD in male rat fetuses and wild male minks. There is only one human study on the topic that did not identify consistent patterns between maternal serum concentrations of PFASs during pregnancy and AGD in male infants. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In the prospective cohort study, a total of 1292 eligible pregnant women were recruited at 12-16 weeks of gestation between April and December 2012 at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Minhang district in Shanghai, China. At delivery, 667 male singletons were born. They were then followed up at birth (n = 439) and at 6 (n = 411) and 12 months (n = 376) of age when anopenile distance (AGDAP) and anoscrotal distance (AGDAS) were measured. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 500 male infants who had both maternal plasma concentrations of PFASs and at least one AGD measurement of at three time points were included in the present study. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the potential linear associations between maternal concentrations of PFASs and AGD. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Maternal plasma concentrations (ln-transformed) of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA) were inversely associated with AGDAS or AGDAP at birth (AGDAS: per ln unit increase in PFAS concentrations: β (95% CI): -0.65 (-1.27 to -0.02) mm for PFOS; -0.58 (-1.11 to -0.06) mm for PFDA; and -0.57 (-1.09 to -0.06) mm for PFUdA; AGDAP: per ln unit increase in PFAS concentrations: β (95% CI): -0.63 (-1.24 to -0.01) mm for PFDA and - 0.76 (-1.36 to -0.16) mm for PFUdA). At 6 months of age, per unit increase in maternal ln concentrations of PFOS and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA), AGDAS decreased on average by -2.21 (95% CI: -4.28 to -0.14) and -1.11 (95% CI: -2.17 to -0.06) mm, respectively. Additionally, ln-transformed perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) showed nonsignificant but inverse associations with both AGDAS and AGDAP at 6 months of age. We found no significant associations between ln-transformed maternal concentrations of PFASs and either AGDAS or AGDAP at 12 months of age. However, significantly inverse association of ln-transformed PFOA with AGDAP was observed in male infants who never or shortly breastfed (<3 months) at 12 months of age. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION AGD measurements were performed by different examiners at each follow-up visit, and the intra-examiner variation was not assessed, which might cause intra-rater and inter-rater measurement errors. Additionally, our study may have selection bias since a considerable number of participants withdrew from the cohort although the differences in demographic characteristics were not statistically significant between included mother-infant pairs and those excluded. No statistical correction was made for multiple comparisons. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings may have important implications for the early development of genital health in male infants since PFASs can be detected in almost all pregnant women and infants worldwide. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development program of China (2018YFC1002801 and 2016YFC1000505), the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (16ZR1430100), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81428011), and the Innovation-Oriented Science and Technology Grant from National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (CX2017-06). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youping Tian
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Fen Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglei Ji
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Wencheng Cao
- National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Institute of Health Inspection and Detection, Hubei Provincial Academy of Preventive Medicine, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaofang Liu
- National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Institute of Health Inspection and Detection, Hubei Provincial Academy of Preventive Medicine, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Institute of Health Inspection and Detection, Hubei Provincial Academy of Preventive Medicine, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, #6 Zhuo Daoquan North Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Aimin Chen
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hong Xiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hui Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Wei Yuan
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, China
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13
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Sheinberg R, Siegel EL, Keidar R, Mandel D, Lubetzky R, Kohn E, Livneh A, Tovbin J, Betser M, Moskovich M, Marom R, Ovental A, Daniel S, Factor-Litvak P, Berkovitch M, Levy A. Associations between intrauterine exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on neonatal ano-genital distance. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:67-75. [PMID: 32526315 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread environmental contaminants. PCBs have endocrine disrupting properties which raises concerns regarding their effect on the developing fetus. This study aimed to examine the association between prenatal exposure to PCBs and anogenital distance (AGD) in newborns. Serum concentrations of PCB congeners -118, -138, -153 and -180 were measured in 175 pregnant women presenting to the delivery room. AGD was measured in their newborns. Regression models were used to estimate associations between maternal PCB exposure and infant anogenital measurements, controlling for possible confounding variables. Mean maternal serum concentrations were 2.95 ± 2.18 ng/g, 4.62 ± 3.54 ng/g, 7.67 ± 6.42 ng/g and 5.10 ± 3.91 ng/g for congeners -118, -138, -153 and -180, respectively. Higher maternal concentrations of PCBs were associated with reduced AGD measures in male infants. Higher maternal concentrations of PCB-138 and PCB-153 were associated with reduced ano-scrotal distances and higher maternal concentrations of all four PCB congeners were associated with reduced ano-penile distances. No significant associations were found between any PCB congener and any AGD measure in female newborns. This study demonstrates that intrauterine exposure to PCBs may be associated with reduced AGD in male newborns. More research is needed to reveal the implications for adult reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revital Sheinberg
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
| | - Eva Laura Siegel
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Rimona Keidar
- Department of Neonatology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Dror Mandel
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronit Lubetzky
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Elkana Kohn
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ayelet Livneh
- Department of Neonatology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Josef Tovbin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Moshe Betser
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Miki Moskovich
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ronella Marom
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Amit Ovental
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Daniel
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Matitiahu Berkovitch
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Amalia Levy
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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14
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Ercin S, Ertas S, Dundar O, Oktem O, Yakin K. Anogenital distance in newborn infants conceived by assisted reproduction and natural conception. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:474-482. [PMID: 32576490 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does anogenital distance (AGD) differ in newborn infants conceived through assisted reproduction technology (ART) compared with those conceived naturally? DESIGN This case-control study looked at anthropometric and anogenital measurements in 247 male and 200 female newborns born after ART (n = 121) or natural conception (n = 326), within 24 h of birth. Anogenital measurements included distance from the centre of the anus to the anterior clitoris (AGDAC) and to the posterior fourchette (AGDAF) in female infants, and from the centre of the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum (AGDAS) and to the anterior base of the penis (AGDAP) in male infants. RESULTS ART mothers were older, more likely to be nulliparous and delivered by Caesarean section at an earlier gestational week. AGDAS of male infants was approximately twice the AGDAF of female infants (17.6 ± 5.0 versus 9.1 ± 3.6 mm). AGDAF in female infants conceived by ART compared with those conceived naturally was not significantly different (8.8 ± 3.6 versus 9.3 ± 3.6 mm; P = 0.404). AGDAC were also comparable for both groups (27.4 ± 6.3 versus 27.7 ± 7.1 mm; P = 0.770). In male infants, no significant difference was seen between ART and natural conception groups in terms of AGDAS (17.4 ± 4.6 versus 17.7 ± 5.2 mm, P = 0.742) and AGDAP (37.5 ± 6.6 versus 38.0 ± 6.7 mm, P = 0.589). When adjusted for gestational age, weight, length and head circumference, mode of conception was not associated with differences in any of the anogenital measurements. CONCLUSIONS AGD measurements in infants conceived by ART are no different from those of infants conceived naturally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Secil Ercin
- American Hospital, Women's Health Center Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinem Ertas
- American Hospital, Women's Health Center Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oznur Dundar
- American Hospital, Women's Health Center Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Oktem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kayhan Yakin
- American Hospital, Women's Health Center Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine Istanbul, Turkey.
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15
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Prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances and newborn anogenital distance in a Canadian cohort. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 94:31-39. [PMID: 32283250 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to the man-made chemicals perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) is widespread. These perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been associated with androgenic endocrine-disrupting properties; however, the evidence is equivocal and few human studies have examined the association between prenatal exposure to PFASs and markers of androgenic endocrine disruption such as changes in anogenital distance (AGD). In the MIREC cohort, PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS were analyzed in first trimester maternal plasma. AGD was measured in 205 male and 196 female newborns. The change in estimate procedure was used to identify confounders by sex and AGD in multiple linear regression models. Geometric mean plasma concentrations (95% CI) for PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS were 1.71 (1.61, 1.81), 4.40 (4.18, 4.64) and 1.15 (1.06, 1.25) μg/L, respectively. A one-unit increase in natural log transformed PFOA was associated with a 1.36 mm (95% CI 0.30, 2.41) increase in anoscrotal distance, adjusting for household income, active smoking status during pregnancy and gestational age. However, when examined by quartiles, a non-monotonic pattern was observed with wide confidence intervals. No consistent patterns were observed between maternal PFAS concentrations and female AGDs. This study found no clear evidence that maternal plasma concentrations of PFOS, PFOA or PFHxS were associated with shorter infant anogenital distance in males or any change in AGD in females. Whether the positive association observed between longer anoscrotal distance and PFOA is real or would have any long-lasting effect on the reproductive health of males is unknown and needs to be investigated further.
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Balin PDS, Jorge BC, Leite ARR, Borges CS, Oba E, Silva EJR, de Barros AL, Horta-Júnior JDAC, Arena AC. Maternal exposure to ibuprofen can affect the programming of the hypothalamus of the male offspring. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 111:104576. [PMID: 31911196 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase enzyme, leading to reduction in Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Due to the importance of PGE2 in promoting the brain masculinization in male fetus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of in utero and lactational exposure to ibuprofen and their late repercussions on reproductive parameters in male rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to ibuprofen (10, 30 or 60 mg/kg) or vehicle (control group) per gavage daily from gestational day 15 to day 21 after birth, and late reproductive effects were assessed during the sexual development and in the reproductive adult life in the male offspring. Males exposed to ibuprofen had a decrease in body weight and anogenital distance, as well as a delay in the ages of testicular descent and preputial separation. In adulthood, there was a decrease in the Leydig cells nuclei volume, testosterone levels and percentage of normal sperm morphology. All animals exposed to ibuprofen presented male copulatory behavior, however, in the presence of another male, they also presented a female-typical behavior. Maternal exposure to ibuprofen during the sensitive windows of brain development adversely impacted the reproductive parameters of male rats, suggesting an incomplete masculinization of the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola da Silva Balin
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Campos Jorge
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Andressa Rejani Ribeiro Leite
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Cibele Santos Borges
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Eunice Oba
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Erick José Ramo Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Aline Lima de Barros
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil
| | | | - Arielle Cristina Arena
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil; Center of Toxicological Assistance (CEATOX), Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu (UNESP), São Paulo State, Brazil.
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17
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Toprak T, Tokat E. Does anogenital distance change with age? Andrologia 2019; 51:e13431. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tuncay Toprak
- Department of Urology Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital Istanbul Turkey
| | - Eda Tokat
- Department of Urology Hakkari State Hospital Hakkari Turkey
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Toprak T, Şahin A, Akgul K, Kutluhan MA, Ramazanoglu MA, Yilmaz M, Sahan A, Verit A. The relationship between anogenital distance and lifelong premature ejaculation. Andrology 2019; 8:353-357. [PMID: 31536679 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many diseases have been associated with anogenital distance, as an indicator of intrauterine androgen exposure. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lifelong premature ejaculation and anogenital distance. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 140 participants: 70 with lifelong premature ejaculation (group 1) and 70 without any ejaculatory complaints (group 2). Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool and stopwatch intravaginal ejaculatory latency time were recorded from all participants in order to evaluate ejaculatory function. Two variants of anogenital distance were measured: anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum and anogenital distance (from anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis) to the cephalad insertion of the penis. We compared differences between groups and correlations between anogenital distance variants and patients' characteristics. RESULTS The groups were similar in terms of age, BMI, and total testosterone levels. The mean anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) scores were 59.45 ± 10.76 vs. 55.02 ± 10.13 (p = 0.01), and anogenital distance (from anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis) scores were 128.37 ± 22.2 vs. 126.78 ± 16.21 (p = 0.63) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Significant correlation was observed between anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores (r = 0.199, p = 0.019) and intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (r = -0.185, p = 0.028). There were no statistically significant differences between anogenital distance (from anus to the posterior base of the scrotum) scores and total testosterone levels and between anogenital distance (from anus to the cephalad insertion of the penis) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores or intravaginal ejaculatory latency time. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that longer anogenital distance is associated with higher possibility of lifelong premature ejaculation. However, further studies are needed to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Toprak
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A Şahin
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - K Akgul
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - M A Kutluhan
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - M Yilmaz
- Urology, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - A Sahan
- Department of Urology, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A Verit
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Luan M, Liang H, Yang F, Yuan W, Chen A, Liu X, Ji H, Wen S, Miao M. Prenatal polybrominated diphenyl ethers exposure and anogenital distance in boys from a Shanghai birth cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:513-523. [PMID: 30713057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are major brominated flame retardant (BFR) chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties. One small-scale study on humans has suggested that prenatal exposure to PBDEs is adversely related to anogenital distance (AGD) a sensitive marker for prenatal androgen exposure. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between prenatal exposure to PBDEs and AGD among boys 0-4 years of age in a cohort study. METHODS In the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study (S-MBCS), nine PBDE congeners were measured in cord plasma of 192 male infants. We measured anopenile distance (AGDAP) and anoscrotal distance (AGDAS) at birth, 6 months, 12 months, and 48 months of age. A total of 190 boys with neonatal concentrations of PBDEs (ng/g lipid) who had at-least one AGD measurement were included in our study. Information on potential confounding variables were collected through in-person interviews. Multiple linear regression models and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to evaluate the associations between prenatal PBDEs concentrations and AGD. RESULTS Among the nine congeners, BDE-47 had the highest detection rate (83.68%) and the highest median concentration (0.18 ng/g lipid). Boys who had neonatal concentration of BDE-47 or Σ4PBDEs (sum of BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, and BDE-153) in the higher quartile generally had shorter AGDAP and AGDAS than those in the first quartile. Significant inverse associations were found between AGDAS and fourth quartile BDE-47 levels among boys 12 months and 48 months of age (β = -5.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): -9.89, -1.25 for 12 month of age; β = -4.32, 95% CI: -8.18, -0.46 for 48 month of age). Inverse associations were also observed between AGDAS and fourth quartile Σ4PBDEs levels among boys 12 months of age (β = -5.13, 95% CI: -9.89, -1.25). In GEE models, similar patterns of association were also observed between BDE-47 and AGDAS. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide preliminary evidence that prenatal exposure to BDE-47 and Σ4PBDEs, even at low environmental levels, may be associated with shorter AGD in boys. This data suggest that prenatal exposure to PBDEs may have adverse effects on male reproductive development. Further studies should be conducted to validate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Luan
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fen Yang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aimin Chen
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Xiao Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Toxicology, National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Honglei Ji
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Wen
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Toxicology, National Reference Laboratory of Dioxin, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China.
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Priskorn L, Bang AK, Nordkap L, Krause M, Mendiola J, Jensen TK, Juul A, Skakkebaek NE, Swan SH, Jørgensen N. Anogenital distance is associated with semen quality but not reproductive hormones in 1106 young men from the general population. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:12-24. [PMID: 30452659 PMCID: PMC6295959 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is anogenital distance (AGD) associated with semen quality and reproductive hormones in men from the general population? SUMMARY ANSWER Short AGD measured from the anus to the base of scrotum (AGDAS) was associated with reduced sperm counts and morphology but not with sperm motility or reproductive hormones. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY AGD is longer in males than in females. In rodents, AGD is a well-established and sensitive marker of disruption during the masculinization programming window in utero and it has been suggested to be so in humans as well. Therefore, the average AGD would be expected to be shorter in men with poor semen quality, which some studies have confirmed while others have not. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cross-sectional population-based study was of 1106 men included between 2012 and 2016. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Men from the general Danish population (median age 19 years), unselected with regard to fertility status and semen quality, delivered a semen sample, had a blood sample drawn, which was analyzed for concentrations of reproductive hormones, and answered a comprehensive questionnaire. They also had a physical examination performed including determination of AGD measured as the distance between anus and scrotum (AGDAS) and penis (AGDAP). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were estimated for a man having abnormal semen parameters according to the World Health Organization's reference values or a low/high concentration of reproductive hormones (defined as the lowest or highest 10%) depending on AGD. AGD was categorized in four strata: ≤10th percentile, 10th-30th percentile, 30th-50th percentile and >50th percentile. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Men with the 10% shortest AGDAS had a more than doubled risk (OR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.40-3.42) of being in the subfertile range for either sperm concentration (<15 million/mL) or sperm morphology (<4%) compared to men with AGDAS above the median (reference). Men in the 10th-30th percentile also had an increased OR of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.06-2.08) but not men in the 30th-50th percentile (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.81-1.62). AGDAP was only weakly related to semen quality. AGD was not associated with testicular volume or any of the reproductive hormones. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Limitations include the potential non-differential misclassification of reproductive outcomes based on a single semen and blood sample and some between-examiner differences in AGD measurements which introduces noise and may result in an underestimation of observed associations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study of men from the general population confirmed associations between AGD and semen quality, supporting the hypothesis that AGD in humans could be a marker of fetal testicular development. This suggests that the low semen quality in Danish men may partly be explained by prenatal factors. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study has received financial support from the ReproUnion (L.P.); the Research fund of Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital (N.J.); Grants R01ES016863-04 and R01ES016863-02S4; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences grant (P30ES023515) (S.S.); the European Union (Contract numbers BMH4-CT96-0314, QLK4-CT-1999-01422, QLK4-CT-2002-00603, FP7/2007-2013, DEER Grant agreement no. 212844); the Danish Ministry of Health; the Danish Environmental Protection Agency; A.P. Møller and wife Chastine McKinney Møllers foundation; and Svend Andersens Foundation. None of the funders had any role in the study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of data, writing of the paper or publication decisions. The authors have nothing to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A K Bang
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Nordkap
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Krause
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Mendiola
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - T K Jensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - A Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S H Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - N Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Buser MC, Abadin HG, Irwin JL, Pohl HR. Windows of sensitivity to toxic chemicals in the development of reproductive effects: an analysis of ATSDR's toxicological profile database. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2018; 28:553-578. [PMID: 30022686 PMCID: PMC6261274 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1496235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie C Buser
- a US Department of Health and Human Services , Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Henry G Abadin
- a US Department of Health and Human Services , Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - John L Irwin
- a US Department of Health and Human Services , Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Hana R Pohl
- a US Department of Health and Human Services , Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry , Atlanta , GA , USA
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22
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Freire C, Ocón-Hernández O, Dávila-Arias C, Pérez-Lobato R, Calvente I, Ramos R, Olea N, Fernández MF. Anogenital distance and reproductive outcomes in 9- to 11-year-old boys: the INMA-Granada cohort study. Andrology 2018; 6:874-881. [PMID: 30113141 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies examining the association of anogenital distance (AGD), a biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure, with sexual development in children are lacking. OBJECTIVE To assess the association between AGD measures and reproductive outcomes, including puberty onset, testicular volume, reproductive hormone levels, and urogenital malformations in boys aged 9-11 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among children belonging to the Spanish Environment and Childhood (INMA) Project, a population-based birth cohort study. The present sample included 279 boys for whom data were available on AGD, pubertal stage, testicular volume, and relevant covariates. Out of the boys with AGD data, 187 provided a blood sample for hormone analysis. AGD was measured from the center of the anus to the base of the scrotum. Pubertal development was assessed according to Tanner stage of genital development (G1-G5), and testicular volume was measured with an orchidometer. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that AGD was positively associated with testicular volume but not with Tanner stage (>G1 vs. G1), serum hormone levels, or undescended testis. Regardless of their age, body mass index, and Tanner stage (G1 or >G1), boys with longer AGD showed increased odds of a testicular volume >3 mL (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.00-1.19 per 10% increment in AGD; and OR = 3.14, 95%CI = 0.99-9.94 for AGD >42 mm vs. <33 mm). DISCUSSION Longer AGD was associated with testicular growth, an indicator of gonadarche, but not with other reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Although AGD was positively associated with testicular volume, it remains unclear whether AGD predicts testis size at puberty or is related to puberty onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Freire
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain
| | - O Ocón-Hernández
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - C Dávila-Arias
- Radiology Unit, Health Science Technological Park University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - R Pérez-Lobato
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Psychology Clinic ISEP, Granada, Spain
| | - I Calvente
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - R Ramos
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - N Olea
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M F Fernández
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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23
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Wenzel AG, Bloom MS, Butts CD, Wineland RJ, Brock JW, Cruze L, Unal ER, Kucklick JR, Somerville SE, Newman RB. Influence of race on prenatal phthalate exposure and anogenital measurements among boys and girls. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 110:61-70. [PMID: 29097052 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Select phthalates have antiandrogenic activity, which raises concern for adverse developmental outcomes given widespread exposure of pregnant women. Investigators have reported associations between maternal urinary phthalates and altered anogenital distance (AGD), a marker of in utero androgen activity, among offspring. However, data assessing the impact of race on these associations is sparse. OBJECTIVES To evaluate associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and AGD in a racially diverse newborn population. METHODS We prospectively collected second trimester urine from 187 African American and 193 white mothers, and used liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to measure eight phthalate metabolites and calculate molar sums. We measured anopenile (APD) and anoscrotal (ASD) distances of 171 boys and anoclitoral (ACD) and anofourchette (AFD) distances of 128 girls at delivery. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data from questionnaires and delivery records. RESULTS We identified a statistically significant inverse association for mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) and APD in boys (B=-1.57mm, p=0.02), which was stronger for African Americans (B=-2.07mm, p=0.04) than for whites (B=-1.23mm, p=0.22), although the racial interaction was not statistically significant (p=0.56). We found a longer ASD for higher molar sums of dibutyl phthalate (∑DBP; B=0.99mm, p=0.04), with stronger associations for whites (B=1.30mm, p=0.04) than for African Americans (B=0.39mm, p=0.59), again without a statistically significant racial interaction (p=0.34). Among girls, we found inverse associations for tertiles of MEHP with AFD and ACD, and statistically significant race-based interactions, in which ACD was longer for whites and shorter for African Americans, following exposure to monoethyl phthalate (MEP; p=0.01) and ∑DBP (p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest race and sex play important roles in phthalate-associated reproductive developmental toxicity, with important implications for designing future investigations and health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby G Wenzel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Michael S Bloom
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
| | - Celeste D Butts
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca J Wineland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - John W Brock
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Asheville, Asheville, NC, USA
| | - Lori Cruze
- Department of Biology, Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Unal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - John R Kucklick
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Stephen E Somerville
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Roger B Newman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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24
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van den Driesche S, Kilcoyne KR, Wagner I, Rebourcet D, Boyle A, Mitchell R, McKinnell C, Macpherson S, Donat R, Shukla CJ, Jorgensen A, Meyts ERD, Skakkebaek NE, Sharpe RM. Experimentally induced testicular dysgenesis syndrome originates in the masculinization programming window. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e91204. [PMID: 28352662 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.91204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) hypothesis, which proposes that common reproductive disorders of newborn and adult human males may have a common fetal origin, is largely untested. We tested this hypothesis using a rat model involving gestational exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which suppresses testosterone production by the fetal testis. We evaluated if induction of TDS via testosterone suppression is restricted to the "masculinization programming window" (MPW), as indicated by reduction in anogenital distance (AGD). We show that DBP suppresses fetal testosterone equally during and after the MPW, but only DBP exposure in the MPW causes reduced AGD, focal testicular dysgenesis, and TDS disorders (cryptorchidism, hypospadias, reduced adult testis size, and compensated adult Leydig cell failure). Focal testicular dysgenesis, reduced size of adult male reproductive organs, and TDS disorders and their severity were all strongly associated with reduced AGD. We related our findings to human TDS cases by demonstrating similar focal dysgenetic changes in testes of men with preinvasive germ cell neoplasia (GCNIS) and in testes of DBP-MPW animals. If our results are translatable to humans, they suggest that identification of potential causes of human TDS disorders should focus on exposures during a human MPW equivalent, especially if negatively associated with offspring AGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander van den Driesche
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Karen R Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ida Wagner
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Boyle
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rod Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chris McKinnell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Macpherson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Donat
- Edinburgh Urological Cancer Group, Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chitranjan J Shukla
- Edinburgh Urological Cancer Group, Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Jorgensen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth & Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth & Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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25
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Thankamony A, Pasterski V, Ong KK, Acerini CL, Hughes IA. Anogenital distance as a marker of androgen exposure in humans. Andrology 2016; 4:616-25. [PMID: 26846869 PMCID: PMC6225986 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal foetal testis development has been proposed to underlie common disorders of the male reproductive system such as cryptorchidism, hypospadias, reduced semen quality and testicular germ cell tumour, which are regarded as components of a 'testicular dysgenesis syndrome'. The increasing trends and geographical variation in their incidence have been suggested to result from in utero exposure to environmental chemicals acting as endocrine disruptors. In rodents, the anogenital distance (AGD), measured from the anus to the base of genital tubercle, is a sensitive biomarker of androgen exposure during a critical embryonic window of testis development. In humans, several epidemiological studies have shown alterations in AGD associated with prenatal exposure to several chemicals with potential endocrine disrupting activity. However, the link between AGD and androgen exposure in humans is not well-defined. This review focuses on the current evidence for such a relationship. As in rodents, a clear gender difference is detected during foetal development of the AGD in humans which is maintained thereafter. Reduced AGD in association with clinically relevant outcomes of potential environmental exposures, such as cryptorchidism or hypospadias, is in keeping with AGD as a marker of foetal testicular function. Furthermore, AGD may reflect variations in prenatal androgen exposure in healthy children as shorter AGD at birth is associated with reduced masculine play behaviour in preschool boys. Several studies provide evidence linking shorter AGD with lower fertility, semen quality and testosterone levels in selected groups of adults attending andrology clinics. Overall, the observational data in humans are consistent with experimental studies in animals and support the use of AGD as a biomarker of foetal androgen exposure. Future studies evaluating AGD in relation to reproductive hormones in both infants and adults, and to gene polymorphisms, will help to further delineate the effect of prenatal and postnatal androgen exposures on AGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Thankamony
- Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Vickie Pasterski
- Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3RQ, UK
| | - Ken K Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Carlo L Acerini
- Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Ieuan A Hughes
- Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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26
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Singal AK, Jain VG, Gazali Z, Shekhawat P. Shorter anogenital distance correlates with the severity of hypospadias in pre-pubertal boys. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1406-10. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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27
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Mendiola J, Oñate-Celdrán J, Samper-Mateo P, Arense-Gonzalo JJ, Torres-Roca M, Sánchez-Rodríguez C, García-Escudero D, Fontana-Compiano LO, Eisenberg ML, Swan SH, Torres-Cantero AM. Comparability and reproducibility of adult male anogenital distance measurements for two different methods. Andrology 2016; 4:626-31. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Mendiola
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health; Department of Health and Social Sciences; University of Murcia School of Medicine; Murcia (Murcia) Spain
| | - J. Oñate-Celdrán
- Department of Urology; ‘Reina Sofia’ University General Hospital; Murcia (Murcia) Spain
| | - P. Samper-Mateo
- Department of Urology; ‘Reina Sofia’ University General Hospital; Murcia (Murcia) Spain
| | - J. J. Arense-Gonzalo
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health; Department of Health and Social Sciences; University of Murcia School of Medicine; Murcia (Murcia) Spain
| | - M. Torres-Roca
- Department of Urology; ‘Reina Sofia’ University General Hospital; Murcia (Murcia) Spain
| | - C. Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Department of Urology; ‘Reina Sofia’ University General Hospital; Murcia (Murcia) Spain
| | - D. García-Escudero
- Department of Urology; ‘Reina Sofia’ University General Hospital; Murcia (Murcia) Spain
| | | | - M. L. Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics/Gynecology; Stanford University School of Medicine; Stanford CA USA
| | - S. H. Swan
- Department of Preventive Medicine; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York NY USA
| | - A. M. Torres-Cantero
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health; Department of Health and Social Sciences; University of Murcia School of Medicine; Murcia (Murcia) Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine; ‘Reina Sofia’ University General Hospital; Murcia (Murcia) Spain
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28
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Zhou N, Sun L, Yang H, Chen Q, Wang X, Yang H, Tan L, Chen H, Zhang G, Ling X, Huang L, Zou P, Peng K, Liu T, Liu J, Ao L, Zhou Z, Cui Z, Cao J. Anogenital distance is associated with serum reproductive hormones, but not with semen quality in young men. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:958-67. [PMID: 27052617 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is anogenital distance associated with semen parameters and serum reproductive hormone levels in males? SUMMARY ANSWER Anogenital distance is associated with serum reproductive hormones, but not with semen quality. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Epidemiological studies have suggested that anogenital distance (AGD) may be associated with testicular dysfunction in adult men. However, the role of AGD in estimating male reproductive function remains unclear. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We examined the associations between AGD and semen parameters and reproductive hormones levels in 656 young college students in a Male Reproductive Health in Chongqing College Students (MARHCSs) cohort study in June of 2014. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In this study, two variants of AGD (AGDAP and AGDAS) were measured in 656 university students. Serum levels of testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and inhibin-B; and semen quality outcomes, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, sperm progressive motility, total motility and morphology, were assessed. The associations between AGD and semen parameters/reproductive hormones levels were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both AGDAS and AGDAP were not associated with any semen parameters. In the non-parametric correlation analysis, AGDAP were correlated with sperm progressive motility and reproductive hormones of E2, testosterone, SHBG and the testosterone/LH ratio. However, body mass index (BMI) also significantly correlated with serum testosterone ( ITALIC! r = -0.216, ITALIC! P = <0.0001) and SHBG ( ITALIC! r = -0.229, ITALIC! P = <0.001). In the multiple regression models, AGDAP was negatively associated with the serum E2 level (95% CI, -0.198 to -0.043; ITALIC! P = 0.002) and positively associated with the ratio of T/E2 (95% CI, 0.004-0.011; ITALIC! P = 0.001) after an adjustment for BMI and other confounders. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Using only a single semen sample to predict male reproductive function over a longer period is a potential limitation of the present study. The other limitation is the cross-sectional nature of the study design. Longitudinal data from an extended follow-up on a large cohort would be more definitive. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results do not support previous studies where AGD is associated with male semen quality. The utility of AGD in predicting reproductive outcomes in adult males should thus be considered prudently. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by the Key Program of Natural Science Funding of China (no. 81130051), Young Scientist Program of NSFC (no. 81502788) and the National Scientific and Technological Support Program of China (no. 2013BAI12B02). None of authors had any competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niya Zhou
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Lei Sun
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Hao Yang
- Chongqing Institute of Science and Technology for Population and Family Planning, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Lu Tan
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Hongqiang Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Guowei Zhang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xi Ling
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Linping Huang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Peng Zou
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Kaige Peng
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Taixiu Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Zhihong Cui
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
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29
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Desaulniers A, Lamberson W, Safranski T. Prenatal heat stress reduces male anogenital distance at birth and adult testis size, which are rescued by concurrent maternal Artemisia absinthium consumption. J Therm Biol 2016; 57:84-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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