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Purpose of Review <p>Endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect nearly every human on the planet and are known to interfere with reproduction. Most studies have focused on gestational exposure effects in females. Emerging evidence indicates that preconception exposures in males can also impact pregnancy outcomes and offspring health. This review describes how several major endocrine disruptors impair key male fertility endpoints and their subsequent effects on downstream processes, including fertilization and the health of the next generation(s).</p> Recent Findings <p>Endocrine disrupting chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, bisphenols, phthalates, and parabens can have widespread effects on male fertility by interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and through direct effects on the male reproductive system. These effects include impaired semen quality (sperm count, morphology, motility), changes in the spermatogenic process, mitochondrial disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, skewed energy metabolism, germ cell apoptosis, and changes in the sperm epigenome (DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNAs). Studies continue to demonstrate that paternal endocrine disruptor exposure impacts the next generation and in some cases beyond, with studies in animal models showing disruption of fertility in the F1 and F2 generations, and studies of occupational exposures in humans showing increased risks of low birth weight and congenital heart disease for children born to exposed fathers.</p> Summary <p>The hypothesis that preconception paternal exposures are consequential to future generations has slowly been gaining traction, but more research is needed to better understand the intergenerational and transgenerational health consequences of endocrine disruptor exposures, the underlying mechanisms, and, given the growing ubiquity of these chemicals in our food and environment, to develop and implement strategies for mitigation of these effects. </p>

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Endocrine Disruption and Male Fertility

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月3日

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  • Gurugowtham Ulaganathan,
  • Susan K. Murphy

摘要

Purpose of Review

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect nearly every human on the planet and are known to interfere with reproduction. Most studies have focused on gestational exposure effects in females. Emerging evidence indicates that preconception exposures in males can also impact pregnancy outcomes and offspring health. This review describes how several major endocrine disruptors impair key male fertility endpoints and their subsequent effects on downstream processes, including fertilization and the health of the next generation(s).

Recent Findings

Endocrine disrupting chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, bisphenols, phthalates, and parabens can have widespread effects on male fertility by interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and through direct effects on the male reproductive system. These effects include impaired semen quality (sperm count, morphology, motility), changes in the spermatogenic process, mitochondrial disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, skewed energy metabolism, germ cell apoptosis, and changes in the sperm epigenome (DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNAs). Studies continue to demonstrate that paternal endocrine disruptor exposure impacts the next generation and in some cases beyond, with studies in animal models showing disruption of fertility in the F1 and F2 generations, and studies of occupational exposures in humans showing increased risks of low birth weight and congenital heart disease for children born to exposed fathers.

Summary

The hypothesis that preconception paternal exposures are consequential to future generations has slowly been gaining traction, but more research is needed to better understand the intergenerational and transgenerational health consequences of endocrine disruptor exposures, the underlying mechanisms, and, given the growing ubiquity of these chemicals in our food and environment, to develop and implement strategies for mitigation of these effects.