Steroid Hormone Receptors and Male Reproductive Health: From Functional Role(S) To Endocrine Disruption

Abstract

The deterioration of male fertility during the last decade is of prime concern. One of the possible reasons could be environmental pollutants with endocrine-disrupting properties. These chemicals can able to mimic, block or interact with endogenous hormones and their cognate receptors; they can interfere with endocrine mediated reproductive functions. However, the mechanisms are unknown. Steroid hormones such as androgens, estrogens and glucocorticoids play a crucial role in the regulation of male fertility and they exert their genomic actions via steroid hormone receptors. In order to gain possible insights into the mechanism of action of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on male reproductive health, we summarize the current understanding of the effects of EDCs that interfere with steroid hormone receptors in mammals. The knowledge gained could be helpful to develop strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of environmental pollutants on male reproductive health.