Environmental Toxicant Exposure and Its Effects on Gametogenesis, Steroidogenesis, and Human Reproductive Potential

Abstract

Background: Environmental pollution by endocrine-disrupting chemicals poses a major threat to reproductive health. These compounds interfere with germ cell maturation and steroidogenesis, contributing to infertility.

Methods: Patients of reproductive age with unexplained infertility and impaired spermatogenesis or reduced ovarian reserve were compared with healthy fertile controls. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was used to quantify toxicants in serum, follicular fluid, and seminal plasma. Semen analysis included sperm DNA fragmentation, while transvaginal ultrasound assessed antral follicle count. Sex hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH, AMH) were measured via ELISA.

Results: Elevated bisphenol A and phthalate concentrations correlated with reduced sperm count, motility, and morphology, alongside increased DNA fragmentation. In women, toxicant exposure was linked to suppressed folliculogenesis, reduced anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and luteal phase dysfunction due to inhibition of steroidogenic enzymes (CYP11A1, CYP19A1).

Conclusion: Anthropogenic ecotoxicants act as potent risk factors for reproductive dysfunction through cytotoxic and endocrine-disrupting mechanisms. These findings highlight the need for environmental monitoring criteria and clinical protocols incorporating detoxification and antioxidant support in infertility management.