Effects of Bisphenol A and Diethylstilbestrol on Estrogen Receptor Expression and Male Fertility

Abstract

Infertility is defined as a couple’s inability to conceive after one year of unpro-­ tected intercourse. Male reproductive pathologies are the predominate cause of at least 20% of cases of infertility; making male infertility is an important issue in overall population health. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can impair spermatogenesis by creating hormonal imbalances and morphological changes. DES and BPA are both exogenous estrogens, also known as xenoestrogens. Estrogen has an important role in fertility of males as well as females: it has a role in the overall endocrine balance required to allow spermatogenesis. Effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis may be monitored by assessing for upregulation of estrogen receptors α and -B (ERα and ERβ), as well as the novel estrogen receptor g-protein coupled receptor 30 (GPR30). Controversy surrounds the mechanisms endocrine disruption associated with these chemicals, and whether the negative effects on fertility are relevant at low doses, or only at high doses which are systemically toxic. Analysis of literature associated with this ongoing research will enrich our understanding of the molecular bases for impairment of spermatogenesis and male fertility associated with exposure to EDCs, specifically DES and BPA. Once completed, this study will contribute to knowledge in the fields of population health, environmental health, and molecular genetics. With a more thorough understanding of the impact of EDCs on fertility, it is hoped that governments will further prevent exposure by better regulating the use of compounds such as DES and BPA.