Endocrine disruptor chemicals, adipokines and reproductive functions

Abstract

The prevalence of adult obesity has risen markedly in recent decades. The endocrine system precisely regulates energy balance, fat abundance and fat deposition. Interestingly, white adipose tissue is an endocrine gland producing adipokines, which regulate whole-body physiology, including energy balance and reproduction. Endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) include natural substances or chemicals that affect the endocrine system by multiple mechanisms and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes. Numerous studies have associated exposure to EDCs with obesity, classifying them as obesogens by their ability to activate different mechanisms, including the differentiation of adipocytes, increasing the storage of triglycerides, or elevating the number of adipocytes. Moreover, in recent years, not only industrial deception and obesity have intensified but also the problem of human infertility. Reproductive functions depend on hormone interactions, the balance of which may be disrupted by various EDCs or obesity. This review gives a brief summary of common EDCs linked with obesity, the mechanisms of their action, and the effect on adipokine levels, reproduction and connected disorders, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, decrease in sperm motility, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction in females and decrease of sperm motility in males.

Keywords: Adipokine; Endocrine disruptor chemicals; Obesity; Ovary; Placenta; Testis.