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Fetal study highlights impact of stress on male fertility
October 22, 2009Exposure to a combination of excess stress hormones and chemicals while in the womb could affect a man's fertility in later life, a study suggests.
Researchers looked at the effect of stress hormones - glucocorticoids - combined with a common chemical used in glues, paints and plastics. They found that the combination strikingly increased the likelihood of reproductive birth defects.
These include cryptorchidism, when the testes fail to drop, and hypospadias, when the urinary tract is wrongly aligned. The conditions are the most common birth defects in male babies.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Medical Research Council believe the findings could help explain why rates of babies born with these problems are increasing.
Dr Mandy Drake, at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Cardiovascular Science, said: "What the study shows is that it is not simply a case of one factor in isolation contributing to abnormalities in male development but a combination of both lifestyle and environmental factors, which together have a greater impact.
"In most studies reproductive disorders are only seen after abnormally high levels of exposure to chemicals, which most humans are not exposed to. Our study suggests that additional exposure to stress, which is a part of everyday life, may increase the risk of these disorders and could mean that lower levels of chemicals are required to cause adverse affects."
The study looked at male fetal development in rats. It found that while exposure to the chemical compound dibutyl phthalate - present in products including glues, paints and plastics - had some effects on reproductive development, this was significantly increased with simultaneous exposure to stress hormones.
The stress hormones had no effect on male fetal development on their own, although raised levels led to lower birth weights.
The study, published in the journal Endocrinology, was carried out in collaboration with the Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit based at the University of Edinburgh. It follows studies which found that between eight and 12 weeks into pregnancy is a crucial period for male reproductive development.
During this timeframe, testosterone is produced which affects development of male reproductive organs and fertility in later life.
University of Edinburgh
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Medical Research Council believe the findings could help explain why rates of babies born with these problems are increasing.
Dr Mandy Drake, at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Cardiovascular Science, said: "What the study shows is that it is not simply a case of one factor in isolation contributing to abnormalities in male development but a combination of both lifestyle and environmental factors, which together have a greater impact.
"In most studies reproductive disorders are only seen after abnormally high levels of exposure to chemicals, which most humans are not exposed to. Our study suggests that additional exposure to stress, which is a part of everyday life, may increase the risk of these disorders and could mean that lower levels of chemicals are required to cause adverse affects."
The study looked at male fetal development in rats. It found that while exposure to the chemical compound dibutyl phthalate - present in products including glues, paints and plastics - had some effects on reproductive development, this was significantly increased with simultaneous exposure to stress hormones.
The stress hormones had no effect on male fetal development on their own, although raised levels led to lower birth weights.
The study, published in the journal Endocrinology, was carried out in collaboration with the Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit based at the University of Edinburgh. It follows studies which found that between eight and 12 weeks into pregnancy is a crucial period for male reproductive development.
During this timeframe, testosterone is produced which affects development of male reproductive organs and fertility in later life.
University of Edinburgh
Male Fertility Current Events and Male Fertility News RSSPossible Genetic Factor for Male Infertility Identified
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine researchers have discovered a gene involved with the production of sperm that may contribute to male infertility and lead to new approaches to male contraception.
Sex talk revelations of the lonely Y chromosome
In the week that the University of Leicester celebrates the 25th anniversary of the discovery of DNA fingerprinting new findings from the world-renowned University of Leicester Department of Genetics reveal for the first time that the male and female do truly communicate -at least at the fundamental genetic level.
Unlocking the key to human fertility
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Chromosomal problems affect nearly all human embryos
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Newborn weights affected by environmental contaminants
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Just Living With Females Extends the Reproductive Life of the Male Mouse, Says Penn Veterinary Researcher
Living with a female mouse can extend the reproductive life of a male mouse by as much as 20 percent, according to a study conducted by Ralph Brinster and a team of other researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
Study links water pollution with declining male fertility
New research strengthens the link between water pollution and rising male fertility problems. The study, by Brunel University, the Universities of Exeter and Reading and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, shows for the first time how a group of testosterone-blocking chemicals is finding its way into UK rivers, affecting wildlife and potentially humans.
Diabetes linked to male infertility; excess sugars in the body have direct effect on sperm quality
Diabetes in men has a direct effect on fertility, a scientist told the 24th annual conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology today.
Study looks at mitochondrial variation in sperm traits and sperm competitive ability
University of Nevada, Reno researchers Jeanne and David Zeh of the Department of Biology have received a five-year, $650,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the effects of natural mitochondrial variation on sperm traits and sperm competitive ability.
Discovery of new protein could provide new understanding of male fertility
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme involved in the degradation of proteins inside cells, a process that helps eliminate or recycle proteins that are no longer needed.
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