During the past few decades, scientific evidence has been accumulated concerning the possible adverse effects of the exposure to environmental chemicals on the well-being of wildlife and human populations. One large a...During the past few decades, scientific evidence has been accumulated concerning the possible adverse effects of the exposure to environmental chemicals on the well-being of wildlife and human populations. One large and growing group of such compounds of anthropogenic or natural origin is referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals （EDCs）, due to their deleterious action on the endocrine system. This concern was first focused on the control of reproductive function particularly in males, but has later been expanded to include all possible endocrine functions. The present review describes the underlying physiology behind the cascade of developmental events that occur during sexual differentiation of males and the specific role of androgen in the masculinization process and proper organogenesis of the external male genitalia. The impact of the genetic background, environmental exposures and lifestyle factors in the etiology of hypospadias, cryptorchidism and testicular cancer are reviewed and the possible role of EDCs in the development of these reproductive disorders is discussed critically. Finally, the possible direct and programming effects of exposures in utero to widely use therapeutic compounds, environmental estrogens and other chemicals on the incidence of reproductive abnormalities and poor semen quality in humans are also highlighted.展开更多
The NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is a key regulator of the host’s immune response,and many immune and metabolic disorders are linked to its activation.This review aimed to investigate and clarify th...The NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is a key regulator of the host’s immune response,and many immune and metabolic disorders are linked to its activation.This review aimed to investigate and clarify the relationship between this inflammasome and high-risk reproductive disorders.Papers cited here were retrieved from PubMed up to August 2020 using the keywords"NLRP3"or"NALP3","caspase-1","endometriosis","gestational diabetes","interleukin(IL)-18","IL-1β","pre-eclampsia(PE)","preterm birth","polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS)","recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA)",and combinations of these terms.The results show that NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with various high-risk reproductive disorders and many inflammatory factors are secreted during its activation,such as IL-1βinduced during the development of endometriosis.PCOS is also associated with activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome,especially in overweight patients.It also participates in the pathogenesis of RSA and is activated in fetal membranes before preterm birth.The placentas of pregnant women with PE show higher expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome,and gestational diabetes mellitus occurs simultaneously with its activation.Current evidence suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in female reproductive disorders.New treatment and management methods targeting it might help reduce the incidence of such disorders and improve neonatal outcomes.展开更多
文摘During the past few decades, scientific evidence has been accumulated concerning the possible adverse effects of the exposure to environmental chemicals on the well-being of wildlife and human populations. One large and growing group of such compounds of anthropogenic or natural origin is referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals （EDCs）, due to their deleterious action on the endocrine system. This concern was first focused on the control of reproductive function particularly in males, but has later been expanded to include all possible endocrine functions. The present review describes the underlying physiology behind the cascade of developmental events that occur during sexual differentiation of males and the specific role of androgen in the masculinization process and proper organogenesis of the external male genitalia. The impact of the genetic background, environmental exposures and lifestyle factors in the etiology of hypospadias, cryptorchidism and testicular cancer are reviewed and the possible role of EDCs in the development of these reproductive disorders is discussed critically. Finally, the possible direct and programming effects of exposures in utero to widely use therapeutic compounds, environmental estrogens and other chemicals on the incidence of reproductive abnormalities and poor semen quality in humans are also highlighted.
基金supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2018YFC1004800)The Medical and Health Program in Zhejiang Province(No.2019KY411)。
文摘The NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome is a key regulator of the host’s immune response,and many immune and metabolic disorders are linked to its activation.This review aimed to investigate and clarify the relationship between this inflammasome and high-risk reproductive disorders.Papers cited here were retrieved from PubMed up to August 2020 using the keywords"NLRP3"or"NALP3","caspase-1","endometriosis","gestational diabetes","interleukin(IL)-18","IL-1β","pre-eclampsia(PE)","preterm birth","polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS)","recurrent spontaneous abortion(RSA)",and combinations of these terms.The results show that NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with various high-risk reproductive disorders and many inflammatory factors are secreted during its activation,such as IL-1βinduced during the development of endometriosis.PCOS is also associated with activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome,especially in overweight patients.It also participates in the pathogenesis of RSA and is activated in fetal membranes before preterm birth.The placentas of pregnant women with PE show higher expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome,and gestational diabetes mellitus occurs simultaneously with its activation.Current evidence suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in female reproductive disorders.New treatment and management methods targeting it might help reduce the incidence of such disorders and improve neonatal outcomes.
