Establishing the Mechanisms Involved in the Environmental Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Risk of Male Infertility.

Abstract

Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as plasticizers, alkylphenol compounds, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), has increased due to environmental contamination. PCBs, categorized as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), are lipophilic chemicals commonly used in lubricants, cutting oils, and electrical insulators. PCBs may have detrimental effects on hormone-producing glands, potentially contributing to male infertility. Thus, the objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the adverse effects of PCBs on the male reproductive system. Searches of three electronic databases were performed using MESH terms and 32 studies were included. Although the exact mechanism of action for PCBs remains unclear, several PCBs are regarded as potential endocrine disruptors due to their ability to interact with hormone signaling pathways. PCBs have been found to disrupt physiological functions by mimicking endogenous hormones as agonists or antagonists, altering patterns of hormone synthesis, hormone receptor affinities or numbers, and modulating enzymes involved in hormone secretion. These reports highlight the pleiotropic nature of PCB function and the susceptibility of the reproductive system. Endocrine-disrupting PCBs can mimic, alter, or block hormonal responses, inhibiting natural signaling to the testes and epididymis via various mechanisms such as binding to sex hormone-binding globulin and androgen-binding protein or blocking cell surface receptors. Furthermore, PCBs can alter the hormonal environment in the prostate or seminal vesicles by changing the affinity of androgens for their receptors. The testicles and genital organs may be susceptible to various estrogenic effects, leading to changes in the quality or quantity of their secretions and the volume of semen.