A Modes of action of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, bisphenol A and vinclozolin on endocrine regulation of reproduction in male goldfish

Increasing global rates of male infertility has been suggested to be associated with exposure to environmental contaminants. The aquatic ecosystem is the final repository of the natural and man-made contaminants. As reproductive system is highly conserved in vertebrates, studies on environmental contaminants-related reproductive disorders in fish provide us with valuable information to understand the consequences of the contaminants on fertility and to establish novel sensitive biomarkers in environmental risk assessment. In the present study, the effects of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), bisphenol A (BPA), and vinclozolin (VZ) on reproductive system of goldfish were investigated. DEHP, BPA and VZ are capable of reducing sperm production, motility and velocity. Their adverse effects on sperm quality were associated with alternations in hormonal functions of hypothalamus-pituitary-testis that regulate of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. The findings provide a comparative understanding of the mechanisms mediating DEHP, BPA and VZ effects on endocrine regulation of reproduction of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation..

Keywords:

Environmental contaminants , Endocrine disruption , Sperm quality , Vitellogenin