[Effects of endocrine disrupting compounds on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive health a review]

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal [HPG] axis controls reproductive function. The hypothalamus secretes GnRH that is transported to the anterior pituitary gland to stimulate the release of the gonadotrophic hormones. Which act on the gonads to stimulate sexual maturation, gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. Although GnRH neurons are a key component of the HPG axis, other neurotransmitters or neuropeptides in the hypothalamus, such as glutamate, GABA, galanin, dopamine and kisspeptin have been suggested to be involved in the regulation of GnRH secretion. In addition to GnRH neurons, pituitary and gonads, some of these neuronal populations such kisspeptin are extremely sensitive to changes in the levels of steroid hormones and endocrine disrupting compounds [EDCs]. Several EDCs, such as pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, tamoxifen, phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens can interact with the female and male reproductive system function and lead to disruption of endocrine function. Reproductive system development and function may be susceptible to the effects of such EDCs. By far, the greatest concerns for the potential adverse effects of EDCs have focused on their deleterious impact on reproductive health. It has been demonstrated under laboratory conditions and epidemiological studies that EDCs can exert detrimental effects especially during hormonal critical periods such as fetal and neonatal periods on the reproductive system. This article reviews some evidence that EDCs can impair the HPG axis and reproductive function