Testicular dysgenesis syndrome and Leydig cell function.
Fertility among human beings appear to be on the decline in many Western countries, and part of the explanation may be decreasing male fecundity. A hypothesis has been put forward that decreasing semen quality may be associated with a testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), a spectrum of disorders originating in early foetal life. TDS comprises various aspects of impaired gonadal development and function, including testicular cancer. A growing body of evidence, including animal models and research in human beings, points to lifestyle factors and endocrine disrupters as risk factors for TDS. We present our view of the emerging role of Leydig cell dysfunction with subsequent decreased testosterone levels in the pathogenesis of TDS.
Joensen
Ulla Nordström
UN
University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen, Denmark. ulla.nordstroem.joensen@rh.regionh.dk
Jørgensen
Niels
N
Rajpert-De Meyts
Ewa
E
Skakkebaek
Niels Erik
NE
D000818:Animals; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity; D006059:Gonadal Dysgenesis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D013739:Testosterone