title: Human testicular insulin-like factor 3 and endocrine disrupters.
abstract: The hormone insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is produced by testicular Leydig cells. Production of INSL3 is dependent on the state of Leydig cell differentiation and is stimulated by the long-term trophic effects of luteinizing hormone. INSL3 is, along with the other major Leydig cell hormone testosterone, essential for testicular descent, which in humans should be completed before birth. The incidence of cryptorchidism (incomplete descent of the testis) may have increased in some developed countries during recent decades. Experimental studies have shown that maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates, can result in cryptorchidism among male offspring and that INSL3 production, like steroidogenesis, is susceptible to phthalate exposure. Inhibition of these hormones may occur via a general phthalate-induced impairment of Leydig cell development and maturation. Recent studies have also addressed the sensitivity of human Leydig cells to EDCs, though with varied conclusions.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: katrine.bay@regionh.dk.
authors.forename: Katrine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bay
authors.affiliation: Division of Animal Science, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: Ravinder
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Anand-Ivell
mesh_terms: D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000633:toxicity; D000818:Animals; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D011506:Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D007328:Insulin; C084797:Leydig insulin-like protein; D011506:Proteins; C472867:RXFP2 protein, human; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
keywords: Cryptorchidism; Insulin-like factor 3; Leydig cells; Phthalates; Species differences; Testicular descent; Testosterone