title: Reproductive performance: at the cross-road of genetics, technologies and environment.
abstract: Sexual reproduction depends on a negotiation between the sexes at the level of the cells (gametes), tissue (trophectoderm of the blastocyst and endometrium in the uterus) and organisms (to allow sexual intercourse). This review evaluates new questions linked to sexual reproduction in the biosphere in the context of the 21st century, in light of current knowledge in genetics and epigenetics. It presents the challenge of 'forcing reproductive efficiency' using ineffective gametes, or despite other fertility problems, through medically assisted reproduction and presents the reproductive challenge of high production farm animals, which are in a situation of chronically negative energy balance. It also analyses the situation created by the release of endocrine disruptors into the environment and discusses the possible transgenerational consequences of environmental modifications linked to these compounds.
authors.affiliation: Institut Cochin, U1016 INSERM, UMR8104 CNRS, 24, rue du Faubourg St Jacques, 75014, Paris, France. Email:
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vaiman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000502:physiology*; D005298:Fertility / Q000235:genetics*; D005718:Gametogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D056084:Genetic Fitness / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000662:veterinary*; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D052244:Endocrine Disruptors