Prof. Ana Catarina Sousa’s paper published in Encyclopedia MDPI

After the paper about The Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Male Fertility: Focus on the Action of Obesogens was published, the authors, including Ana Catarina Sousa (Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Évora and CHRC researcher), received an invitation to make their study available in the Encyclopedia MDPI.

Prof. Ana explained to us what this study is about and about the possible outcomes.

“In the last decades, male fertility has decreased significantly. Recent evidences suggest that this decreasing trend is associated with the permanent exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and in particular obesogens. These compounds interfere with hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism and are associated with weight gain. This review describes and discusses the suggested molecular targets and potential mechanisms for obesogenic–disrupting chemicals and the subsequent effects on male reproductive health. It starts with an historical overview of EDCs followed by a detailed description of basic and clinical studies on obesogens as EDCs and the threat they represent to male fertility. A brief description on the sources and exposure pathways to obesogens is provided and their effects on Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and germ cells are described and the putative molecular mechanisms are discussed. Given the widespread exposure to these chemicals, reducing exposure may constitute an important strategy to prevent diseases induced by EDCs and preserve male fertility”

Have access to the full study here: https://encyclopedia.pub/20789