BioOne.org will be down briefly for maintenance on 17 December 2024 between 18:00-22:00 Pacific Time US. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to translate text using browser tools
2 February 2021 Effects of the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin in male reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mariana Feijó, Roberta V.L. Martins, Sílvia Socorro, Luísa Pereira, Sara Correia
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals have become an issue of scientific and public discussion. Vinclozolin (VNZ) is a fungicide that competitively antagonizes the binding of natural androgens to their receptor, disturbing the function of tissues that are sensitive to these hormones, as is the case of the male reproductive organs. A systematic review with meta-analyses of rodent studies was conducted to answer the following question: Does exposure to VNZ affect sperm parameters and testicular/epididymal weight? The methodology was prespecified according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and PRISMA recommendations. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 1189 animals. The risk of publication bias was assessed using the Trim and Fill adjustment, funnel plot, and Egger regression test. Heterogeneity and inconsistency across the findings were tested using the Q-statistic and I2 of Higgins, respectively. Sensitivity was also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed on Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2.0), using random models and weighted mean differences along with a 95% confidence interval. Sperm motility, counts, daily sperm production (evidence of publication bias), and epididymis weight were decreased in VNZ-treated animals. Exposure length and dose, as well as the time point of exposure, influenced the obtained results. Despite the moderate/high heterogeneity observed, the sensitivity analysis overall demonstrated the robustness of the findings. The quality scores of the included studies were superior to 4 in a total of 9, then classified as good. The obtained data corroborate the capability of VNZ exposure to disrupt spermatogenic output and compromise male fertility.

Summary sentence

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to understand how the exposure to VNZ affects fertility-related outcomes such as sperm quality parameters and testicular/epididymal weight.

Graphical Abstract

img-Axn_962.jpg
© The Author(s) 2021. The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Society for the Study of Reproduction. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com
Mariana Feijó, Roberta V.L. Martins, Sílvia Socorro, Luísa Pereira, and Sara Correia "Effects of the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin in male reproduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis," Biology of Reproduction 104(5), 962-975, (2 February 2021). https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioab018
Received: 23 November 2020; Accepted: 29 January 2021; Published: 2 February 2021
KEYWORDS
epididymis
male reproduction
sperm parameters
testis
vinclozolin
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top