New thoughts on emerging and classical contributors to male reproductive toxicology

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating the decline of male reproductive health, supported by reports of increasing rates of human testicular cancer, cryptorchidism and hypospadias. Recently, a large meta-analysis concluded that global sperm count has declined significantly since the 1970s. These trends have occurred over a period of only decades, suggesting that environmental factors are likely contributors. In addition to temporal trends, it is clear that there are geographical differences in human male reproductive health.
Sperm count and testicular cancer rates are inversely correlated in some analyses, and regional differences in sperm count appear to be driven in part by differences in occupation or economic activity, such as the density of agriculture. After several decades of studying the effects of environmental endocrine disruption in humans, domestic animals and wildlife, new information continues to emerge. Moreover, recent trends in the literature have highlighted the risk of previously underappreciated threats to male reproductive development and function, such as analgesic drugs.

The goal of this special issue is to provide a broad overview on current and emerging threats to male reproduction and potential strategies to mitigate risk. We are seeking contributions to a collection of articles that will cover the toxicology of the male reproductive system, from its ultimate target, the testis, including effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, to tissues essential for sperm maturation, function, and transport, such the efferent ducts, epididymis, and accessory glands. We welcome submissions on currently relevant toxicants ranging from environmental hazards to pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse, including reports on mammalian and non-mammalian species.

Submission type may include original research reports (including brief reports), reviews (including systematic and mini reviews), methods, editorials, opinions, and perspectives.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: male reproductive system, endocrine disrupting chemicals, pharmaceuticals, Male reproductive disorders, Environmental hazards, Development, drugs of abuse, sperm maturation, Steroidogenesis, Spermatogenesis, mixtures

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.