| Popis: |
The endocrine system is one of the most important regulatory systems in human and animal bodies and almost all physiological processes are regulated by it. Human and animal reproduction are largely regulated by different hormones and their proper and well regulated functions are essential for successful production of the gametes, fertilization and related processes, development of the embryo and fetus, initiation of puberty and production of the offspring. Estrogens have generally been considered as primarily female hormones. However, there is increasing evidence of their important impact on male reproductive functions. This was well documented by production of estrogen receptor knock-out male mice, which are infertile. Estrogens and estrogen receptors are also very frequent targets of endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruptors are natural or artificial compounds that, at certain doses, can interfere with the endocrine functions in human and wildlife. This interference can include specific binding to the hormonal receptor, influencing the production, elimination and transport of the natural hormones and also not well documented mechanisms including epigenetic regulations. In the presented work, our aim was to evaluate the effects of natural estrogens and endocrine disruptors on male reproductive... |
