Delayed effects of environmental pollutants and other agents on reproductive health and sexuality: a pending challenge of reproductive toxicology for future generations health

Abstract

Perinatal exposure to various environmental pollutants and other chemical agents irreversibly affects the differentiation and programming of various cell-types. This process quantitatively and qualitatively alters their hormone receptors through the mechanism of imprinting, affecting their function and determining the development of various pathologies later in life. The present report describes the most conspicuous agents acting through this mechanism, affecting for life reproductive health and sexuality. The study in detail of this mechanism, the identification of imprinting-inducing agents and the development of legislative and administrative measures to minimize damage constitute a pending challenge to improve future generations reproductive health.