Abstract
Reproductive toxicity has been a topic of increasing interest and concern in recent years, generating controversy in association with danger to humans and other living things. A veritable host of chemicals is known to be involved, encompassing a wide variety of classes, both organic and inorganic. Exposure is pervasive and virtually unavoidable due to contamination of air, water, ground, food, beverages, drugs, and household items. The corresponding adverse effects on reproduction are numerous. There is uncertainty regarding mode of action although various theories have been advanced, e.g., disruption of the CNS, DNA attack, enzyme inhibition, interference with hormonal action, and insult to membranes and proteins. This review provides extensive evidence for involvement of oxidative stress (OS) and electron transfer (ET) as a unifying theme. Successful application is made to all of the main classes of toxins, in addition to large numbers of miscellaneous types. We believe it is not coincidental that the vast majority of these substances incorporate ET functionalities (quinone, metal complex, ArNO 2 , or conjugated iminium) either per se or in metabolites, potentially giving rise to reactive oxygen species (ROS) by redox cycling. Some categories, e.g., peroxides and radiation, appear to generate ROS by non-ET routes. For completeness, other theories are also addressed; a multifaceted approach appears to be the most logical. Our framework should increase understanding and contribute to preventative measures, such as use of antioxidants (AOs). The ET-OS theory has recently been used as the central theme by us in reviews of biomechanisms involved with anti-infective drugs, anticancer agents, and carcinogens (see text).
Keywords: Reproductive Toxins, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants (AOs)., RADIATION, METALS, PESTICIDES, Organophosphates, Pyrethroids, Fungicides, Pentachlorophenol
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title: Reproductive Toxins Pervasive Theme of Oxidative Stress and Electron Transfer
Volume: 8 Issue: 7
Author(s): Peter Kovacic and Jason D. Jacintho
Affiliation:
Keywords: Reproductive Toxins, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants (AOs)., RADIATION, METALS, PESTICIDES, Organophosphates, Pyrethroids, Fungicides, Pentachlorophenol
Abstract: Reproductive toxicity has been a topic of increasing interest and concern in recent years, generating controversy in association with danger to humans and other living things. A veritable host of chemicals is known to be involved, encompassing a wide variety of classes, both organic and inorganic. Exposure is pervasive and virtually unavoidable due to contamination of air, water, ground, food, beverages, drugs, and household items. The corresponding adverse effects on reproduction are numerous. There is uncertainty regarding mode of action although various theories have been advanced, e.g., disruption of the CNS, DNA attack, enzyme inhibition, interference with hormonal action, and insult to membranes and proteins. This review provides extensive evidence for involvement of oxidative stress (OS) and electron transfer (ET) as a unifying theme. Successful application is made to all of the main classes of toxins, in addition to large numbers of miscellaneous types. We believe it is not coincidental that the vast majority of these substances incorporate ET functionalities (quinone, metal complex, ArNO 2 , or conjugated iminium) either per se or in metabolites, potentially giving rise to reactive oxygen species (ROS) by redox cycling. Some categories, e.g., peroxides and radiation, appear to generate ROS by non-ET routes. For completeness, other theories are also addressed; a multifaceted approach appears to be the most logical. Our framework should increase understanding and contribute to preventative measures, such as use of antioxidants (AOs). The ET-OS theory has recently been used as the central theme by us in reviews of biomechanisms involved with anti-infective drugs, anticancer agents, and carcinogens (see text).
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Kovacic Peter and Jacintho D. Jason, Reproductive Toxins Pervasive Theme of Oxidative Stress and Electron Transfer, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2001; 8 (7) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867013372878
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867013372878 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |

- Author Guidelines
- Bentham Author Support Services (BASS)
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements