Abstract

REPRODUCTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY STUDIES: MECHANISMS & EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS

Kavitha CH. N.*, Sai Nithish N., Lakshmi Iswarya T. and Pratyusha R.

ABSTRACT

Reproductive toxicity is defined as adverse effects of a chemical substance or exposure to environmental agents, toxins or xenobiotics on sexual function and fertility in adult males and females, as well as developmental toxicity in the offspring. Developmental toxicity pertains to adverse toxic effects to the developing embryo or fetus, with conventional drug therapy especially anticancer drugs and also with exposure to certain environmental toxic compounds have been characterized as potentially damaging for human reproductive functions These compounds have been associated with infertility, decrease of libido, sexual impotence, fetal loss, preterm delivery, low birth weight, Skeletal anomalies and congenital malformations The sensitivity of reproductive and developmental outcomes to toxic substances causes significant public concern. Unfortunately, at present, there is a large discrepancy between the number of chemicals in commerce and the number that have been evaluated for reproductive toxicity. Exposure to environmental toxic compounds might have detrimental consequences for fertility, pregnancy and development of the offspring. The present review aims to provide an overview on mechanisms and assessment of reproductive and developmental toxicity in animals exposed to anticancer drugs or environmental toxic compounds.

Keywords: Reproductive toxicity, Developmental toxicity, environmental toxins, anticancer drugs, Fertility, offspring parameters, Experimental models.