Increasing incidence of human male reproductive health disorders in relation to environmental effects on growth- and sex steroid-induced alterations in programmed development.

Objective

Using standardised methods, we will established incidence rates for urogenital malformations in male infants in EU countries, and differences in sperm counts among countries and age cohorts. We will search for causes of reproductive disorders, with emphasis on environmental exposures of mothers. To underpin these clinical studies, experiments in rats will establish how alterations to the sex steroid environment of the fetus/neonate affect expression of programming genes involved in reproductive tract and digit development. Studies will also establish whether these parameters and sex steroid levels are affect by exposure to putative endocrine disruptors (emphasis on meat hormones, e.g. zearalanol ) , or by intrauterine growth retadation (risk factor for male reproductive abnormalities) . A database will be created for future monitoring purposes. The project will evaluate tests to enable detection of altered fetal sex steroid exposure.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-4. - Key action Environment and Health

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

COPENHAGEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Address

Blegdamsvej 9
2100 Koepenhagen
Denmark

Participants (11)

ASSISTANCE PUBLIQUE - HOPITAUX DE PARIS

France

Address

Avenue Victoria 3
75004 Paris

FAMILY AND SEXUAL HEALTH PROBLEMS CENTER

Latvia

Address

Rupniecibas, 19 B
1010 Riga

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE

France

Address

Rue De Tolbiac, 101
75654 Paris

KAUNAS MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Lithuania

Address

Eiveniu 2
3007 Kaunas

Medical Research Council (MRC)

United Kingdom

Address

20 Park Crescent
W1N 4AL London

ST MARIANNA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDECINE

Japan

Address

Sugao 2-16-1, Miyamae
210 85 Kawasaki

TARTU UNIVERSITY CLINICS

Estonia

Address

L. Puusepa 1A
50406 Tartu

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

United Kingdom

Address

Trinity Lane, The Old Schools,
CB2 1TN Cambridge

UNIVERSIDAD DE GRANADA

Spain

Address

Calle Cuesta Del Hospicio S/n, Hospital Real
18071 Granada

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - COLUMBIA

United States

Address

65212 Columbia

UNIVERSITY OF TURKU

Finland

Address

Kiinamyllynkatu 13
20014 Turku