The influence of xenobiotics and environmental selection upon carcinogenic changes in human male reproductive system

This review is a compilation of the recent reports on a role of environmental factors on a cancer development in male reproductive system. We have analyzed studies of environmental pollution and disorders of mechanisms responsible for defense against impact of xenobiotics upon the prostate cancer and testicular cancer occurrence. Moreover, we have focused on the polymorphisms of selected genes, which in excessive exposure to environmental stress factors might exacerbate disorders of an organism defense against impact of xenobiotics. It is well known that environmental factors such as toxic heavy metals pollution, impact of xenobiotics or environmental stress have an influence on the human reproductive system. There were many studies suggesting an association between these factors and the prostate or testicular cancer development, but still there are no unambiguous conclusive results. Studies of specific changes in markers, which occur in response to various environmental stressors are also very interesting. They focus on the influence of chemical elements (Cd, Zn, Ca) destabilization and heavy metals pollution over an organism and the environment. Antioxidant enzymatic mechanisms in conditions of anthropogenic impact and the influence of polymorphisms in genes involved in genetic material damage repair under stress conditions have also been studied. The aim of this review was to combine essential important data suggesting possible role of environmental factors in the initiation and development of carcinogenic processes in male reproductive system based on prostate cancer and testicular cancer cases. On this basis the current needs and research directions could be delineated.