Pubertal exposure to low doses of zearalenone disrupting spermatogenesis through ERα related genetic and epigenetic pathways

Endocrine disruptor zearalenone (ZEA) has been found to damage the reproductive system especially spermatogenesis. In our previous report, we have found that low dose (lower than No-Observed Effect Level, NOEL) ZEA exposure disturbed mouse spermatogenesis and diminished mouse semen quality. The purpose of current investigation was to explore the underlying mechanisms of pubertal low dose ZEA exposure upsetting spermatogenesis. And it was demonstrated that pubertal low dose ZEA exposure disrupted the meiosis process and the important genetic pathways to inhibit the spermatogenesis and even to diminish the semen quality with the decrease in spermatozoa motility and concentration. The DNA methylation markers 5mC and 5hmC were decreased, the histone methylation marker H3K27 was increased, at the same time estrogen receptor alpha was diminished in mouse testis after pubertal low dose ZEA exposure. The data indicate that the disruption in spermatogenesis by pubertal low dose ZEA exposure may be through the alterations in genetic and epigenetic pathways, and the interactions with estrogen receptor signaling pathway. Therefore, we should pay great attention on ZEA exposure to reduce its adverse impacts on male reproductive health.