Over recent decades, the incidence of human reproductive disorders has increased. There is an increasing recognition that environmental exposures play an important role in reproductive health. Whilst research in this area has generally focused on environmental chemical pollutants to which the general population are exposed at relatively low levels, recent attention has been drawn towards the effect of pharmaceutical exposures to which individuals are exposed at relatively high concentrations.
For some pharmaceuticals (e.g. certain chemotherapeutics) effects on reproduction and fertility have been described, although for many of these the mechanisms are not completely understood. Other medications (e.g. analgesics) are now being reported to result in reproductive effects in animal models and epidemiological studies. For many other pharmaceuticals, there is little or no data investigating the impact of exposure on reproductive development and function, especially during critical periods of pre- and postnatal life.
The goal of this Research Topic is to publish high-quality research that will contribute towards an understanding of which pharmaceutical exposures may be contributing to the overall decline in reproductive health in humans. We also aim to understand the mechanisms by which these agents can impair reproductive function. It is anticipated that the research presented within the topic will ultimately help to inform regulators and clinicians and lead to improvements in the use of medications to ensure safety in relation to human reproductive health.
The scope of the topic includes all aspects of exposure to pharmaceutical agents and subsequent impacts on reproductive development and/or function. We especially welcome manuscripts relating to:
1) In-utero exposures to pharmaceuticals used during pregnancy.
2) Impacts of pharmaceutical exposures during the pre- and peripubertal period.
3) Effects of exposures during adulthood on reproductive function.
4) Insights into the mechanisms by which pharmaceuticals can impair reproductive function.
We aim to include primary research using animal models, human tissues or cells, epidemiological and clinical studies. We also encourage (systematic) reviews relating to the topic. Manuscripts describing novel methodologies and approaches to assess impacts of pharmaceutical exposures on reproductive development and function are especially welcomed.
Different Article Types can be submitted to the Research Topic including Original Research, Review, Systematic Review, Mini Review, Brief Research Report, Perspective articles, among others. You can find detailed information
here.
