O-053 Early life factors that may influence adult male reproductive

Abstract textThis presentation will provide a brief overview of testicular development and will describe a critical period of development at approximately 8-14 weeks of gestation, when the testicle may be vulnerable to external influences, potentially having a negative effect on subsequent development. The talk with then describe the testicular dysgenesis syndrome hypothesis, proposed by Niels  Skakkebæk, and using the presenters work within the Western Australian (Raine) Cohort will go onto demonstrate how early life exposures may influence mature testicular function. Worryingly, the presentation will describe how adolescent features of early metabolic disturbance within the Raine Coho rt are already having a determinantal effect on the reproductive function of these men in late adolescence, many years before the majority are seeking paternity. 
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research