The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein as a target of endocrine disruption in male reproduction.

Development of the adult male reproductive tract requires proper spatial-temporal expression of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen during fetal developmental stages and at puberty. Exogenous agents that disrupt the production and/or actions of the testosterone and estrogen and cause aberrant reproductive tract development can be thought of as endocrine disruptors (ED). This review will focus on the impact of ED on testosterone production by Leydig cells during fetal development and in the adult. In particular, the genes encoding the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 17 alpha hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17A1) within the steroid hormone biosynthetic pathway are highlighted as ED targets. We begin with an overview of steroidogenesis and regulation of StAR then summarize the published literature on the effects of diethylstibesterol, phthalate esters, and arsenite on male reproduction with a focus on the expression and function of StAR.