Low exposure to testosterone in the womb ups the risk of serious health problems in men, a new study shows.
A latest research by the at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Center for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh says that the male health is influenced by the exposure to this hormone in the mother's womb and also their level of testosterone is determined before birth. Previous research has shown that low levels of the hormone increase the risk of diabetes , cardiac problems and obesity.
In the study, researchers found that Leydig cells that produce testosterone in adults develop from a specific population of stem cells found in the testes. The study was conducted on animal models.
These stem cells were found in the developing testes of babies, rats, mice and marmosets in the womb.
Leydig cells do not develop until puberty. But, the researchers found that the functioning of these cells is hampered if their stem cell ancestors are exposed to lower levels of testosterone in the womb, the authors wrote in a press release. This shows the problem is hereditary.
According to the researchers, proper understanding of why some men have less testosterone is important, as the hormone is essential for health. Previous studies revealed that low levels of the hormone increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Researchers said the latest study is the first to show how womb environment could affect male health in later life.
"There is increasing evidence that a mother's diet, lifestyle and exposure to drugs and chemicals can have a significant impact on testosterone levels in the womb. We need a better grasp of these factors so that we can give reliable advice to pregnant women to protect the health of her unborn child," researcher Professor Richard Sharpe said in a university release.
The findings are published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
