Methyl reproductive function

Many of the observed Great Lakes region toxic effects are attributed to persistent toxic chemical compounds. TCDD is associated with human thyroid hormone fluctuation, problems in male reproductive function, and neurological malfunction. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and methyl mercury (MeHg) are associated with human thyroid hormone fluctuation, problems in female reproductive function, neurological and neurodevelopmental problems. These effects, summarized in Table 13.1, illustrate the difficulty in attributing a particular toxic effect to a single chemical, particularly when one considers the potential impacts of thousands of other chemicals. 

Essential fatty aids (EFA) are required for the structure of cell membranes, reproduction, growth, and the regulation of cell function via a group of hormone-like derivatives, the eicosanoids. These properties of EFA are more important than other nonessential functions [19]. EFA can be allocated to two fatty acid families according to the position of the first double bound from the methyl end at carbon 3 or carbon 6, the most important representatives being linoleic acid (C18 2 co-6) and a-linolenic acid (C18 3 0)-3). In contrast, oleic acid (C18 1 (o-9) and its derivatives with the first double bound at carbon 9 can be synthesized in the body and are not essential. 

---