Editorial [Hot Topic: Endocrine Disruption and Reproduction (Guest Editor: Peter C.K. Leung)]

First of all, I would like to thank the Editor-in Chief, Dr. Charles L. Bisgaier and the Bentham Science Publishers for the opportunity to arrange the review forum of "Endocrine Disruption and Reproduction" for publication in this journal. Endocrine disruption, which is associated with an increased risk and incidence of reproductive dysfunction, is a global issue in terms of human reproduction and health. To date, the World Health Organization (WHO), United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Health Canada, the UN Environment Programme, UNICEF, and the World WildLife Fund have all identified endocrine disruptors as a critical environmental and health issue in the 21st Century. Thus, the points of view in regard to this global issue need to be emphasized so as to inform readers of the disadvantages of endocrine disrupting chemicals which are persistently present in our environment. We have invited seven articles from contributors who are internationally recognized as experts in the research area of endocrine disruption and reproduction. This review forum provides scientific evidence for the harmful effects of endocrine disruptors, highlights the effects of exposure to multiple endocrine disrupting chemicals and ascertains major sources of exposure in human reproductive functions. Thus, the review articles in this forum would be beneficial to explain how environmental chemicals interfere with physiological systems, adversely affect hormonal balance, or disrupt normal function in the organs which hormones regulate or modulate in the female and male reproductive systems. I wish to express my gratitude to all the contributors and especially the tremendous assistance of Dr. Keith K. C. Choi for putting together this timely forum for the journal.