scholarly journals Endocrine disrupting chemicals: harmful substances and how to test them

2002 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 489-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolás Olea-Serrano ◽  
Mariana F. Fernández-Cabrera ◽  
Rosa Pulgar-Encinas ◽  
Fátima Olea-Serrano
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Chemical Substances ◽  
Dose Time ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Regulatory Bodies ◽  
Estimation Of Risk

This paper presents an analysis of the opinions of different groups from: scientists, international regulatory bodies, non-governmental organizations and industry; with an interest in the problem of identifying chemical substances with endocrine disrupting activity. There is also discussion of the consequences that exposure to endocrine disruptors may have for human health, considering concrete issues related to: the estimation of risk; the tests that must be used to detect endocrine disruption; the difficulties to establish an association between dose, time of exposure, individual susceptibility, and effect; and the attempts to create a census of endocrine disruptors. Finally, it is proposed that not all hormonal mimics should be included under the single generic denomination of endocrine disruptors.

Diet: A Source of Endocrine Disruptors

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hina Rashid ◽  
Saad S. Alqahtani ◽  
Saeed Alshahrani
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting

Background: Food is indispensable for human life and determines the health and wellbeing of the consumer. As food is the source of energy for humans, it also emerges as one of the most important sources of exposure to deleterious chemicals both natural and synthetic. The food exposed chemicals cause a number of detrimental health effects in humans, with endocrine disruption being of serious concern amongst these effects. Such chemicals disrupting the health of endocrine system are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The food exposed EDCs need to be identified and classified to effectuate a cautious consumption of food by all and especially by vulnerable groups. Aim: The aim of the present review was to discuss food as a source of exposure to common endocrine disruptors in humans. This review presents the occurrence and levels of some of the critical endocrine disruptors exposed through frequently consumed diets. Methods: The major source of data was PubMed, besides other relevant publications. The focus was laid on data from the last five years, however significant earlier data was also considered. Conclusion: The food as a source of endocrine disruptors to humans cannot be neglected. It is highly imperative for the consumer to recognize food as a source of EDCs and make informed choices in the consumption of food items.

Advancing the testing and assessment of chemical substances for endocrine disruption: OECD activities

2003 ◽  
Vol 75 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 2613-2615
Author(s):  
H. B. W. M. Koëter
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
Chemical Substances ◽  
Work Sharing ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Testing Tools ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Development And Validation

This paper describes the establishment of a number of expert groups in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to manage the work related to the development and validation of test methods to identify and characterize the human health and aquatic environmental hazards of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In addition, the concept of testing and assessment, using the most adequate testing tools without being prescriptive, is explained, and a coordinated approach for international work sharing under the OECD umbrella is described.

scholarly journals Epigenetics, Evolution, Endocrine Disruption, Health, and Disease

Endocrinology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 147 (6) ◽  
pp. s4-s10 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Crews ◽  
John A. McLachlan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Recent Work ◽  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
Health And Disease

Abstract Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment have been linked to human health and disease. This is particularly evident in compounds that mimic the effects of estrogens. Exposure to EDCs early in life can increase risk levels of compromised physical and mental health. Epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in this process. Transgenerational consequences of EDC exposure is also discussed in both a proximate (mechanism) and ultimate (evolution) context as well as recent work suggesting how such transmission might become incorporated into the genome and subject to selection. We suggest a perspective for exploring and ultimately coming to understand diseases that may have environmental or endocrine origins.

scholarly journals Epigenetic modifications associated with in utero exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals BPA, DDT and Pb

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chinonye Doris Onuzulu ◽  
Oluwakemi Anuoluwapo Rotimi ◽  
Solomon Oladapo Rotimi
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Environmental Chemicals ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Hormone System ◽  
Developmental Windows

Abstract Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are xenobiotics which adversely modify the hormone system. The endocrine system is most vulnerable to assaults by endocrine disruptors during the prenatal and early development window, and effects may persist into adulthood and across generations. The prenatal stage is a period of vulnerability to environmental chemicals because the epigenome is usually reprogrammed during this period. Bisphenol A (BPA), lead (Pb), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) were chosen for critical review because they have become serious public health concerns globally, especially in Africa where they are widely used without any regulation. In this review, we introduce EDCs and describe the various modes of action of EDCs and the importance of the prenatal and developmental windows to EDC exposure. We give a brief overview of epigenetics and describe the various epigenetic mechanisms: DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, and how each of them affects gene expression. We then summarize findings from previous studies on the effects of prenatal exposure to the endocrine disruptors BPA, Pb and DDT on each of the previously described epigenetic mechanisms. We also discuss how the epigenetic alterations caused by these EDCs may be related to disease processes.

Gestational Exposure to Common Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Their Impact on Neurodevelopment and Behavior

2020 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 177-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinushan Nesan ◽  
Deborah M. Kurrasch
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Lactational Exposure ◽  
Gestational Exposure ◽  
Early Life Exposure ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Physiological Homeostasis ◽  
Nervous System Function

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are common in our environment and act on hormone systems and signaling pathways to alter physiological homeostasis. Gestational exposure can disrupt developmental programs, permanently altering tissues with impacts lasting into adulthood. The brain is a critical target for developmental endocrine disruption, resulting in altered neuroendocrine control of hormonal signaling, altered neurotransmitter control of nervous system function, and fundamental changes in behaviors such as learning, memory, and social interactions. Human cohort studies reveal correlations between maternal/fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors and incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we summarize the major literature findings of endocrine disruption of neurodevelopment and concomitant changes in behavior by four major endocrine disruptor classes:bisphenol A, polychlorinated biphenyls, organophosphates, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. We specifically review studies of gestational and/or lactational exposure to understand the effects of early life exposure to these compounds and summarize animal studies that help explain human correlative data.

Engaging Undergraduates in the Scientific Process: Exploring Invertebrate Endocrine Disruption

2016 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 410-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Layton ◽  
Jason Belden
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Reproduction Rate ◽  
Interest In Science ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Reproductive Study ◽  
Analyze Data

Engaging students in the process of science to increase learning and critical thinking has become a key emphasis in undergraduate education. Introducing environmental topics, such as the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, into undergraduate courses offers a new means to increase student engagement. Daphnia magna can serve as a model organism for endocrine disruption, and its ease of handling, rapid reproduction rate, and clearly defined endpoints make it useful in short-term, student research projects. The concept of endocrine disruption can be tested through a 21-day reproductive study of D. magna exposed to varying concentrations of the pesticide fenoxycarb. Students will observe an altered reproduction rate and increased production of males under conditions that would typically result only in the production of female offspring. This research system allows students to formulate hypotheses, set up experiments, analyze data, and present results, leading to a greater appreciation of and interest in science.

scholarly journals Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Associated Disorders and Mechanisms of Action

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam De Coster ◽  
Nicolas van Larebeke
Keyword(s):  
Estrogen Receptors ◽  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Cross Talk ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Neuroendocrine Cells ◽  
Hair Dyes ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting

The incidence and/or prevalence of health problems associated with endocrine-disruption have increased. Many chemicals have endocrine-disrupting properties, including bisphenol A, some organochlorines, polybrominated flame retardants, perfluorinated substances, alkylphenols, phthalates, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylphenols, solvents, and some household products including some cleaning products, air fresheners, hair dyes, cosmetics, and sunscreens. Even some metals were shown to have endocrine-disrupting properties. Many observations suggesting that endocrine disruptors do contribute to cancer, diabetes, obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and infertility are listed in this paper. An overview is presented of mechanisms contributing to endocrine disruption. Endocrine disruptors can act through classical nuclear receptors, but also through estrogen-related receptors, membrane-bound estrogen-receptors, and interaction with targets in the cytosol resulting in activation of the Src/Ras/Erk pathway or modulation of nitric oxide. In addition, changes in metabolism of endogenous hormones, cross-talk between genomic and nongenomic pathways, cross talk with estrogen receptors after binding on other receptors, interference with feedback regulation and neuroendocrine cells, changes in DNA methylation or histone modifications, and genomic instability by interference with the spindle figure can play a role. Also it was found that effects of receptor activation can differ in function of the ligand.

scholarly journals Hormone-Activated Estrogen Receptors in Annelid Invertebrates: Implications for Evolution and Endocrine Disruption

Endocrinology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 150 (4) ◽  
pp. 1731-1738 ◽  
Author(s):  
June Keay ◽  
Joseph W. Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Estrogen Receptors ◽  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Estrogen Signaling ◽  
Estrogen Sensitivity ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Platynereis Dumerilii ◽  
Bilaterian Animal ◽  
Capitella Capitata ◽  
And Behavior

As the primary mediators of estrogen signaling in vertebrates, estrogen receptors (ERs) play crucial roles in reproduction, development, and behavior. They are also the major mediators of endocrine disruption by xenobiotic pollutants that mimic or block estrogen action. ERs that are sensitive to estrogen and endocrine disrupters have long been thought to be restricted to vertebrates: although there is evidence for estrogen signaling in invertebrates, the only ERs studied to date, from mollusks and cephalochordates, have been insensitive to estrogen and therefore incapable of mediating estrogen signaling or disruption. To determine whether estrogen sensitivity is ancestral or a unique characteristic of vertebrate ERs, we isolated and characterized ERs from two annelids, Platynereis dumerilii and Capitella capitata, because annelids are the sister phylum to mollusks and have been shown to produce and respond to estrogens. Functional assays show that annelid ERs specifically activate transcription in response to low estrogen concentrations and bind estrogen with high affinity. Furthermore, numerous known endocrine-disrupting chemicals activate or antagonize the annelid ER. This is the first report of a hormone-activated invertebrate ER. Our results indicate that estrogen signaling via the ER is as ancient as the ancestral bilaterian animal and corroborate the estrogen sensitivity of the ancestral steroid receptor. They suggest that the taxonomic scope of endocrine disruption by xenoestrogens may be very broad and reveal how functional diversity evolved in a gene family central to animal endocrinology.

scholarly journals Effects of endocrine disruptors in the development of the female reproductive tract

2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Maria Frade Costa ◽  
Poli Mara Spritzer ◽  
Alexandre Hohl ◽  
Tânia A. S. S. Bachega
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruptors ◽  
Hormone Receptors ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Environmental Agencies

Environmental agencies have identified a growing number of environmental contaminants that have endocrine disrupting activity, and these can become a major public health problem. It is suggested that endocrine disruptors could account for the higher-than-expected increase in the prevalence of some non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, thyroid diseases, and some cancers. Several endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), such as pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, dioxins, and phytoestrogens, can interact with the female reproductive system and lead to endocrine disruption. Initially, it was assumed that EDCs exert their effects by binding to hormone receptors and transcription factors, but it is currently known that they may also alter the expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis or catabolism of steroids. Biomonitoring studies have identified these compounds in adults, children, pregnant women, and fetuses. Among the diseases of the female reproductive tract associated with EDCs exposure are the following: precocious puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome, and premature ovarian failure. The different populations of the world are exposed to a great number of chemicals through different routes of infection; despite the various available studies, there is still much doubt regarding the additive effect of a mixture of EDCs with similar mechanisms of action.

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