An exposure to endocrine active persistent pollutants and endometriosis — a review of current epidemiological studies

Abstract

Widespread exposure to persistent pollutants can disrupt the bodies’ natural endocrine functions and contribute to reproductive diseases like endometriosis. In this review, we focus at the relationship between endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including metals and trace elements, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzodioxin (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and risk of endometriosis. Relevant studies from the last 10 years by November 2022 were identified by searching Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The cohort and case–control studies that reported effect size with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of EDC exposure and endometriosis were selected. Twenty three articles examining the relationship between endometriosis and exposure to persistent EDCs were considered. Most of the studies indicated association with exposure to persistent chemicals and development of endometriosis. The consistent results were found in case of lead, PCB-28, PCB-138, PCB-153, PCB-180, PCB-201, 1,2,3,7,8 — PeCDD, 2,3,4,7,8 — PeCDF and all described OCPs, showing the increased risk of endometriosis. These results support that exposure to certain EDCs, including OCPs, PCBs, PBBs, PBDEs, PFAS, and lead increase the risk of endometriosis.

Impact of lifestyle and dietary modifications for endometriosis development and symptom management

“…There is growing concern regarding environmental exposures and their relation to public health. It has been suggested that endometriosis and other hormone-sensitive conditions are influenced by environmental exposures, in particular endocrinedisrupting chemicals (EDCs) [11,12,13 && ,…”

Pollution and endometriosis: A deep dive into the environmental impacts on women's health

“…1,[81][82][83] Recent research has shed light on the association between air pollution and endometriosis, revealing the potential adverse effects of airborne contaminants on women's reproductive health. 18,20,84 PM2.5 4,85 and PAHs, 86 two common components of air pollution, have garnered particular attention in relation to endometriosis. PM2.5 refers to tiny particles with a diameter of ≤2.5 microm suspended in the air.…”

“…Air pollution, a pervasive and persistent environmental issue in urban areas and industrial regions, has been identified as a significant factor in the development and progression of various health conditions 1,81–83 . Recent research has shed light on the association between air pollution and endometriosis, revealing the potential adverse effects of airborne contaminants on women's reproductive health 18,20,84 …”

Advancing Endocrine Disruptors via In Vitro Evaluation: Recognizing the Significance of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development and United States Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines, Embracing New Assessment Methods, and the Urgent Need for a Comprehensive Battery of Tests

“…Those tests are divided into mammalian tests, mostly in rodents, and non-mammalian tests (in fishes, amphibians, and birds) [ 10 ]. Epidemiological studies can also be used when they investigate the relationship between exposure to a substance and changes in endocrine function in human populations [ 11 ]. …”

“…Epidemiological studies can also be used when they investigate the relationship between exposure to a substance and changes in endocrine function in human populations [ 11 ].…”