Breast and prostate glands affected by environmental substances (Review)

Abstract

Environmental endocrine disruptor chemicals are substances that can alter the homeostasis of the endocrine system in living organisms. They can be released from several products used in daily activities. Once in the organism, they can disrupt the endocrine function by mimicking or blocking naturally occurring hormones due to their similar chemical structure. This endocrine disruption is the most important cause of the well-known hormone-associate types of cancer. Additionally, it is decisive to determine the susceptibility of each organ to these compounds. Therefore, the present review aimed to summarize the effect of different environmental substances such as bisphenol A, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and polychlorinated biphenyls in both the mammary and the prostate tissues. These organs were chosen due to their association with the hormonal system and their common features in carcinogenic mechanisms. Outcomes derived from the present review may provide evidence that should be considered in future debates regarding the effects of endocrine disruptors on carcinogenesis.

Combined Effects of Different Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Prostate Gland

“…Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances (drugs, pesticides, plastic additives, organic pollutants, and natural compounds) able to alter the physiology of the endocrine system by interfering with the effect, biosynthesis, transport, and metabolism of hormones [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. It is now well known that, like hormones, EDCs can act at a low dose, may have non-monotonic dose responses, can target specific tissues, can show different effects and dose responses during development in adults, and are likely not to have a threshold [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…It is now well known that, like hormones, EDCs can act at a low dose, may have non-monotonic dose responses, can target specific tissues, can show different effects and dose responses during development in adults, and are likely not to have a threshold [ 4 , 5 ]. They are present in daily products, such as food cans, metals [ 2 , 6 ], industrial chemicals and other chemicals [ 1 , 2 ], perfumes (which may contain phthalates), sunscreen containing parabens and alkylphenols, drugs (containing nonylphenol), flame retardants (which may contain PCBs), recycled paper, plastic bottles (which may contain polycarbonate and bisphenol A (BPA)), lubricants (where nonylphenol may be present), plastics and food packaging, and hospital instruments (which may contain phthalates) [ 3 , 7 ]. Due to the widespread use of these chemicals, they are released in the environment [ 2 , 8 ] and they are then bio-accumulated in living organisms [ 2 , 9 ].…”

“…They are present in daily products, such as food cans, metals [ 2 , 6 ], industrial chemicals and other chemicals [ 1 , 2 ], perfumes (which may contain phthalates), sunscreen containing parabens and alkylphenols, drugs (containing nonylphenol), flame retardants (which may contain PCBs), recycled paper, plastic bottles (which may contain polycarbonate and bisphenol A (BPA)), lubricants (where nonylphenol may be present), plastics and food packaging, and hospital instruments (which may contain phthalates) [ 3 , 7 ]. Due to the widespread use of these chemicals, they are released in the environment [ 2 , 8 ] and they are then bio-accumulated in living organisms [ 2 , 9 ]. The main route of exposure is oral intake of contaminated water and food [ 1 , 2 ], but there are other possible sources, such as direct contact with or inhalation of polluted air [ 2 , 10 ].…”

“…Due to the widespread use of these chemicals, they are released in the environment [ 2 , 8 ] and they are then bio-accumulated in living organisms [ 2 , 9 ]. The main route of exposure is oral intake of contaminated water and food [ 1 , 2 ], but there are other possible sources, such as direct contact with or inhalation of polluted air [ 2 , 10 ]. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that EDCs can cross the placenta, causing a vertical transfer from mother to fetus; breast milk can also contain several EDCs that can thus reach newborns [ 2 , 6 ].…”

“…The main route of exposure is oral intake of contaminated water and food [ 1 , 2 ], but there are other possible sources, such as direct contact with or inhalation of polluted air [ 2 , 10 ]. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that EDCs can cross the placenta, causing a vertical transfer from mother to fetus; breast milk can also contain several EDCs that can thus reach newborns [ 2 , 6 ]. Many EDCs are persistent, and regardless of their prohibition in some countries, they are still present in the environment, affecting the entire population [ 2 ].…”