Cognitive effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in animals.

Abstract

A large number of chemical pollutants including phthalates, alkylphenolic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, organochlorine pesticides, bisphenol A, and metals including lead, mercury, and cadmium have the ability to disrupt endocrine function in animals. Some of these same chemicals have been shown to alter cognitive function in animals and humans. Because hormonally mediated events play a central role in central nervous system development and function, a number of researchers have speculated that the changes in cognitive function are mediated by the endocrine-like actions of these chemicals. In this paper we review the evidence that cognitive effects of chemicals classified as environmental endocrine disruptors are mediated by changes in hormonal function. We begin by briefly reviewing the role of gonadal steroids, thyroid hormones, and glucocorticoids in brain development and brain function. We then review the endocrine changes and cognitive effects that have been reported for selected endocrine-disrupting chemicals, discuss the evidence for causal relationships between endocrine disruption and cognitive effects, and suggest directions for future research.

Genes expressed in Blue Fin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) liver and gonads

“…The fattening of BFT in cages based on the capture of wild fish is an increasing practice in Mediterranean countries, practice, however, that should develop into a real BFT aquaculture, comprehensive of the entire life cycle. To this aim, beside the necessary technological improvements of farming facilities and protocols, there is a need of a modern molecular approach that seems promising for the studies of appropriate nutritional strategies, reproduction physiology and animal welfare, as well as lifestyle and response to endocrine disruptor pollutants (Schantz and Widholm, 2001). This approach will certainly benefit from the availability of EST databases.…”

Heavy metals pollution in a sewage treatment oxidation pond and the receiving stream of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria

“…Arsenic is said to act as an endocrine disruptor, upsetting the action of hormones by blocking or mimicking them (http://www/mindfully.org/Pesticide/Arsenic-DistruptsHormones.htm). Epidemiologic studies have revealed that long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the lung, skin, liver, bladder, possibly kidney and colon, hyperkeratosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Schantz and Widholm 2001). Consequently, the direct use of water from the receiving stream and the adjourning Opa river downstream could be detrimental to aquatic biota and humans.…”

Circulating Urine Phthalates Are not Associated with a Decline in Cognition in Adults and the Elderly: NHANES, 1999–2002

“…Some chemical pollutants may act as hormone mimics and thus affect the central nervous system [1]. A number of environmental pollutants have been shown to disrupt endocrine function in animals, leading to long-lasting cognitive deficits in primates [2], and are likely to reprogramme (neuro)physiological set-points and to increase susceptibility to disease later in life [3].…”