Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Thyroid Cancer: An Overview

Abstract

Endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDC) are known to alter thyroid function and have been associated with increased risk of certain cancers. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of available studies on the association between EDC exposure and thyroid cancer. Relevant studies were identified via a literature search in the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health PubMed as well as a review of reference lists of all retrieved articles and of previously published relevant reviews. Overall, the current literature suggests that exposure to certain congeners of flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and phthalates as well as certain pesticides may potentially be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. However, future research is urgently needed to evaluate the different EDCs and their potential carcinogenic effect on the thyroid gland in humans as most EDCs have been studied sporadically and results are not consistent.

Cumulative Protective Effect of Melatonin and Indole-3-Propionic Acid against KIO3—Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Porcine Thyroid

“…Numerous evidence suggest that environmental factors, including endocrine disruptors, can contribute to thyroid cancer [ 6 ]. One of the major risk factors for goiter and, consequently, for thyroid cancer, is iodine deficiency [ 7 ].…”

Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health

“…Among the epidemiological studies, it was revealed that exposure to phthalates adversely affected the level of reproductive hormones (luteinizing hormone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin), anogenital distance, and thyroid function [ 29 ]. Altered thyroid function is found to be associated with thyroid cancer [ 30 ]. A recent Chinese study concluded that phthalates exposure is related to the disrupted arginine and proline metabolism, resulting in the development of overweight and obesity among school-age children [ 31 ].…”

Post‐9/11 excess risk of thyroid cancer: Surveillance or exposure?

“…The explosion and collapse of the WTC resulted in an aerosol plume exposing many residents, commuters, and rescue and recovery workers 20,21 . Analyses of the dust and smoke collected following the WTC disaster confirmed the presence of multiple carcinogenic contaminants, including asbestos, benzene, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls, of which some have potentially been associated with an increased thyroid cancer risk 20,22 . There are also some indications that certain endocrine‐disrupting chemicals that were present in the dust (e.g., pesticides, phthalate esters, and brominated diphenyl ethers) are potentially associated with thyroid cancer 20,22 .…”