Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Associated Disorders and Mechanisms of Action

Abstract

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.

In utero exposure to perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) did not increase body weight or intestinal tumorigenesis in multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min/+) mice

“…Obesogens can also act indirectly by altering the basal metabolic rate, by shifting the energy balance to favour storage of calories, alter lipid metabolism and alter hormonal control of appetite and satiety Schug et al, 2011). Many known obesogens are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that may mimic or block hormones and disrupt the normal function of the body (De Coster and van Larebeke, 2012;Elobeid and Allison, 2008;Grün and Blumberg, 2009). EDCs may also be implicated in cancer (Soto and Sonnenschein, 2010) .…”

Photochemical processes involving the UV absorber benzophenone-4 (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulphonic acid) in aqueous solution: Reaction pathways and implications for surface waters

“…Due to its ability to significantly absorb UVA and UVB radiation without undergoing fast transformation, the UV filter BP-4 (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone-5-sulphonic acid) is extensively used in sunscreen formulations and as an anti-UV agent in many products such as cosmetics, plastics, packages and films (Díaz-Cruz and Barceló, 2009;De Coster and van Larebeke, 2012). As a consequence of its widespread use in both recreational and technological contexts, of its chemical stability and resistance to biodegradation, BP-4 is being increasingly detected in surface waters (Poiger et al 2004).…”

BPA from dental resin material: where are we going with restorative and preventive dental biomaterials?

“…EDs with an estrogenic activity have been proposed to be associated with estrogenic effects such as testicular dysgenesis, inducing testicular, prostate, and mammary gland cancers, impairing semen quality, diabetes, and obesity [3]. Some authors [3][4][5] claim that a series of diseases including cancer risks, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and developmental impairments are related to exposure towards BPA [3][4][5]. In human cross-sectional studies, BPA plasma or urine concentrations were reported to be associated among others with prostate dysplasias and abnormal birth weight [4].…”

“…Some authors [3][4][5] claim that a series of diseases including cancer risks, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and developmental impairments are related to exposure towards BPA [3][4][5]. In human cross-sectional studies, BPA plasma or urine concentrations were reported to be associated among others with prostate dysplasias and abnormal birth weight [4]. A main problem in this context is the correct chemical analysis of BPA, the sensitivity of the analytical methods, and the question of BPA conjugation/glucoronization.…”

“…Its precise mechanism of action is still not clear, as the signaling pathways seem to be dependent on the BPA concentrations. However, its functional interaction with estrogen receptors has been recently demonstrated and could explain at least in part its endocrine disrupting effects [4]. In the EU, USA, and Canada, BPA was banned from feeding bottles.…”