Endocrine Disruptor-Induced Bone Damage Due to Hormone Dysregulation: A Review

Abstract

Hormones are indispensable for bone development, growth, and maintenance. While many of the genes associated with osteogenesis are well established, it is the recent findings in endocrinology that are advancing the fields of bone biology and toxicology. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are defined as chemicals that interfere with the function of the endocrine system. Here, we report recent discoveries describing key hormone pathways involved in osteogenesis and the EDCs that alter these pathways. EDCs can lead to bone morphological changes via altering hormone receptors, signaling pathways, and gene expression. The objective of this review is to highlight the recent discoveries of the harmful effects of environmental toxicants on bone formation and the pathways impacted. Understanding the mechanisms of how EDCs interfere with bone formation contributes to providing a comprehensive toxicological profile of a chemical.

Imprinting and Reproductive Health: A Toxicological Perspective

“…Aside from sexual behavior, structural/organizational deformities, and functional irregularities of the reproductive tissues, bone mineral density, and mineral content are also controlled by sex hormones [89][90][91]. Neonatal exposure to allylestrenol (17.5 µg/animal) and DES (8.8 µg/animal) elevated the bone mineral content and bone density in male rats [92].…”