Endocrine Disruptors and Prostate Cancer

Abstract

The role of endocrine disruptors (EDs) in the human prostate gland is an overlooked issue even though the prostate is essential for male fertility. From experimental models, it is known that EDs can influence several molecular mechanisms involved in prostate homeostasis and diseases, including prostate cancer (PCa), one of the most common cancers in the male, whose onset and progression is characterized by the deregulation of several cellular pathways including androgen receptor (AR) signaling. The prostate gland essentiality relies on its function to produce and secrete the prostatic fluid, a component of the seminal fluid, needed to keep alive and functional sperms upon ejaculation. In physiological condition, in the prostate epithelium the more-active androgen, the 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), formed from testosterone (T) by the 5α-reductase enzyme (SRD5A), binds to AR and, upon homodimerization and nuclear translocation, recognizes the promoter of target genes modulating them. In pathological conditions, AR mutations and/or less specific AR binding by ligands modulate differently targeted genes leading to an altered regulation of cell proliferation and triggering PCa onset and development. EDs acting on the AR-dependent signaling within the prostate gland can contribute to the PCa onset and to exacerbating its development.

Role of N6‑methyladenosine in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer (Review)

“…In recent years, technological progress and the development of new methods have largely led to an increased understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms that promote tumor growth and progression ( 4 ). The advent of current drug and therapy combinations has enriched the treatment options for PCa, providing more treatment options for patients with PCa ( 5 ). However, there are certain challenges for clinical practitioners.…”

Association between urinary phthalates and phthalate metabolites and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A number of clinical studies suggested a strong correlation between exposure to environmental pollution and the incidence and mortality rates of cancer [ [16] , [17] , [18] ], which was consistent with results in animal models [ 19 , 20 ]. In addition, a series of studies have revealed that the disruption of the endocrine system plays significant roles in the development of breast cancer [ 21 ], prostate cancer [ 22 ], thyroid cancer [ 23 ], and endometrial cancer [ 24 ]. Moreover, endocrine therapy has been tried to treat these cancers mentioned above.…”

Arsenic, cadmium, and lead exposition: a risk factor for breast and prostate cancers? – Protocol for a systematic review

“…The oxidative damage caused by them constitutes the main mechanism for promoting carcinogenesis (Davey et al, 2007). In both breast cancer and prostate cancer, endocrine disruption can be fundamental, it can have a direct action or by binding to hormone receptors, blocking or mimicking such pathways (Corti et al, 2022;Florea & Büsselberg, 2011).…”