Environmental Pollution and the Risk of Developing Metabolic Disorders: Obesity and Diabetes

Abstract

To meet the increased need for food and energy because of the economic shift brought about by the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, there has been an increase in persistent organic pollutants (POPs), atmospheric emissions and metals in the environment. Several studies have reported a relationship between these pollutants and obesity, and diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational). All of the major pollutants are considered to be endocrine disruptors because of their interactions with various transcription factors, receptors and tissues that result in alterations of metabolic function. POPs impact adipogenesis, thereby increasing the prevalence of obesity in exposed individuals. Metals impact glucose regulation by disrupting pancreatic β-cells, causing hyperglycemia and impaired insulin signaling. Additionally, a positive association has been observed between the concentration of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the 12 weeks prior to conception and fasting glucose levels. Here, we evaluate what is currently known regarding the link between environmental pollutants and metabolic disorders. In addition, we indicate where further research is required to improve our understanding of the specific effects of pollutants on these metabolic disorders which would enable implementation of changes to enable their prevention.

Factores De Riesgo Implicados en La Resistencia a La Insulina: Un Análisis Bibliográfico.

“…La contaminación ambiental y la exposición a químicos también han sido asociadas con la resistencia a la insulina (20). Ciertas sustancias presentes en el medio ambiente, como los disruptores endocrinos, pueden interferir con el funcionamiento normal de la insulina y contribuir al desarrollo de resistencia (21).…”

PM2.5, component cause of severe metabolically abnormal obesity: An in silico, observational and analytical study

“…In the last decade, environmental pollution has been suggested as a multifactorial contributor to obesity following the identification of correlations between the two [ 12 , 13 ]. Population growth, the economy reliant on fossil fuels, and natural sources of particulate matter have elevated air pollution worldwide to unprecedented levels [ 14 , 15 ].…”