The effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on the epigenome-A short overview

Abstract

To understand the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), the mechanism(s) by which EDCs exert their harmful effects on humans and their offspring needs careful examination and clarification. Epigenetic modification, including DNA methylation, expression of aberrant microRNA (miRNA), and histone modification, is one mechanism assumed to be a primary pathway leading to the untoward effects of endocrine disruptors. However, it remains unclear whether such epigenetic changes caused by EDCs are truly predicting adverse outcomes. Therefore, it is important to understand the relationship between epigenetic changes and various endocrine endpoints or markers. This paper highlights the possibility that certain chemicals (Cd, As, Pb, bisphenol A, phthalate, polychlorinated biphenyls) reported having ED properties may adversely affect the epigenome. Electronic database sources PubMed, SCOPUS, JSTOR, and the Google Scholar web browser were used to search the literature. The search was based on keywords from existing theories and basic knowledge of endocrine disorders and epigenetic effects, well-known EDCs, and previous search results. Unclear and often conflicting results regarding the effects of EDCs indicate the need for further research to support better risk assessments and management of these chemicals.

Endocrine Disruptors: Focus on the Adrenal Cortex

“…Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the human epigenome via changes in DNA methylation, histone modification and expression of aberrant microRNAs (miRNA) [55].…”

“…Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the human epigenome via changes in DNA methylation, histone modification and expression of aberrant microRNAs (miRNA) 55 . These alterations by EDCs are ultimately passed on to the offspring via multi- or transgenerational inheritance 24 56 .…”