Final Exam: Endocrine Disrupters Flashcards
What are chemicals that can affect the endocrine system either mimicking hormonal effects (estrogens) or interfering with hormonal effects?
Endocrine disrupters
Do hormones work at low or high levels?
work at extremely low levels–> therefore small conc. of chemicals can have biological effects
What is a building block for epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastic and is coating for consumer and industrial applications, such as food and drink cans, and as protective coatings for electronic and marine uses?
Bisphenol A
What endocrine disrupter mimics the effects of estrogen?
Bisphenol A
What hormone does Bisphenol A mimic the effects of?
estrogen
What is a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastic and vinyl and it makes polyvinyl chloride softer and more flexible?
Phthalates
What endocrine disrupter blocks the action of testosterone?
Phthalates
What hormone does Phthalates bock the action of?
testosterone
What happens to the son of pregnant females that have low measures of Phthalates in them?
males born had less typical male genitalia –> aka Phthalate syndrome
What is Phthalate syndrome?
males that are born with less typical male genitalia due to exposure to Phthalates in utero
What may males suffering from Phthalate syndrome have?
- smaller penis
- shorter anogenital distance
- testicles more likely not to be descended into scrotum
Can you be exposed as a fetus to endocrine disrupters?
yes
How do endocrine disrupters gain entrance to the fetus?
via placenta and umbilical cord
Why is a fetus as greater risk to endocrine disrupters?
due to immaturity and still developing –> their ability to detoxify, metabolize, and eliminate toxins differs from adults
Is it possible for effects from early exposure in utero to endocrine exposure to not manifest until years later?
yes
