Mechanisms of endocrine toxicity
- Alteration of the production/secretion of the hormone
- Hormone receptor agonism
- Hormone receptor antagonism
- Inhibition of hormone synthesis
- Induction of hormone clearance
- Hormone displacement from binding proteins
Perinatal exposure to arsenate and nicotine lead to…
…problems with HPA axis signaling later in life
Confirmed EDS
- Contraceptives
- Atrazine
- Bisphenol-A
- DES
Contraceptives toxic effect on endocrine system
Blood clots and pulmonary embolism
Atrazine toxic effect on endocrine system
Feminizes male frogs
Bisphenol A toxic effect on endocrine system
Interacts with oestrogen alpha and beta receptors leading to changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis; hence, cancer.
Low sex-specific neurodevelopment
DES toxic effect on endocrine system
Vaginal cancer in offspring
Bisphenol-A sources
Children’s toys
Plastics
Medical devices
Food storage containers
Dioxins sources
Meat
Dairy milk
Shellfish and fish
Heavy metals sources
Cigarette smoke
Industrial workplaces
Paint in buildings
Fish and shellfish
PCBs sources
Adhesives and tapes
Electrical equipment
Oil-based paint
Plastics
Phthalates sources
Detergents
Children’s toys
Diapers
Medical tubing
Sanitary napkins
Health effects of EDCs
- Reproductive issues
- Reduced fertility
- Male and female reproductive tract anomalies
- Skewed male/female sex ratios change in hormone levels
- Early puberty
- Brain and behavior problems
- Impaired immune functions
- Cancers
Dioxin EDC effects
Damages developing ovary, disrupts thyroid function
Heavy metals EDC effects
Thyroid function alteration
PCBs EDC function
Impaired thyroid function
Phthalates EDC effect
Reduces sex hormone levels, blocks thyroid hormone function
