Synergisms with mixtures of xenoestrogens: a reevaluation using the method of isoboles.
There are concerns about possible combination effects of environmental chemicals with oestrogenic activity and their implications for human health. Such chemicals are present in complex mixtures in our environment. A number of studies searching for possible synergistic interactions between xenoestrogens have appeared in the literature. However, in these studies no account was taken of established concepts and methods for analysing combination effects. In the present review, we highlight conceptual issues which may be useful for a sound analysis of the effects of mixtures of xenoestrogens. We find that much published work suffers from an undue focus on measuring effects of mixtures at only one dose level. Assessments of combination effects are frequently complicated by a lack of information on dose-response relationships. Some studies which purportedly show absence of synergy have in fact overlooked synergisms.
Kortenkamp
A
A
School of Pharmacy, University of London, UK.
Altenburger
R
R
D000818:Animals; D001699:Biometry; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D003634:DDT / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004782:Environmental Health; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D004958:Estradiol; D003634:DDT