Clinical correlates of environmental endocrine disruptors.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as environmental estrogens, are hypothesized to be associated with a global decrease in sperm counts, other male reproductive tract problems and increasing rates of female breast cancer. Results of human population studies do not support the association between certain organochlorine EDCs and female breast cancer. Moreover, there is minimal evidence linking EDCs or exposure to other environmental chemicals with male reproductive tract problems. With the exception of the increasing incidence of testicular cancer, it is also questionable whether male reproductive tract problems are increasing, decreasing or unchanged. However, several studies report large differences in sperm count and quality and other endocrine-related problems within countries and regions, but the environmental, dietary and/or lifestyle factors responsible remain unknown.
Safe
Stephen
S
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA. ssafe@cvm.tamu.edu
D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D003456:Cryptorchidism / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007021:Hypospadias / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D012744:Sex Ratio; D013076:Sperm Count; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal