Endocrine disrupters and human puberty.
In this overview of the literature, epidemiological research studying the effect of endocrine disrupters on the onset of puberty is summarized. In girls, earlier age at menarche was reported after exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), persistent pesticides [dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)] and phthalate esters. However, several other studies found no effect of these compounds on age at menarche or pubertal Tanner stages. One study reported a delaying effect of dioxin-like compounds on breast development. In boys, exposure to PCBs, PCDFs or the pesticide endosulfan was associated with delayed puberty or decreased penile length. Much of the results found in population studies are in accordance with experimental studies in animals. However, the mixture of different components with antagonistic effects (oestrogenic, anti-oestrogenic, anti-androgenic) and the limited knowledge about the most critical window for exposure (prenatal, peri-natal and pubertal) may hamper the interpretation of results.
Den Hond
E
E
Department of Toxicology, VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Mol, Belgium. elly.denhond@vito.be
Schoeters
G
G
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000633:toxicity*; D003634:DDT / Q000633:toxicity; D004147:Dioxins / Q000633:toxicity; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D004952:Esters / Q000633:toxicity; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008572:Menarche / Q000187:drug effects; D010575:Pesticides / Q000633:toxicity; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000633:toxicity; D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls / Q000633:toxicity; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000633:toxicity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D011627:Puberty / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D004147:Dioxins; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D004952:Esters; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D010575:Pesticides; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls; D003634:DDT; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls