[Endocrine effects of environmental pollutants].
There is an increasing scientific concern that organochlorine compounds, recognized as environmental act through their estrogenic or anti-estrogenic properties. Many endocrine diseases can be concerned by the pathogenic role on environmental residues in their promotion. The carcinogenic potential of environmental xenoestrogens on breast cancer is a matter of controversy. In Europe, despite their prohibition since the 70's, residues persist in soil and rivers, resulting in a widespread contamination of the general population. Our results suggest that environmental exposure to p,p' -DDE, HCB or PCBs may contribute to multifactorial pathogenesis of breast cancer. Male infertility is also a matter of concern. Our data suggest that male infertility can be associated with exposure of the mothers to p,p'-DDE, and that deleterious effects are probably restricted to intra-uterine life. Early or precocious puberty in children adopted from developing countries where organochlorines are still used is frequently reported. A possible relationship with exposure to DDT is suggested. There are two possible pathways to account for precocious puberty following chronic exposure to estrogenic related compounds: weak stimulation of estrogen sensitive tissues or removal in Belgium of the suppressing effects of estrogens on gonadotrophins, suppressing effect that was due to exposure in the country of origin.
Charlier
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C
Service de Toxicologie Clinique et de Toxicologie Medico-légale, CHU de Liège.
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity; D002648:Child; D003906:Developing Countries; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000633:toxicity*; D011629:Puberty, Precocious / Q000209:etiology
D002273:Carcinogens; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated