[Effects of environmental pollutants on hormone disturbances].
There is an increasing scientific concern that organochlorine compounds, recognized as environmental pollutants, may cause estrogen-related disorders. One of the main hypotheses is that organochlorines can 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 origin country.
Charlier
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Service de Toxicologie Clinique et de Toxicologie Médico-légale, CHU de Liège.
D002273:Carcinogens; D002648:Child; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000187:drug effects*; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011629:Puberty, Precocious / Q000209:etiology
D002273:Carcinogens; D004785:Environmental Pollutants