Impact of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals on the development of obesity.
Environmental chemicals with hormone-like activity can disrupt programming of endocrine signaling pathways during development and result in adverse effects, some of which may not be apparent until much later in life. Recent reports link exposure to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals during development with adverse health consequences, including obesity and diabetes. These particular diseases are quickly becoming significant public health problems and are fast reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. This review summarizes data from experimental animals and humans which support an association of endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as diethylstilbestrol, bisphenol A, phytoestrogens, phthalates, and organotins, with the development of obesity. Potential mechanisms are summarized and future research needs are discussed.
Newbold
Retha R
RR
Developmental Endocrinology and Endocrine Disruptor Section, Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, and National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27713, USA. newbold1@nieshs.nih.gov
D000818:Animals; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004785:Environmental Pollutants