title: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in ovarian function: effects on steroidogenesis, metabolism and nuclear receptor signaling.
abstract: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous agents with the ability to interfere with processes regulated by endogenous hormones. One such process is female reproductive function. The major reproductive organ in the female is the ovary. Disruptions in ovarian processes by EDCs can lead to adverse outcomes such as anovulation, infertility, estrogen deficiency, and premature ovarian failure among others. This review summarizes the effects of EDCs on ovarian function by describing how they interfere with hormone signaling via two mechanisms: altering the availability of ovarian hormones, and altering binding and activity of the hormone at the receptor level. Among the chemicals covered are pesticides (e.g. dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and methoxychlor), plasticizers (e.g. bisphenol A and phthalates), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzo[a]pyrene).
authors.affiliation: Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, 2001 S. Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802, USA.
authors.forename: Zelieann R
authors.initials: ZR
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jodi A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Flaws
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D010575:Pesticides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D010968:Plasticizers / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D010575:Pesticides; D010968:Plasticizers; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear