title: Endocrine disrupting chemicals and disease susceptibility.
abstract: Environmental chemicals have significant impacts on biological systems. Chemical exposures during early stages of development can disrupt normal patterns of development and thus dramatically alter disease susceptibility later in life. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with the body's endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic and immune effects in humans. A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and components of plastics such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. EDCs are found in many everyday products--including plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food additives, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. EDCs interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, activity, or elimination of natural hormones. This interference can block or mimic hormone action, causing a wide range of effects. This review focuses on the mechanisms and modes of action by which EDCs alter hormone signaling. It also includes brief overviews of select disease endpoints associated with endocrine disruption.
authors: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Cellular, Organ and Systems Pathobiology Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. schugt@niehs.nih.gov
authors: Thaddeus T
authors: TT
authors: Schug
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Janesick
authors: Bruce
authors: B
authors: Blumberg
authors: Jerrold J
authors: JJ
authors: Heindel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D009765:Obesity / Q000139:chemically induced; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004785:Environmental Pollutants