title: Carcinogenetic mechanisms of endocrine disruptors in female cancers (Review).
abstract: Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are pollutants that alter the endocrine system and are involved in carcinogenesis. EDs have multiple and complex levels of action. They can affect the synthesis, release and transport of natural hormones. In target tissues, EDs can reduce or increase the effects of natural hormones on their receptors and change signaling cascades. When ED exposure happens at critical periods of life, from embryo to puberty, they can act at doses considered safe for an adult. Furthermore, their epigenetic effects can also influence the cancer risk of future generations. The cancer mechanisms of known EDs are hereby reviewed, There are thousands of newly introduced substances whose potential endocrine-disrupting and cancer effects are completely unknown. Although there are still gaps in our knowledge, these data support the urgent need for health and environmental policies aimed at protecting the public and in particular, the developing fetus and women of reproductive age.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecological Oncology, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, I-33081 Aviano, Italy.
authors.forename: Lino
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Del Pup
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Health, I-00161 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mantovani
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale' - IRCCS, I-80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cavaliere
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale' - IRCCS, I-80131 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Facchini
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, I-80138 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Amalia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Luce
authors.affiliation: Unit of General and Geriatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Second University of Naples, I-80137 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Pasquale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sperlongano
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, I-80138 Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Caraglia
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, I-33081 Aviano, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berretta
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D063646:Carcinogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D052244:Endocrine Disruptors