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Endocrine Disruptors Exposure and Human Health

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Toxicology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2024) | Viewed by 4537

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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 361-763, Republic of Korea
Interests: reproductive toxicology; endocrine disruptors; animal alternative tests; guidelines of toxicology; calcium metabolism; steroid receptors; stem cells in pharmacological and toxicological test
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are environmental chemicals that interfere with the endocrine systems and adversely affect hormone balance or disrupt normal function of organs that hormones regulate or modulate, leading to detrimental effects in reproductive and developmental processes. Humans and animals come into contact with EDs through a variety of routes, including consumption of food and water, through the skin, by inhalation, and by transfer from mother to fetus across the placenta or mother to infant via lactation. Over the past few decades, the regulation of EDs has been debated among scientists, physicians, regulators, and the public. Key elements for the regulation of EDs are in process, and important discussions are ongoing, especially with regard to the establishment of criteria for the identification of endocrine disrupting substances. In this Special issue, recent progress in all aspects of EDs will be proposed for research, guiding the understanding of EDs. The research will give specific ways in which science can be employed for human health.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a forum to collect most recent progress in all aspects of EDs and their impacts on human health, to discuss possible ways forward, and to increase the level of knowledge and competence. Contributions to both animal models and/or humans, as well as to alternative tools, are encouraged, to shed light on the development of new hypotheses about endocrine disruptors.

Prof. Dr. Eui-Bae Jeung
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • endocrine disruptors
  • environmental chemicals
  • hormones
  • epigenetics

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3809 KiB  
Communication
The Effects of Combined Exposure to Bisphenols and Perfluoroalkyls on Human Perinatal Stem Cells and the Potential Implications for Health Outcomes
by Andrea Di Credico, Giulia Gaggi, Ines Bucci, Barbara Ghinassi and Angela Di Baldassarre
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(19), 15018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241915018 - 9 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1391
Abstract
The present study investigates the impact of two endocrine disruptors, namely Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), on human stem cells. These chemicals leach from plastic, and when ingested through contaminated food and water, they interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, causing various diseases. While [...] Read more.
The present study investigates the impact of two endocrine disruptors, namely Bisphenols (BPs) and Perfluoroalkyls (PFs), on human stem cells. These chemicals leach from plastic, and when ingested through contaminated food and water, they interfere with endogenous hormone signaling, causing various diseases. While the ability of BPs and PFs to cross the placental barrier and accumulate in fetal serum has been documented, the exact consequences for human development require further elucidation. The present research work explored the effects of combined exposure to BPs (BPA or BPS) and PFs (PFOS and PFOA) on human placenta (fetal membrane mesenchymal stromal cells, hFM-MSCs) and amniotic fluid (hAFSCs)-derived stem cells. The effects of the xenobiotics were assessed by analyzing cell proliferation, mitochondrial functionality, and the expression of genes involved in pluripotency and epigenetic regulation, which are crucial for early human development. Our findings demonstrate that antenatal exposure to BPs and/or PFs may alter the biological characteristics of perinatal stem cells and fetal epigenome, with potential implications for health outcomes at birth and in adulthood. Further research is necessary to comprehend the full extent of these effects and their long-term consequences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine Disruptors Exposure and Human Health)
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Review

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38 pages, 1572 KiB  
Review
The Dual Faces of Oestrogen: The Impact of Exogenous Oestrogen on the Physiological and Pathophysiological Functions of Tissues and Organs
by Joanna Bartkowiak-Wieczorek, Agnieszka Jaros, Anna Gajdzińska, Paulina Wojtyła-Buciora, Igor Szymański, Julian Szymaniak, Wojciech Janusz, Iga Walczak, Gabriela Jonaszka and Agnieszka Bienert
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158167 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1074
Abstract
Oestrogen plays a crucial physiological role in both women and men. It regulates reproductive functions and maintains various non-reproductive tissues through its receptors, such as oestrogen receptor 1/oestrogen receptor α (ESR1/Erα), oestrogen receptor 2/oestrogen receptor β (ESR2/Erβ), and G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 [...] Read more.
Oestrogen plays a crucial physiological role in both women and men. It regulates reproductive functions and maintains various non-reproductive tissues through its receptors, such as oestrogen receptor 1/oestrogen receptor α (ESR1/Erα), oestrogen receptor 2/oestrogen receptor β (ESR2/Erβ), and G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 (GPER). This hormone is essential for the proper functioning of women’s ovaries and uterus. Oestrogen supports testicular function and spermatogenesis in men and contributes to bone density, cardiovascular health, and metabolic processes in both sexes. Nuclear receptors Er-α and Er-β belong to the group of transcription activators that stimulate cell proliferation. In the environment, compounds similar in structure to the oestrogens compete with endogenous hormones for binding sites to receptors and to disrupt homeostasis. The lack of balance in oestrogen levels can lead to infertility, cancer, immunological disorders, and other conditions. Exogenous endocrine-active compounds, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and organic phosphoric acid esters, can disrupt signalling pathways responsible for cell division and apoptosis processes. The metabolism of oestrogen and its structurally similar compounds can produce carcinogenic substances. It can also stimulate the growth of cancer cells by regulating genes crucial for cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, with long-term elevated levels linked to hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer. Oestrogens can also affect markers of immunological activation and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Hormone replacement therapy, oral contraception, in vitro fertilisation stimulation, and hormonal stimulation of transgender people can increase the risk of breast cancer. Cortisol, similar in structure to oestrogen, can serve as a biomarker associated with the risk of developing breast cancer. The aim of this review is to analyse the sources of oestrogens and their effects on the endogenous and exogenous process of homeostasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine Disruptors Exposure and Human Health)
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16 pages, 1689 KiB  
Review
Effects of Pharmaceutical Substances with Obesogenic Activity on Male Reproductive Health
by Caio Mascarenhas, Ana C. A. Sousa and Luís Rato
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(4), 2324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25042324 - 15 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1614
Abstract
Obesogens have been identified as a significant factor associated with increasing obesity rates, particularly in developed countries. Substances with obesogenic traits are prevalent in consumer products, including certain pharmaceuticals. Specific classes of pharmaceuticals have been recognized for their ability to induce weight gain, [...] Read more.
Obesogens have been identified as a significant factor associated with increasing obesity rates, particularly in developed countries. Substances with obesogenic traits are prevalent in consumer products, including certain pharmaceuticals. Specific classes of pharmaceuticals have been recognized for their ability to induce weight gain, often accompanied by hormonal alterations that can adversely impact male fertility. Indeed, research has supplied evidence underscoring the crucial role of obesogens and therapeutic agents in the normal functioning of the male reproductive system. Notably, sperm count and various semen parameters have been closely linked to a range of environmental and nutritional factors, including chemicals and pharmacological agents exhibiting obesogenic properties. This review aimed to explore studies focused on analyzing male fertility parameters, delving into the intricacies of sperm quality, and elucidating the direct and adverse effects that pharmacological agents may have on these aspects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrine Disruptors Exposure and Human Health)
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