Endocrinal disrupters and its influence on human health by causing

various type of cancer and obesity

Introduction
Background of the study

Endocrine disruptors are substances that can interfere with the endocrine system, which
is responsible for regulating various physiological processes in the body through the
production and release of hormones. These disruptors can mimic, block, or interfere
with the body's natural hormones, leading to disruptions in normal endocrine function.
The endocrine system plays a crucial role in the development, growth, metabolism, and
reproductive processes.

Endocrine disruptors can be natural or synthetic and are found in a variety of everyday
products, including certain pesticides, plastics, industrial chemicals, and personal care
products. Common endocrine disruptors include:

Endocrine disruptors are substances or environmental factors that can interfere with
hormone action and cause defects in hormone synthesis and production. They include
pesticides, fungicides, industrial chemicals, plasticizers, phytoestrogens, heavy metals,
and flame retardants

Some specific examples of endocrine disruptors are dioxins, bisphenol A (BPA),

phthalates, perchlorate, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organophosphate
pesticides. Arikath et al. (2022)

These disruptors can affect the synthesis, action, and metabolism of sex steroid
hormones, leading to developmental and fertility problems, hormone-sensitive cancers,
and reproductive disorders in both men and women They can also cause epigenetic
alterations, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, which have been linked
to various diseases . Overall, endocrine disruptors have a wide range of sources,
including industrial chemicals, consumer goods, air pollutants, and water contaminants .
endocrine disruptors found in plastics
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals found in plastics that can interfere with the normal
functions of the endocrine system. These chemicals, such as bisphenols (BPs) and
phthalates, can leach out of plastics and enter the environment, making human
exposure to them widespread. Juan et al. (2023)

Epidemiological, animal, and cellular studies have linked exposure to BPs and phthalates
to altered glucose regulation and an increased risk of diabetes mellitus. These studies
have shown that these chemicals can disrupt the physiology of pancreatic β-cells,
impairing glucose homeostasis and altering the mechanisms used by β-cells to adapt to
metabolic stress. Ekpa et al (2022)

Additionally, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been associated

with adverse effects on fertility, reproductive hormone concentrations, and gamete and
embryo characteristics . Philippa et al. (2020)

Bisphenol A and phthalate esters, commonly found in plastics, have been shown to
possess endocrine disrupting properties and have been linked to a range of health
problems, including reproductive health issues, metabolic alterations, and the
development of hormone-sensitive cancer. Philippa et al. ( 2022)

endocrine disrupters found in pesticides:

Endocrine disrupters are substances found in pesticides that can affect the normal
endocrine systems of animals and humans. Pesticides, which are designed to be toxic to
pests and disease vectors, can be present in the environment at low concentrations,
making it easy for people to be exposed to these substances.

Some pesticides, such as glyphosate, thiacloprid, and imidacloprid, have been found to
interfere with estrogen biosynthesis and/or signaling, indicating their potential as
endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) . Chao et al. (2020)

EDCs can also be found in air as volatile or semivolatile compounds, attached to

particulate matter. They include industrial chemicals, products of combustion, pesticides,
herbicides, alkyl phenols, components of plastics, components of consumer goods, and
some metals . Philippa et al . (2022)

The use of pesticides in agriculture has been linked to adverse changes in the nervous
and endocrine systems of humans and animals, although the underlying mechanisms
are not yet fully understood. L et al. (2019)
endocrine disrupters found in personal care items;

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can be found in personal care products (PCPs)

and can be absorbed through the skin. Several studies have shown that EDCs used in
PCPs have been measured in human tissue, and there is evidence linking the
concentrations of these chemicals in tissue to self-reported use of PCP.

Common EDCs found in PCPs include parabens, benzophenones, bisphenols, and

phthalates. Zorimar et al. (2021) .The use of certain hair products, such as hair dyes,
bleach, relaxers, and mousse, has been associated with lower levels of sex steroid
hormones in pregnant women. Murphy et al (2021). It is important to note that PCPs
present a high dermal exposure to multiple EDCs on a daily basis, and the dermal
application of PCPs as a source of EDCs is an emerging issue. Philippa et al.
(2015). National and international regulatory bodies are moving towards greater
regulation of the component chemicals in PCPs .

Background of the study:

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been found to have an impact on human
health, specifically in relation to cancer and obesity. Exposure to EDCs, such as
phthalates, bisphenol compounds, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), has been
associated with changes in metabolic properties and anthropometric parameters,
including body mass index and waist circumference. Isanna et al. (2022)
Due to their lipophilic nature, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) possess the
capability to accumulate in adipose tissue, resulting in prolonged exposure and the
possibility of enduring health consequences. Bayram et al. (2020)
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during intrauterine periods can exert
transgenerational effects, potentially contributing to the development of diseases later
in life. Beatrice et al, (2021).Certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), identified as
obesogens, have the capacity to induce obesity by influencing adipocyte commitment,
differentiation, and the regulation of metabolism. Sigalet al. (2019).Moreover, exposure
to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been associated with the onset of obesity-
related diseases, encompassing diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular
diseases, and infertility. Demetrios et al . (2017) . In conclusion, the escalating concern
over the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health, spanning
from cancer to obesity, underscores the need for additional research and a collaborative,
strategic approach.
Problem statement:

1. Identification of Endocrine Disruptors: What are the primary endocrine disruptors

present in our environment , and to what extent are individuals exposed to these
compounds in their daily lives?
2. Association with Cancer:
Is there a causal relationship between exposure to endocrine disruptors and the
incidence of cancer in human populations? If so, what are the specific types of
cancer that are most strongly associated with such exposure?
3. Impact on Obesity:
How do endocrine disruptors contribute to the development of obesity? What
are the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms that link exposure to
these disruptors with weight gain and adipose tissue dysfunction?

Objective:

 Investigate the association between exposure to endocrine disruptors and the

incidence of cancer in human populations.
 Examine the impact of endocrine disruptors on obesity development and its
underlying mechanisms.
 Identify specific endocrine disruptors that are particularly linked to cancer and
obesity.

Literature review

Endocrine disruptors refer to elements or conditions in the environment that can disrupt
the normal functioning of the body's endocrine system, resulting in abnormalities in the
synthesis and production of hormones.These disruptors can manifest as either natural or
synthetic chemicals and are present across different categories, including plasticizers,
heavy metals, pesticides, and flame retardants. Robert, Barouki. (2017).They have the
ability to imitate or hinder the actions of naturally occurring hormones, causing
disturbances in the organism's regular physiology and homeostasis. Arikath et al
(2022).The recognition of endocrine disruptors relies on their modes of operation rather
than their chemical composition or particular applications. Yann et al (2019)
The identification of endocrine disruptors has been driven by the increasing trends in
hormone-related diseases and conditions in wildlife and human populations
Association of endocrinal disrupters with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer has been linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can
alter the activities of sex-steroid receptors, including estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ)
and the androgen receptor (AR). Aurélie et al. (2022).Moreover, these chemicals can
indirectly affect the androgen and estrogen pathways by influencing steroidogenesis,
the expression of androgen receptors (AR) or estrogen receptors (ERs), and their
corresponding roles as transcription factors. Eduardo et al. (2017). EDCs, or endocrine-
disrupting chemicals, pose a threat to humans as they are encountered through various
sources such as food, water, and air. These substances impact the synthesis, release,
transport, metabolism, binding, function, and elimination of naturally occurring
hormones in the human body. Henri et al. (2017). While a direct and unequivocal
association between most endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and prostate cancer in
humans has not been established, an insufficient diet and exposure to specific toxic
agents have been demonstrated to predispose individuals to the disease. Additional
research is essential to comprehensively grasp the influence of EDCs on prostate cancer
and to formulate strategies for prevention and treatment.

endocrinal disrupters and breast cancer:

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) exert significant effects on both breast

development and the process of carcinogenesis, thereby elevating the risk of breast
cancer. These compounds encompass natural elements like phytoestrogens and
mycoestrogens, along with synthetic chemicals present in common consumer products.
Murphy et al. (2021). Considerable attention has been drawn to Bisphenol A (BPA), a
prototypical xenoestrogen, owing to its significant adverse health effects. Nira et al.
(2019). The rising prevalence of endocrine disruptors (EDs) in the environment is linked
to a discernible increase in hormone-dependent cancers, notably breast cancer. Henri,
Rochefort. (2017). Distilbene, BPA, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) have each
demonstrated the ability to bind to estrogen receptors, implicating them in the context
of breast cancer. Monica et al. (2016).
Clinical evidence, experimental models, and epidemiological studies collectively indicate
that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates, bisphenol A, and
parabens, pose significant risks to human health, including an increased risk of breast
cancer. Dominik, Rachoń. (2015).
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with estrogenic effects have the potential to
elevate the risk of various cancers, including those affecting the breast, uterus, ovaries,
and cervix. It is crucial to educate the public about the presence of EDCs in consumer
products and their adverse health effects.
endocrinal disrupters cause obesity:

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been implicated in the development of

obesity. These chemicals, also known as obesogens, can disrupt lipid homeostasis,
promote adipogenesis, and lead to weight gain and obesity. Olivera et al. (2022).
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during prenatal stages has been
demonstrated to impact metabolism and foster obesity in succeeding generations. Sigal
et al. (2019). EDCs can interfere with the endocrine regulation of metabolism, adipose
tissue development, and appetite, leading to obesity later in life . Demetrios et al. (2017).
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can additionally reprogram and
reshape the germline epigenome, playing a role in the development of obesity and
related diseases. Yann et al. (2019).

These chemicals have the potential to disturb both cellular and whole-body metabolism,
resulting in various metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia,
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular dysfunction. The exploration
of the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on metabolic function and
disease risk is an evolving area of research.

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