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[Endocrine disrupting chemicals and carcinogenesis--breast, testis and prostate cancer]
Abstract:
Since exogenous hormones, including hormonal medicines such as diethylstilbestrol (DES), have been shown carcinogenic potentials in human and animals, it has been worried about whether endocrine disrupting chemicals(EDCs) have also carcinogenic potentials at their target organs, such as prostate, mammary gland, testes, uterus, ovary, thyroid, etc. In experimental animals, mammary tumors are induced by some pesticides, such as DDT and atrazine. Although testicular tumors are also induced by some EDCs, such as DES and E2, most of tumors are interstitial cell tumors, but not germ cell tumors, which are most common testicular tumors in man. Epidemiological studies showed that there is no EDC which clearly possess carcinogenic potentials in man, except dioxin and hormonal medicines.
Insights
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are scrutinized for cancer risks in humans and animals. While some EDCs induce tumors in experimental animals, human epidemiological data show limited evidence of carcinogenicity, excluding dioxin and hormonal medicines.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Oncology
Background:
- Exogenous hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) raise concerns regarding carcinogenic potential.
- Hormonal medicines like diethylstilbestrol (DES) are known carcinogens in humans and animals.
- Target organs for EDC carcinogenicity include the prostate, mammary gland, testes, uterus, ovary, and thyroid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the carcinogenic potential of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in target organs.
- To compare tumor induction in experimental animals with human epidemiological findings for EDCs.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental animal studies on EDC-induced tumors.
- Analysis of human epidemiological studies on EDC exposure and cancer risk.
Main Results:
- Pesticides like DDT and atrazine have induced mammary tumors in experimental animals.
- Some EDCs, including DES and E2, induce testicular tumors in animals, primarily interstitial cell tumors, not germ cell tumors.
- Human epidemiological studies show no clear carcinogenic potential for EDCs, except for dioxin and hormonal medicines.
Conclusions:
- While some EDCs demonstrate carcinogenicity in animal models, human epidemiological evidence is limited.
- Further research is needed to clarify the carcinogenic risks of EDCs in humans.