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[Molecular mechanisms of environmental estrogens on reproductive and developmental toxicity]
Dingxin Long1, Yong Li, Feng Chen
1School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
Abstract:
It has been shown that numerous natural and synthetic chemicals with estrogenic activities are reproductive or developmental toxic factors in humans or animals by epidemiological investigations and animal experiments. The mechanisms of toxicity, however, are very complicated, especially the molecular mechanisms. This article introduced the current progress on molecular mechanisms of toxicity, which included modulating signaling pathways, interfering gene expression during embryo stage, inducing mutation, etc.
Insights
Estrogenic chemicals can harm reproduction and development. This review explores their complex molecular toxicity mechanisms, including pathway modulation and gene expression interference.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Epidemiological and animal studies identify chemicals with estrogenic activity as reproductive and developmental toxicants.
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying these toxic effects remain complex and require further elucidation.
Purpose:
- To review the current progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of toxicity for estrogenic chemicals.
- To highlight key pathways and processes involved in chemical-induced reproductive and developmental harm.
Summary:
- Estrogenic chemicals exert toxicity through various molecular mechanisms.
- These include the modulation of critical cellular signaling pathways.
- Interference with gene expression during embryonic development and the induction of mutations are also significant factors.
Impact:
- Provides a consolidated overview of complex molecular mechanisms.
- Aids researchers in identifying specific targets for mitigating chemical toxicity.
- Contributes to a deeper understanding of endocrine disruptors' effects on health.