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Diethylstilboestrol--historical background and current regulatory status
1Australian Veterinary Association Subcommittee on Therapeutics, Artarmon, New South Wales.
Australian Veterinary Journal
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Diethylstilboestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen previously used in medicine and veterinary fields. Due to potential human health risks like teratogenicity and carcinogenicity, its veterinary use is now restricted to small animals, and banned in food-producing animals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Diethylstilboestrol (DES) is a non-steroidal orally active estrogen.
- Historically, DES had widespread medical and veterinary applications.
- Concerns regarding human exposure and toxicity have led to regulatory changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the historical use and current restrictions of Diethylstilboestrol (DES).
- To highlight the toxicological concerns associated with DES exposure.
- To inform about the regulatory status of DES in veterinary medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of DES usage and toxicity studies.
- Analysis of regulatory guidelines concerning DES.
- Summary of risk assessment for human exposure through animal products.
Main Results:
- DES was widely used but poses teratogenic and carcinogenic risks to humans.
- Veterinary use of DES is now limited to oral administration in small animals.
- The use of DES in food-producing animals is strictly prohibited.
Conclusions:
- The veterinary application of DES has been significantly curtailed due to safety concerns.
- Strict regulations are in place to prevent human exposure to DES residues.
- DES poses significant health risks, necessitating its restricted use.