Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
08:34
Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
[Endocrine disruptors and obesity: obesogens].
Ricardo V García-Mayor1, Alejandra Larrañaga Vidal, Maria F Docet Caamaño
1Unidad de Investigación Compartida «Obesógenos» Sergas, Servicio de Endocrinología, Diabetes, Nutrición y Metabolismo, Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, España. ricardo.garcia.mayor@sergas.es
Summary
Rising obesity rates may be linked to endocrine disruptors called obesogens. While animal studies show these chemicals promote obesity, human data remains limited.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Context:
- Global increase in overweight and obesity over the past 30 years.
- Lifestyle changes alone do not fully explain the obesity epidemic.
- Emerging evidence points to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as potential contributors.
Purpose:
- To review existing scientific evidence on chemical substances with obesogenic potential in humans.
- To identify specific pollutants, including diethylstilbestrol (DES), genistein, bisphenol A, organotins, and phthalates, as potential obesogens.
- To examine the mechanisms of action, such as estrogen receptor and PPARγ activation.
Summary:
- The study reviewed evidence for obesogenic effects of DES, genistein, bisphenol A, organotins (TBT, TPT), and phthalates.
- These chemicals are known endocrine disruptors that can influence metabolic processes.
- Evidence demonstrates obesogenic effects in experimental tissues and animals.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential role of environmental pollutants in the obesity epidemic.
- Suggests a need for further research into the human health effects of obesogens.
- Informs public health strategies and environmental regulations concerning obesogenic chemicals.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Obesity
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
01:26Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
01:20Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Drug metabolism, a critical process in the liver, involves two primary phases: Phase I reactions and Phase II conjugation. Obesity introduces significant alterations in this metabolic process, primarily due to fatty infiltration of the liver, leading to conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition can modify the activities of both Phase I and II enzymes, impacting how drugs are metabolized in obese patients.Phase I metabolism sees variable effects across...
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Obesity significantly alters the pharmacokinetic processes of drug absorption and distribution, presenting unique challenges in medical treatment. The increased fat tissue and decreased lean muscle in obese individuals can significantly affect how drugs are absorbed into the body and distributed across different tissues. This alteration can lead to variances in the effectiveness and safety of medications, necessitating adjustments in dosing or drug selection for obese patients.One notable...
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.