[Endocrine disruptor compounds and new mechanisms of toxicity networks]

Endocrine disruptor compounds and new mechanisms of toxicity. Recent observations have shown that certain exogenous substances could interfere with the endocrine system and thereby elicit toxic effects. This has led to the identification of the endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC) as a new class of toxic agents. EDC are widely used (plasticizers, solvents, biocides, pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, etc.) and are characterized by their mechanism of action. These discoveries have changed a number of concepts in toxicology and have allowed scientists to describe: complex relationships between doses and effects; delayed effects that can be observed years after the exposure; the relevance of the target organism and its vulnerability; the effects of mixture of compounds. While keeping its mechanistic approach, toxicology has progressively become more system-oriented and integrative and is now closer to physiology, developmental biology and epigenetics. There are many regulatory implications of current EDC studies and the field is a good example of science and policy dialogue.