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Clinical expression of endocrine disruptors in children

Lorenzo Iughetti1, Laura Lucaccioni1, Maria E Street2

  • 1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|July 22, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) impact child health during critical developmental periods. Research highlights their role in growth, puberty, thyroid function, and obesity, with potential transgenerational effects.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Child health is influenced by genetics, environment, nutrition, and chemical exposures.
  • Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental agents that interfere with hormonal systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent scientific knowledge on the impact of EDCs on the pediatric population.
  • To understand the role of EDCs in child wellbeing and development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on endocrine disrupting chemicals and pediatric health.
  • Analysis of temporal windows of susceptibility (prenatal, postnatal, puberty).

Main Results:

  • EDCs can affect growth and pubertal timing, with potential transgenerational effects.
  • Thyroid function (TSH levels) and neurodevelopment can be impaired by EDCs.
  • Specific EDCs exhibit pro-obesogenic effects and disrupt glucose homeostasis in children.

Conclusions:

  • Critical windows of susceptibility exist for EDC exposure in pediatric populations.
  • EDCs pose significant risks to child health, influencing development and metabolic functions.
  • Multidisciplinary approaches and big data are needed to understand EDC-related health risks.
Abstract

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