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Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and sex steroid receptors

Julianne M Hall1, Kenneth S Korach2

  • 1Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Hamden, CT, United States.

Advances in Pharmacology (San Diego, Calif.)
|August 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with sex-steroid receptors (SSRs), impacting hormone signaling. This disruption can lead to various diseases affecting development, homeostasis, and reproductive health.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Molecular Biology
  • Reproductive Health and Toxicology

Background:

  • Sex-steroid receptors (SSRs) mediate critical estrogen, progestin, and androgen signaling pathways.
  • Dysfunctional SSRs are linked to numerous diseases, including cancers, metabolic disorders, and reproductive issues.
  • Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental agents known to interfere with SSR function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which EDCs interact with SSRs.
  • To describe the pathological consequences of EDC-induced SSR disruption.
  • To emphasize the underlying mechanisms of receptor dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental, clinical, and epidemiological evidence on EDC-SSR interactions.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms of EDC engagement with estrogen, progestin, and androgen receptors.
  • Description of pathological outcomes in reproductive and other organs due to SSR dysfunction.

Main Results:

  • EDCs modulate SSR function across various cell types and tissues.
  • EDC interaction with SSRs disrupts endogenous hormone signaling, causing physiological abnormalities.
  • Disruption of SSR action by EDCs leads to dysfunction in target cells and organs.

Conclusions:

  • EDCs pose a significant threat to endocrine homeostasis by interfering with SSR signaling.
  • Understanding EDC-SSR interactions is crucial for addressing associated pathologies.
  • Further research into receptor dysfunction mechanisms is warranted to mitigate health risks.
Keywords:
Androgen receptorAndrogen(s)Endocrine disrupting chemicalsEstrogen receptorEstrogen(s)PathologyPhysiologyProgesterone receptorSex steroid receptors

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