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Endocrine Disruptors as a New Etiologic Factor of Bone Tissue Diseases (Review)
1Head of the Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Research Institute of Human Morphology, 3 Tsyurupy St., Moscow, 117418, Russia.
Abstract:
At present, diseases of bones and joints stand third after cardiovascular and oncological pathologies which demands the necessity of searching for new etiological factors and pathogenetical mechanisms of these illnesses. The accumulating data show the association between the impairment of bone tissue development and regeneration and endocrine disruptor impact. Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances, mainly of anthropogenic origin, capable of affecting endocrine system functioning and interfering with organ morphogenesis and physiological functions. The development and regeneration of bone tissues have a complex hormonal regulation and therefore bone tissue cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts can be considered as potential targets for endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors have been established to be able to impair calcium metabolism which also contributes to the development of musculoskeletal system pathology. Data on histogenesis of bone tissue and regeneration, calcium metabolism as well as on hormonal regulation of bone growth and remodeling processes are presented in this work. Recent information on the effect of the main endocrine disruptor classes (diethylstilbestrol, organochlorine pesticides, alkylphenols, bisphenol A, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, and phthalic acid esters) on the development and remodeling of bone tissues and calcium metabolism has been summarized. The established physiological and molecular mechanisms of their action have been also considered.
Insights
Endocrine disruptors harm bone development and regeneration by interfering with hormonal regulation and calcium metabolism. This review details their impact on bone health and potential molecular mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Bone and joint diseases are a major global health concern, ranking third after cardiovascular and oncological diseases.
- Emerging evidence links endocrine disruptors to impaired bone development and regeneration.
- Endocrine disruptors are exogenous chemicals affecting the endocrine system, potentially disrupting organogenesis and physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of endocrine disruptors on bone tissue development, regeneration, and calcium metabolism.
- To summarize current knowledge on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of endocrine disruptor action on bone.
- To highlight the significance of endocrine disruptors as potential etiological factors in bone pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing existing data on endocrine disruptors and bone health.
- Analysis of studies on hormonal regulation of bone growth and remodeling.
- Examination of the effects of specific endocrine disruptor classes on bone tissue and calcium metabolism.
Main Results:
- Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the hormonal regulation crucial for bone development and regeneration.
- These substances are shown to impair calcium metabolism, contributing to musculoskeletal disorders.
- Specific classes like diethylstilbestrol, pesticides, bisphenol A, and phthalates have demonstrated adverse effects on bone.
Conclusions:
- Endocrine disruptors pose a significant threat to bone health by disrupting critical physiological processes.
- Understanding the mechanisms of endocrine disruptor action is vital for developing strategies to prevent bone diseases.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the long-term effects and therapeutic interventions for endocrine disruptor-induced bone pathology.

