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Endocrine Disruptors and Prostate Cancer
Margherita Corti1, Stefano Lorenzetti2, Alessandro Ubaldi1
1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 15, 2022
Summary
Endocrine disruptors (EDs) impact prostate health and male fertility by interfering with androgen receptor (AR) signaling. This interference may contribute to prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Urology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The prostate gland is crucial for male fertility, producing seminal fluid.
- Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common male cancer linked to deregulated cellular pathways, particularly androgen receptor (AR) signaling.
- Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are environmental chemicals that can interfere with hormonal systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the overlooked role of endocrine disruptors (EDs) in the human prostate gland.
- To understand how EDs influence molecular mechanisms in prostate homeostasis and diseases like PCa.
- To explore the impact of EDs on AR-dependent signaling in the prostate.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental models and molecular mechanisms.
- Analysis of AR signaling pathways in prostate physiology and pathology.
- Examination of EDs' effects on AR-dependent gene regulation.
Main Results:
- EDs are known to influence prostate homeostasis and diseases from experimental models.
- EDs can affect AR signaling, a key pathway in PCa development.
- EDs acting on AR signaling may contribute to PCa onset and progression.
Conclusions:
- The role of EDs in the prostate gland warrants further attention.
- EDs can disrupt normal prostate function and potentially promote PCa.
- Understanding EDs' impact on AR signaling is critical for addressing prostate health issues.
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