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Endocrine Disruptors and Obesity: An Overview
Isanna Murro1, Giuseppe Lisco2, Carmen Di Noia1
1Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari, School of Medicine, Policlinico, Bari, Italy.
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets
|March 29, 2022
Summary
Environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, like phthalates and bisphenols, promote obesity by altering metabolic properties. Exposure affects body mass index and hormone levels in a sex-specific manner, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Obesity is a global pandemic with complex contributing factors.
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are prevalent environmental contaminants.
- EDCs are suspected to play a role in the development of obesity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the role of environmental EDCs as potential promoters of obesity.
- To review evidence on how specific EDCs affect metabolic properties and anthropometric parameters.
- To discuss potential mechanisms and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and data on EDC exposure and obesity.
- Analysis of dose-response and sex-specific effects of various EDCs.
- Examination of proposed mechanisms involving hormonal pathways.
Main Results:
- Phthalates and bisphenols are linked to increased BMI, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness in women.
- Low-dose Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) increase BMI in men but decrease it in women.
- EDCs may interfere with gonadotropin and thyroid hormone secretion, affecting testosterone and thyroid hormone levels.
Conclusions:
- EDCs can modify metabolic properties and anthropometric measures in a sex-specific manner.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and long-term impacts on adipose tissue and cardio-metabolic health.
- Studies involving human populations are crucial to confirm findings from in vitro and animal models.
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