Estrogenic endocrine disruptors and cancer: a narrative review

Estrogenic endocrine disruptors (e-EDCs) are synthetic or natural compounds present in the environment with the capacity of modulate molecular pathways regulated by estrogen hormones. Scientific evidence suggests a link between e-EDCs exposure and the development of various types of cancers in organs as prostate, breast, cervix, uterus, colon, lung, liver, and others. Interestingly, synthetic and natural e-EDCs role on cancer development include both preventive and promotive mechanisms, that depend on their concentration and exposure period. The molecular action mechanisms of e-EDCs include diverse signaling pathways such as hormone-dependent gene expression, agonism or antagonism of hormone action, among others. This article reviews the studied molecular signaling pathways that underlie the natural and synthetic e-EDCs effects on the development of various types of cancer.