Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals: Disruptors of central and peripheral clock systems

The essential role of circadian rhythms in various physiological processes has gained increasing recognition. Their disruption leads to abnormalities in tissue and organ function, as well as the development of diseases. Environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), ubiquitous pollutants in the environment, are well known to enter the human body and greatly affect its homeostasis. Growing attention is being directed towards the impact of EDCs on circadian rhythms, potentially resulting in a succession of serious consequences. Therefore, in this review, we focused on the impact of EDCs on the central clock system, highlighting their potential to disrupt circadian rhythms and examining the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we also summarized current evidence showing that EDCs interfere with the peripheral clock systems, impairing key physiological functions, such as hepatic energy metabolism, reproductive function and more. Another topic of this review was to provide insights into recent findings from pioneering research that may shed light on the future discussion about the influences of the central clock system on the peripheral rhythms in the presence of EDCs. Summarizing the emerging findings on the effects of EDC exposure on both central and peripheral clock systems will deepen our understanding of how EDC exposure influences human health and the underlying mechanisms involved.