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Cellular and molecular effects of developmental exposure to diethylstilbestrol: implications for other environmental

R Newbold1

  • 1Environmental Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.

Environmental Health Perspectives
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Environmental and dietary estrogens may contribute to abnormalities in estrogen-target tissues. Studies with diethylstilbestrol (DES) show developmental exposure can cause permanent cellular changes, impacting both sexes and potentially linking to endocrine disruptors.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Environmental and dietary estrogens are suspected contributors to abnormalities in estrogen-target tissues.
  • These abnormalities affect both sexes, including cancers, reproductive issues, and developmental alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential role of environmental and dietary estrogens in causing tissue abnormalities.
  • To investigate the effects of exogenous estrogen exposure during development using diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a model.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies on environmental estrogens and their effects.
  • Utilizing diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a potent estrogen model to understand developmental exposure impacts.

Main Results:

  • Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure during development can induce permanent cellular and molecular alterations.
  • These alterations manifest as structural, functional, and pathological changes, including neoplasia, in both males and females.

Conclusions:

  • Exogenous estrogen exposure during critical developmental periods can lead to long-term health consequences.
  • Diethylstilbestrol (DES) serves as a valuable model for studying the effects of weaker environmental estrogens and endocrine disruptors.

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