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14:13
Detecting Estrogenic Ligands in Personal Care Products using a Yeast Estrogen Screen Optimized for the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory
Published on: January 1, 2018
Some alkyl hydroxy benzoate preservatives (parabens) are estrogenic
E J Routledge1, J Parker, J Odum
1Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom. edwin.routledge@brunel.ac.uk
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|January 6, 1999
Summary
Certain synthetic preservatives called parabens are weakly estrogenic, potentially affecting the endocrine system. Further research is needed to reassess their safety and human exposure risks.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Synthetic chemicals can exhibit estrogenicity, impacting endocrine systems in humans and wildlife.
- Alkyl hydroxy benzoate preservatives (parabens) are widely used in consumer products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the estrogenic potential of parabens using in vitro and in vivo studies.
- To assess the endocrine-disrupting effects of parabens.
Main Methods:
- Receptor-binding assays using rat estrogen receptors.
- In vitro yeast-based estrogen assay.
- In vivo uterotrophic assay in immature rats following oral and subcutaneous administration.
Main Results:
- Parabens demonstrated weak estrogenicity in vitro, with butylparaben being the most potent.
- Estrogenic activity was mediated through interaction with the estrogen receptor, as shown by inhibition with 4-hydroxy tamoxifen.
- In vivo, oral administration of parabens showed no effect, but subcutaneous administration of butylparaben induced a weak uterotrophic response.
Conclusions:
- Parabens possess weak estrogenic activity, with potency significantly lower than 17 beta-estradiol.
- Reassessment of paraben safety is recommended, focusing on systemic exposure levels and potential human health risks.
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