What is the Origin of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds?

The recognition of EDCs as a distinct class of environmental hazards emerged in the late 20th century, spurred by observations of reproductive and developmental abnormalities in wildlife exposed to certain pesticides and industrial chemicals. The term formalized the scientific understanding that environmental agents could mimic or block hormone action, thereby disrupting normal physiological processes. This concept fundamentally linked environmental science with endocrinology.

What is the Mechanism of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds?

EDCs operate through several molecular mechanisms, most commonly by binding to and activating or blocking steroid hormone receptors, such as the estrogen receptor (ER) or androgen receptor (AR). They can also interfere with the enzymes responsible for hormone synthesis and metabolism, such as aromatase, altering the balance of circulating hormones. Furthermore, some EDCs disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis or the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, compromising the central control of hormone release.

Endocrine Disrupting Compounds

Meaning

Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) are exogenous substances, both natural and synthetic, that interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of endogenous hormones in the body. These ubiquitous environmental chemicals can subtly yet profoundly alter the finely tuned signaling of the endocrine system, leading to adverse health effects in an organism or its progeny. Clinical concern centers on their potential to contribute to hormonal cancers, reproductive disorders, and metabolic dysregulation.

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