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Lipophilic Bioaccumulation

Meaning

Lipophilic Bioaccumulation describes the physiological process where fat-soluble, or lipophilic, compounds are preferentially absorbed and stored in the body’s adipose tissue and other lipid-rich compartments, such as cell membranes. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in endocrinology for steroid hormones and environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are inherently fat-soluble. Excessive or prolonged bioaccumulation can alter cellular signaling, disrupt endogenous hormonal pathways, and lead to systemic toxicity, impacting long-term metabolic and reproductive health.