Endocrine disrupters (EDs) are exogenous compounds originating from either industrial or natural environment. EDs mimic, antagonize, or alter endogenous steroid levels (androgens or estrogens). This leads to changes of steroid synthesis rate, of their metabolism and/or expression or action of their specific receptors. Most of these EDs exert estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic activities. Question of environmental endocrine disruption has been a topic of public concern for many years. Contaminants can accumulate in our body and have adverse consequences for health later on. Many physiological functions could be altered by EDs and then lead to many types of diseases. Identification of mechanisms involved in the effects of EDs is of major importance to propose efficient screening tests, and define new compounds without ED activities. Such work on EDs will also help to predict potential long term effect on single generation but also throughout generations.
Endocrine disrupters (EDs) are exogenous compounds originating from either industrial or natural environment. EDs mimic, antagonize, or alter endogenous steroid levels (androgens or estrogens). This leads to changes of steroid synthesis rate, of their metabolism and/or expression or action of their specific receptors. Most of these EDs exert estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic activities. Question of environmental endocrine disruption has been a topic of public concern for many years. Contaminants can accumulate in our body and have adverse consequences for health later on. Many physiological functions could be altered by EDs and then lead to many types of diseases. Identification of mechanisms involved in the effects of EDs is of major importance to propose efficient screening tests, and define new compounds without ED activities. Such work on EDs will also help to predict potential long term effect on single generation but also throughout generations.
