Human Reproduction: Target of Endocrine Disruptors
Journal Title: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) - Year 2019, Vol 19, Issue 2
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors are natural or man-made hormone-like molecules, which after entering into the human organism are bound by hormone receptors (similarly to physiological hormones) disturbing the normal (endogenous) hormonal regulation. Their effects are depending on the timing of exposure: in adults they can cause an acute reaction (disease), while in the perinatal (late fetal and early postnatal) period they are provoking faulty hormonal imprinting with late manifested symptoms: inclination to diseases, diseases, or alteration of certain functions (functional teratogenicity with the prolongation of teratogen-sensitive period). The developmentally originated diseases (DOHAD) can be explained by the provocation of perinatal hormonal imprinting. The effect of faulty hormonal imprinting - as an epigenetic process- is inherited also to the progeny generations. As the amount and variations of man-made endocrine disruptors (plasticizers, agrotechnical materials, pharmaceuticals etc.) and also the consumption of phytoestrogen- containing foods (soy-products) are increasing, the growing number of disruptor-caused diseases can be observed and is expected in the future. This could be manifested in sub- or infertility as well, as other functional teratogenicity which are qualitatively and quantitatively influencing human reproduction and demographical indexes.As a result of human activity many artificial, synthetic molecules appeared in the environment which are similar to the regulators of human life functions (hormones). These are named endocrine disruptors, as they have steroid characters mimicking the structure of steroid hormones, produced by endocrine glands of mammals (consequently human beings). Among them there are anti-estrogenic, estrogenic, anti-androgenic, and androgenic types [1]. These molecules are entering into the human organism by air, water and foods, or by medical treatments and cosmetics [2] and compete with the physiological hormones, stimulating or inhibiting different organs or cells. Because of their structural similarities they are able to inhibit the binding of physiological hormones to their receptors or in contrast, by binding to the receptors they transmit faulty messages. This action disturbs the normal, well balanced function of the human endocrine system in the target cells (organs) of the given hormone or in general, as many organs (cells) have steroid or steroid-reactive receptors without being direct targets of steroid hormones. However, the main targets of the endocrine disruptors are the reproductive organs and also cells which have a role in sexually influenced actions and considering this the fertility and fecundity are deeply touched by the presence of endocrine disruptors. As fertility is a main factor in the amount and distribution of people, endocrine disruptors (their quality and quantity) basically influence demography of people generally and regionally alike. Hormones do not affect cell functions without receptors which bind them and transmit the message, transported by the hormone. The receptors develop independently of hormones. These latters are produced by endocrine glands, while receptors are present in (on) any cells of the organism (glands included). However, The development and maturation of the two components are coordinated, and by this the normal (physiological) function is secured.
Authors and Affiliations
György Csaba
Keywords
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- EP ID EP621708
- DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.19.003288
- Views 169
- Downloads 0
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