Endocrine disrupting chemicals: effects on pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands

Background In recent years, scientific research has increasingly focused on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and demonstrated their relevant role in the functional impairment of endocrine glands. This induced regulatory authorities to ban some of these compounds and to carefully investigate others in order to prevent EDCs-related conditions. As a result, we witnessed a growing awareness and interest on this topic. Aims This paper aims to summarize current evidence regarding the detrimental effects of EDCs on pivotal endocrine glands like pituitary, thyroid and adrenal ones. Particularly, we directed our attention on the known and the hypothesized mechanisms of endocrine dysfunction brought by EDCs. We also gave a glimpse on recent findings from pioneering studies that could in the future shed a light on the pathophysiology of well-known, but poorly understood, endocrine diseases like hormone-producing adenomas. Conclusions Although intriguing, studies on endocrine dysfunctions brought by EDCs are challenging, in particular when investigating long-term effects of EDCs on humans. However, undoubtedly, it represents a new intriguing field of science research.

Automated summary

This paper summarizes the current evidence on the detrimental effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on pivotal endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. The known and hypothesized mechanisms of endocrine dysfunction caused by EDCs are discussed, along with recent findings from pioneering studies that could shed light on the pathophysiology of hormone-producing adenomas and other poorly understood endocrine diseases. Despite the challenges in studying the long-term effects of EDCs on humans, it represents an intriguing new field of scientific research.