Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, Transgenerational Epigenetics and Metabolic Diseases

Abstract

Exposure to environmental chemicals can produce effects on the endocrine system through epigenetic mechanisms. These can considerably decrease or increase the sensitivity of multiple hormones depending on the dose, route, or time of exposure. The exposure of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during the in utero period could be a critical window, altering the epigenome profile. Recently, several researchers suggest a role of EDCs in the obesity epidemic. In this brief review, we focused on how four EDCs (bisphenol A, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and tributyltin) may underlay transgenerational epigenetic effects. We also discuss the adipogenesis signaling pathway and the impact of exposure to individual or mixtures of EDCs on the developing endocrine system. Understanding the molecular determinants of epigenetic memory across generations will provide essential insight into how environmental exposure can affect the health of individuals, as well as subsequent generations.

Keywords: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals; Epigenetics; In Utero; Obesity; Obesogen.

Figure 1:

Flowchart of study selection. One reviewer to determine the eligibility and relevance of the literature to the literature review screened articles. Articles were deemed relevant if they were full-text and discussed any experiments or mechanisms involving epigenetics, obesity, and obesogenic chemicals.

Figure 2:

Potential multi- or trans-generational epigenetic alterations.

Figure 3:

Role of Diethylhexyl Phthalate and Tributyltin in fat cell differentiation. Green arrows = activating interactions; red arrows = inhibiting interactions. Catalytic factors = yellow; transcription factors = red; cytokines and lipoproteins = green; receptors and adaptor proteins = blue.