Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Hypothalamic Inflammation and Reproductive Outcomes: A Review of the Literature

Overview

Journal Int J Mol Sci

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Biochemistry
Chemistry
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Nov 9

PMID 39518897

Authors

Galateia Stathori

Kyriaki Hatziagapiou

George Mastorakos

Nikolaos F Vlahos

Evangelia Charmandari

Georgios Valsamakis

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental and industrial agents that interfere with hormonal functions. EDC exposure is linked to various endocrine diseases, especially in reproduction, although the mechanisms remain unclear and effects vary among individuals. Neuroinflammation, particularly hypothalamic inflammation, is an emerging research area with implications for endocrine-related diseases like obesity. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating reproduction, and its inflammation can adversely affect reproductive health. EDCs can cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially causing hypothalamic inflammation and disrupting the reproductive axis. This review examines the existing literature on EDC-mediated hypothalamic inflammation. Our findings suggest that exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), tributyltin (TBT), phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and chlorpyrifos (CPF) in animals is linked to hypothalamic inflammation, specifically affecting the hypothalamic centers of the gonadotropic axis. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review on this topic, indicating hypothalamic inflammation as a possible mediator between EDC exposure and reproductive dysfunction. Further human studies are needed to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies against EDC exposure.

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