Epigenetics, Evolution, Endocrine Disruption, Health, and Disease

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment have been linked to human health and disease. This is particularly evident in compounds that mimic the effects of estrogens. Exposure to EDCs early in life can increase risk levels of compromised physical and mental health. Epigenetic mechanis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Endocrinology (Philadelphia) 2006-06, Vol.147 (6), p.s4-s10
Main Authors: Crews, David, McLachlan, John A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Evolution
Disease - etiology
Disruption
Endocrine disruptors
Endocrine Disruptors - toxicity
Environmental Exposure
Epigenesis, Genetic
Epigenetics
Estrogens
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Health Status
Humans
Mental Disorders - etiology
Pregnancy
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
Risk levels
Vertebrates: endocrinology
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Summary:Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment have been linked to human health and disease. This is particularly evident in compounds that mimic the effects of estrogens. Exposure to EDCs early in life can increase risk levels of compromised physical and mental health. Epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in this process. Transgenerational consequences of EDC exposure is also discussed in both a proximate (mechanism) and ultimate (evolution) context as well as recent work suggesting how such transmission might become incorporated into the genome and subject to selection. We suggest a perspective for exploring and ultimately coming to understand diseases that may have environmental or endocrine origins.
ISSN:0013-7227
1945-7170
DOI:10.1210/en.2005-1122