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Endocrine Disruptors and Puberty Disorders from Mice to Men (and Women)

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Endocrine Disruptors and Puberty

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

Puberty disturbances are a serious global issue, which is nested in the worldwide trend of earlier pubertal onset in females. The putative role of endocrine disrupters (ED) has been investigated mainly concerning peripheral precocious puberty in females; however, some data suggests that also male gynecomastia, female central precocious puberty, and delayed puberty should deserve attention. Epidemiological studies on ED support the involvement of specific widespread pollutants in either precocious [phthalates, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)] or delayed [polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead] puberty; more recent evidence points out also dietary agents (mycotoxins, phytoestrogens). Further human studies should focus about multiple exposures and possible additive effects, as well as on other factors that may interact with or potentiate ED action, such as lifestyle, body composition, nutrient intake, and ethnicity. Toxicological studies are essential to respond to such research needs as etiologic research on environmentally relevant ED levels and different effects at critical developmental windows. Nevertheless, current toxicological studies lack a robust database to define an array of endpoints associated with specific outcomes and modes of action; moreover, a reliable in vitro test or battery does not exist to screen chemicals potentially affecting puberty. The two experimental schemes adopted till now include: a “programming” scheme, where exposure is mediated by the dam, either in utero or during lactation, and a “direct exposure” scheme, dealing with weaned, immature animals. The two schemes are not mutually exclusive as they represent different susceptibility windows. Some established modes of action may be already associated with outcomes, e.g., ED with estrogenic effects tend to delay male and accelerate female puberty, with long-term histological effects in target tissues. Nevertheless, the spectrum of ED modes of action is going to include new mechanisms and targets, such as kisspeptins and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. Whereas for some chemicals the available data might be sufficient to trigger precautionary measures, a sound risk analysis needs an interdisciplinary integration between human medicine and experimental toxicology.

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Acknowledgments

The paper has been prepared within the frame of the following projects: PREVIENI (htpp://www.iss.it/prvn), funded by the Italian Ministry of Environment; BRIDGE (website in preparation), funded by the EC 7th Framework Programme.

The support of Mrs. Francesca Baldi (Istituto Superiore di Sanità) in the preparation of the manuscript is gratefully acknowledged.

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  1. Food and Veterinary Toxicology Unit, Dept. Food Safety and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy

    Alberto Mantovani

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Correspondence to Alberto Mantovani .

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  1. Sotiria Hospital, Medical School University of Athens, Third Department of Medicine, Athens, 145 78, Greece

    Evanthia Diamanti-Kandarakis

  2. Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Gustavus & Louise Pfeiffer Professor, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, 78712, Texas, USA

    Andrea C. Gore

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Mantovani, A. (2012). Endocrine Disruptors and Puberty Disorders from Mice to Men (and Women). In: Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., Gore, A. (eds) Endocrine Disruptors and Puberty. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-561-3_4

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