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Published in: Endocrine 3/2022

Open Access 23-05-2022 | Review

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

Authors: Filippo Egalini, Lorenzo Marinelli, Mattia Rossi, Giovanna Motta, Nunzia Prencipe, Ruth Rossetto Giaccherino, Loredana Pagano, Silvia Grottoli, Roberta Giordano

Published in: Endocrine | Issue 3/2022

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Abstract

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.
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Metadata
Title
Endocrine disrupting chemicals: effects on pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands
Authors
Filippo Egalini
Lorenzo Marinelli
Mattia Rossi
Giovanna Motta
Nunzia Prencipe
Ruth Rossetto Giaccherino
Loredana Pagano
Silvia Grottoli
Roberta Giordano
Publication date
23-05-2022
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Endocrine / Issue 3/2022
Print ISSN: 1355-008X
Electronic ISSN: 1559-0100
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-022-03076-x

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