Acromegaly, genetic variants of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway and environmental burden

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that environmental contaminants can exert endocrine disruptors activities and that pollution exposition can have a role in tumorigenic processes. Several environmental pollutants have been shown to affect pituitary cells biology and function. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway is involved in xenobiotics' metabolism and in tumorigenesis. A deregulation of the AHR pathway could have a role in pituitary tumours' pathophysiology, especially in the GH secreting ones. AHR-interacting protein (AIP) is one of the key partners of AHR and is implicated in pituitary tumours' pathogenesis. Moreover, an increased prevalence of acromegaly has been reported in a highly polluted area of the province of Messina (Sicily, Italy). Nevertheless, at present, few data are available about the potential role of environmental factors in the pathogenesis and clinical expression of GH secreting pituitary tumours. This review is aimed at discussing the evidences on the potential links among environmental pollutants, the AHR pathway and the pathophysiology of GH-secreting pituitary adenomas.