Chapter 2.3 - The EDCs as epigenetic disruptors: Implications for development and health

Abstract

Epigenetics is often defined as the study of mitotically and/or meiotically inherited changes in gene expression that are not produced by alterations of DNA sequence. Since a few years ago, it is known that the exposure to a variety of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is able to affect the epigenetic activity of cells, promoting changes in gene expression that could explain some of their short- and long-term effects and, what is more, the transmission of such effects to nonexposed future generations. Here, we review the epigenetic effects that have been associated with physiologic and pathologic consequences of EDC's exposure. We will first give an overview of epigenetics, explaining the main epigenetic marks and the enzymes involved in the acquisition of specific epigenetic signatures. Moreover, we try to figure out the mechanisms allowing EDCs to interfere with the epigenetic activity, modifying the epigenetic landscape on a global or gene-specific basis. Then, we provide an insight into different health conditions in which a relationship among EDC's exposure, epigenetics, and health impairment has been established. We tackle the study by reviewing the EDC's consequences on development and cell differentiation, reproductive health, metabolic disorders, neurodevelopment and behavior, and cardiovascular system.