Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review the evidence linking background exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with insulin resistance in children. Although evidence in children is scarce since very few prospective studies exist even in adults, evidence that EDCs might be involved in the development of insulin resistance and related diseases such as obesity and diabetes is accumulating. We reviewed the literature on both cross-sectional and prospective studies in humans and experimental studies. Epidemiological studies show a statistical link between exposure to pesticides, polychlorinated bisphenyls, bisphenol A, phthalates, aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbides, or dioxins and insulin resistance.
Highlights
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a class of chemicals that could increase the risk of disease across the lifespan by interfering with the homeostasis or with the action of endogenous hormones or with other signaling chemicals of the endocrine system [1]; Figure 1 depicts the key features of EDCs
Anti-androgenic action agonistic activity on estrogen receptors antagonistic action on androgen receptors aromatase upregulation interference with thyroid hormone synthesis, release, transport and metabolism interference with the action of thyroid hormones on target tissues
There has been a relevant increase in the production of synthetic chemicals; EDCs can be considered as diabetogenic compounds, independently of their impact on adipose tissue metabolism [83]
Summary
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a class of chemicals that could increase the risk of disease across the lifespan by interfering with the homeostasis or with the action of endogenous hormones or with other signaling chemicals of the endocrine system [1]; Figure 1 depicts the key features of EDCs. Infants and children may have higher exposure to some EDCs than adults due to differences in diet, behavior, physiology, anatomy, and pharmacokinetics [2]. Infants and children may be more sensitive to the effects of EDCs than adults for several reasons. Differences in toxicokinetics can result in higher circulation or tissue concentrations of an EDC for an administered dose. There are many time-dependent and synchronized processes that are programmed during early development, which could increase the risk of childhood disease if disrupted
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