Mediating Role of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Metabolic Disorders and Their Epigenetic Effect

Abstract

Background: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) represent a group of chemicals which are related to the disturbances in the human hormonal system. Due to the newest research, it was discovered that their actions did not exclusively point to the hormonal system but rather to all organs of the human body. EDCs are metabolized and may excrete the influence on human metabolism. That influence can be related to the activity of different enzymes included in human metabolism. Those effects can be classified as epigenetic effects. Objective: The aim of the study was to make analysis, evaluation, examination and determination of the possible mechanisms through which EDCs may interact with different metabolically-driven diseases. Methods: This paper represents a review article that includes original and review articles that were used being published in the following databases: Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Oxford Academic, and Google Scholar. Results: EDCs interact through nuclear or steroid receptors excreting their influence onto diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Those mechanisms are mediated through metabolic or immunological pathways. It encompasses different types of hormones, such as vistafin or inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: It has been noticed that EDCs may influence the appearance of specifically related diseases in offspring excreting epigenetic effects. Further research must be oriented towards potential consequences and ideal pathways for prevention and treatment options.