Regulation mechanisms of endocrine disruptors on vasodilation and vasoconstriction: Insights from ex vivo models

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The knowledge and understanding of CVD are based on the study of vascular physiology and how the smooth muscle cells and tissues perform their different functions. Exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDCs), such as phytoestrogens, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, flame retardants, plasticizers, pesticides, and cosmetics, is an integral and fundamental part of human exposure. Humans are exposed to EDCs by multiple pathways including air, food, water, and consumer products. However, this exposure can lead to several adverse effects on human health, including on the cardiovascular (CV) system. The negative impact that EDC toxicity has on human CV health is a serious problem that must not be overlooked. In this point of view, we proposed the use of the human umbilical artery as a human model to study the direct effects of EDCs on the vascular level. Several works where these cells were directly exposed to EDC’s were presented to highlight this well-established model as a great strategy to be used. In the future, we emphasize the need to continue to carry out different investigations using HUA to unveil and understand the vascular toxicity of EDCs and improve human CV health.