Xenoestrogens of anthropogenic origin in food products and their impact on human health

Abstract

The anthropogenic impact on the biosphere has now acquired a global character, resulting in a massive influx of industrial, agricultural, and household waste into the environment. Numerous chemical, physical and biological substances present in the environment have a harmful effect on human health. Among them, a special group is formed by hormonally active xenobiotics – xenoestrogens. They are not produced by the body, but are structurally or functionally related to the human sex hormone 17β-estradiol, and bind to estrogen receptors with varying degrees of afnity and selectivity. The article summarizes and analyzes the available literature data on the most common synthetic xenoestrogens that can be present in foodstuff and have a negative impact on human health. In particular, such groups of substances as hormonal drugs, phenols, phthalates, pesticides, dioxins and dioxin-like substances, parabens, toxic metals are described. The presented evidence of the negative impact of synthetic xenoestrogens on human health requires more large-scale and clinically signifcant studies to determine the impact of chemical substances on the organs and systems of the human body, as well as generalization of the received evidence. Understanding the sources and extent of the impact of various xenobiotics on the environment and human health is essential for the development of comprehensive preventive measures. Key words: anthropogenic impact, xenoestrogens, toxicants, foodstuff, endocrine disorders.