12 Questions
What is endocrine disruption?
One or more biochemical actions disrupting the endocrine system
What is the main function of the endocrine network?
To maintain homeostasis of the body by means of chemical signals
What is the impact of endocrine disruption on health?
It can lead to other adverse outcomes such as carcinogenic, reproductive, or developmental effects
How is endocrine disruption defined by the EPA?
An exogenous agent that interferes with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones
Which glands are part of the endocrine system?
Hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and pancreas
How can endocrine disruption occur?
Alteration of gland or target cell function, metabolism of hormones, or mimicry of natural hormones by foreign substances
Which environmental endocrine disruptor has been linked to estrogenic effects in fish and is present in US water resources?
Triclosan
What effect has exposure to xenoestrogens like o,- DDT been linked to in fish?
Male-to-female sex reversal
What effect has atrazine induced in frogs?
Hermaphroditism and demasculinization
Which household product contains nonylphenol, associated with long-term and transgenerational effects in oysters?
Household cleaning products
Where are polycyclic musks used, which have been found to exhibit antiestrogenic effects in aquatic biota?
Perfumes and soaps
What are in vitro assays used to test for?
Endocrine disruptions caused by environmental pesticides and other substances
Study Notes
Endocrine Disruption and Environmental Pesticides
- The endocrine system includes glands such as hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and pancreas, which synthesize and secrete hormones to control body functions.
- Endocrine disruption can occur through the alteration of gland or target cell function, metabolism of hormones, or mimicry of natural hormones by foreign substances.
- Pesticides have been identified as environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs), with some affecting thyroid hormones and others exhibiting estrogenic or androgenic effects.
- Triclosan, a common antibacterial agent found in personal care products, has been linked to estrogenic effects in fish and is present in US water resources.
- Exposure to xenoestrogens like o,- DDT has been linked to male-to-female sex reversal in fish, while atrazine has induced hermaphroditism and demasculinization in frogs.
- Nonylphenol, found in household cleaning products, has been associated with long-term and transgenerational effects in oysters, including changes in sex ratio and gamete viability.
- Polycyclic musks, used in perfumes and soaps, have been found to bioaccumulate in fish and exhibit antiestrogenic effects in aquatic biota.
- In vitro assays are used to test for endocrine disruptions caused by environmental pesticides and other substances.
Test your knowledge of endocrine disruption and environmental pesticides in this quiz. Explore the impact of pesticides on the endocrine system and learn about specific examples of endocrine disruptors in the environment. Understand the effects of substances like triclosan, xenoestrogens, nonylphenol, and polycyclic musks on various species and their potential long-term and transgenerational effects.
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