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Terry MB, Colditz GA. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Breast Cancer: 21st Century Advances, Gaps to Address through Interdisciplinary Science. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041317. [PMID: 36781224 PMCID: PMC10513162 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Research methods to study risk factors and prevention of breast cancer have evolved rapidly. We focus on advances from epidemiologic studies reported over the past two decades addressing scientific discoveries, as well as their clinical and public health translation for breast cancer risk reduction. In addition to reviewing methodology advances such as widespread assessment of mammographic density and Mendelian randomization, we summarize the recent evidence with a focus on the timing of exposure and windows of susceptibility. We summarize the implications of the new evidence for application in risk stratification models and clinical translation to focus prevention-maximizing benefits and minimizing harm. We conclude our review identifying research gaps. These include: pathways for the inverse association of vegetable intake and estrogen receptor (ER)-ve tumors, prepubertal and adolescent diet and risk, early life adiposity reducing lifelong risk, and gaps from changes in habits (e.g., vaping, binge drinking), and environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Beth Terry
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, Chronic Disease Unit Leader, Department of Epidemiology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Associate Director, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Graham A Colditz
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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2
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Ataei M, Abdollahi M. A systematic review of mechanistic studies on the relationship between pesticide exposure and cancer induction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 456:116280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Hamilton AM, Olsson LT, Midkiff BR, Morozova E, Su Y, Haslam SZ, Vandenberg LN, Schneider SS, Santucci-Pereira J, Jerry DJ, Troester MA, Schwartz RC. Toward a digital analysis of environmental impacts on rodent mammary gland density during critical developmental windows. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 111:184-193. [PMID: 35690277 PMCID: PMC9670255 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While mammographic breast density is associated with breast cancer risk in humans, there is no comparable surrogate risk measure in mouse and rat mammary glands following various environmental exposures. In the current study, mammary glands from mice and rats subjected to reproductive factors and exposures to environmental chemicals that have been shown to influence mammary gland development and/or susceptibility to mammary tumors were evaluated for histologic density by manual and automated digital methods. Digital histological density detected changes due to hormonal stimuli/reproductive factors (parity), dietary fat, and exposure to environmental chemicals, such as benzophenone-3 and a combination of perfluorooctanoic acid and zeranol. Thus, digital analysis of mammary gland density offers a high throughput method that can provide a highly reproducible means of comparing a measure of histological density across independent experiments, experimental systems, and laboratories. This methodology holds promise for the detection of environmental impacts on mammary gland structure in mice and rats that may be comparable to human breast density, thus potentially allowing comparisons between rodent models and human breast cancer studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina M Hamilton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Linnea T Olsson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bentley R Midkiff
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elena Morozova
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Yanrong Su
- The Irma H. Russo MD Breast Cancer Research Laboratory, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sandra Z Haslam
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Sallie S Schneider
- Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, Springfield, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Julia Santucci-Pereira
- The Irma H. Russo MD Breast Cancer Research Laboratory, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D Joseph Jerry
- Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, Springfield, MA, USA; Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Melissa A Troester
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Richard C Schwartz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Chalfant JS, Hoyt AC. Breast Density: Current Knowledge, Assessment Methods, and Clinical Implications. JOURNAL OF BREAST IMAGING 2022; 4:357-370. [PMID: 38416979 DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Breast density is an accepted independent risk factor for the future development of breast cancer, and greater breast density has the potential to mask malignancies on mammography, thus lowering the sensitivity of screening mammography. The risk associated with dense breast tissue has been shown to be modifiable with changes in breast density. Numerous studies have sought to identify factors that influence breast density, including age, genetic, racial/ethnic, prepubertal, adolescent, lifestyle, environmental, hormonal, and reproductive history factors. Qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative methods of breast density assessment have been developed, but to date there is no consensus assessment method or reference standard for breast density. Breast density has been incorporated into breast cancer risk models, and there is growing consciousness of the clinical implications of dense breast tissue in both the medical community and public arena. Efforts to improve breast cancer screening sensitivity for women with dense breasts have led to increased attention to supplemental screening methods in recent years, prompting the American College of Radiology to publish Appropriateness Criteria for supplemental screening based on breast density.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Chalfant
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Radiological Sciences, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Anne C Hoyt
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Radiological Sciences, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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Plante I, Winn LM, Vaillancourt C, Grigorova P, Parent L. Killing two birds with one stone: Pregnancy is a sensitive window for endocrine effects on both the mother and the fetus. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112435. [PMID: 34843719 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a complex process requiring tremendous physiological changes in the mother in order to fulfill the needs of the growing fetus, and to give birth, expel the placenta and nurse the newborn. These physiological modifications are accompanied with psychological changes, as well as with variations in habits and behaviors. As a result, this period of life is considered as a sensitive window as impaired functional and physiological changes in the mother can have short- and long-term impacts on her health. In addition, dysregulation of the placenta and of mechanisms governing placentation have been linked to chronic diseases later-on in life for the fetus, in a concept known as the Developmental Origin of Health and Diseases (DOHaD). This concept stipulates that any change in the environment during the pre-conception and perinatal (in utero life and neonatal) period to puberty, can be "imprinted" in the organism, thereby impacting the health and risk of chronic diseases later in life. Pregnancy is a succession of events that is regulated, in large part, by hormones and growth factors. Therefore, small changes in hormonal balance can have important effects on both the mother and the developing fetus. An increasing number of studies demonstrate that exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) affect both the mother and the fetus giving rise to growing concerns surrounding these exposures. This review will give an overview of changes that happen during pregnancy with respect to the mother, the placenta, and the fetus, and of the current literature regarding the effects of EDCs during this specific sensitive window of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Plante
- INRS-Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC, Canada.
| | - Louise M Winn
- Queen's University, School of Environmental Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Petya Grigorova
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lise Parent
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Chemical Effects on Breast Development, Function, and Cancer Risk: Existing Knowledge and New Opportunities. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:535-562. [PMID: 35984634 PMCID: PMC9729163 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Population studies show worrisome trends towards earlier breast development, difficulty in breastfeeding, and increasing rates of breast cancer in young women. Multiple epidemiological studies have linked these outcomes with chemical exposures, and experimental studies have shown that many of these chemicals generate similar effects in rodents, often by disrupting hormonal regulation. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can alter the progression of mammary gland (MG) development, impair the ability to nourish offspring via lactation, increase mammary tissue density, and increase the propensity to develop cancer. However, current toxicological approaches to measuring the effects of chemical exposures on the MG are often inadequate to detect these effects, impairing our ability to identify exposures harmful to the breast and limiting opportunities for prevention. This paper describes key adverse outcomes for the MG, including impaired lactation, altered pubertal development, altered morphology (such as increased mammographic density), and cancer. It also summarizes evidence from humans and rodent models for exposures associated with these effects. We also review current toxicological practices for evaluating MG effects, highlight limitations of current methods, summarize debates related to how effects are interpreted in risk assessment, and make recommendations to strengthen assessment approaches. Increasing the rigor of MG assessment would improve our ability to identify chemicals of concern, regulate those chemicals based on their effects, and prevent exposures and associated adverse health effects.
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Vandenberg LN. Endocrine disrupting chemicals: strategies to protect present and future generations. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2021; 16:135-146. [PMID: 33973826 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2021.1917991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that alter the actions of hormones. In the 21st Century, numerous expert groups of clinicians, scientists, and environmental activists have called for action to protect present and future generations from the harm induced by EDC exposures. These demands for regulatory responses come because of the strong weight of the evidence from epidemiology, wildlife, and controlled laboratory studies.Areas covered: In this review, we examine the conclusions drawn by experts from different scientific and medical disciplines. We also address several areas where recent findings or work has changed the landscape of EDC work including new approaches to identify and evaluate the evidence for EDCs using a key characteristics approach, the need to expand our understanding of vulnerable periods of development, and the increasing concern that traditional methods used to evaluate toxicity of environmental chemicals are insufficient for EDCs and how collaborative science could help to address these gaps.Expert opinion: The science is clear: there is more than enough evidence to demonstrate that EDCs affect the health of humans and wildlife. Waiting to act is a decision that puts the health of current and future generations at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Vandenberg
- School of Public Health & Health Sciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA USA
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Jiménez T, García-Pérez J, van der Haar R, Alba MÁ, Lucas P, Sierra MÁ, de Larrea-Baz NF, Salas-Trejo D, Llobet R, Martínez I, Pino MN, Alguacil J, González-Galarzo MC, Martínez-Cortés M, Pérez-Gómez B, Pollán M, Lope V. Occupation, occupational exposures and mammographic density in Spanish women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110816. [PMID: 33524328 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mammographic density (MD), the proportion of radiologically dense breast tissue, is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Our objective is to investigate the influence of occupations and occupational exposure to physical, chemical, and microbiological agents on MD in Spanish premenopausal women. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study based on 1362 premenopausal workers, aged 39-50, who attended a gynecological screening in a breast radiodiagnosis unit of Madrid City Council. The work history was compiled through a personal interview. Exposure to occupational agents was evaluated using the Spanish job-exposure matrix MatEmESp. MD percentage was assessed using the validated semi-automated computer tool DM-Scan. The association between occupation, occupational exposures, and MD was quantified using multiple linear regression models, adjusted for age, educational level, body mass index, parity, previous breast biopsies, family history of breast cancer, energy intake, use of oral contraceptives, smoking, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS Although no occupation was statistically significantly associated with MD, a borderline significant inverse association was mainly observed in orchard, greenhouse, nursery, and garden workers (β = -6.60; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = -14.27; 1.07) and information and communication technology technicians (β = -7.27; 95%CI = -15.37; 0.84). On the contrary, a positive association was found among technicians in art galleries, museums, and libraries (β = 8.47; 95%CI = -0.65; 17.60). Women occupationally exposed to fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides tended to have lower MD. The percentage of density decreased by almost 2% for every 5 years spent in occupations exposed to the mentioned agents. CONCLUSIONS Although our findings point to a lack of association with the occupations and exposures analyzed, this study supports a deeper exploration of the role of certain occupational agents in MD, such as pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Jiménez
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier García-Pérez
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Miguel Ángel Alba
- Área de Higiene Industrial, Quirón Prevención, S.L.U., Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Lucas
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Sierra
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Fernández de Larrea-Baz
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Salas-Trejo
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain; Valencian Breast Cancer Screening Program, General Directorate of Public Health, València, Spain; Centro Superior de Investigación en Salud Pública CSISP, FISABIO, València, Spain
| | - Rafael Llobet
- Institute of Computer Technology, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Martínez
- Valencian Breast Cancer Screening Program, General Directorate of Public Health, València, Spain; Centro Superior de Investigación en Salud Pública CSISP, FISABIO, València, Spain
| | - Marina Nieves Pino
- Servicio de Prevención y Promoción de la Salud, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Alguacil
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales, Salud y Medio Ambiente (RENSMA), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Mª Carmen González-Galarzo
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Center for Research in Occupational Disease, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercedes Martínez-Cortés
- Servicio de Prevención y Promoción de la Salud, Madrid Salud, Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Gómez
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Pollán
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Lope
- Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
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Bleak TC, Calaf GM. Breast and prostate glands affected by environmental substances (Review). Oncol Rep 2021; 45:20. [PMID: 33649835 PMCID: PMC7879422 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental endocrine disruptor chemicals are substances that can alter the homeostasis of the endocrine system in living organisms. They can be released from several products used in daily activities. Once in the organism, they can disrupt the endocrine function by mimicking or blocking naturally occurring hormones due to their similar chemical structure. This endocrine disruption is the most important cause of the well‑known hormone‑associate types of cancer. Additionally, it is decisive to determine the susceptibility of each organ to these compounds. Therefore, the present review aimed to summarize the effect of different environmental substances such as bisphenol A, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and polychlorinated biphenyls in both the mammary and the prostate tissues. These organs were chosen due to their association with the hormonal system and their common features in carcinogenic mechanisms. Outcomes derived from the present review may provide evidence that should be considered in future debates regarding the effects of endocrine disruptors on carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy C. Bleak
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Arica 1000000, Chile
| | - Gloria M. Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Arica 1000000, Chile
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Vandenberg LN, Bugos J. Assessing the Public Health Implications of the Food Preservative Propylparaben: Has This Chemical Been Safely Used for Decades. Curr Environ Health Rep 2021; 8:54-70. [PMID: 33415721 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parabens are chemicals containing alkyl-esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which give them antimicrobial, antifungal, and preservative properties. Propylparaben (PP) is one paraben that has been widely used in personal care products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food. In this review, we address the ongoing controversy over the safety of parabens, and PP specifically. These chemicals have received significant public attention after studies published almost 20 years ago suggested plausible associations between PP exposures and breast cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Here, we use key characteristics, a systematic approach to evaluate the endocrine disrupting properties of PP based on features of "known" endocrine disruptors, and consider whether its classification as a "weak" estrogen should alleviate public health concerns over human exposures. We also review the available evidence from rodent and human studies to illustrate how the large data gaps that exist in hazard assessments raise concerns about current evaluations by regulatory agencies that PP use is safe. Finally, we address the circular logic that is used to suggest that because PP has been used for several decades, it must be safe. We conclude that inadequate evidence has been provided for the safe use of PP in food, cosmetics, and consumer products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 171C Goessmann, 686 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
| | - Jennifer Bugos
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 171C Goessmann, 686 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
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Buoso E, Masi M, Racchi M, Corsini E. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals' (EDCs) Effects on Tumour Microenvironment and Cancer Progression: Emerging Contribution of RACK1. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9229. [PMID: 33287384 PMCID: PMC7729595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) can display estrogenic and androgenic effects, and their exposure has been linked to increased cancer risk. EDCs have been shown to directly affect cancer cell regulation and progression, but their influence on tumour microenvironment is still not completely elucidated. In this context, the signalling hub protein RACK1 (Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1) could represent a nexus between cancer and the immune system due to its roles in cancer progression and innate immune activation. Since RACK1 is a relevant EDCs target that responds to steroid-active compounds, it could be considered a molecular bridge between the endocrine-regulated tumour microenvironment and the innate immune system. We provide an analysis of immunomodulatory and cancer-promoting effects of different EDCs in shaping tumour microenvironment, with a final focus on the scaffold protein RACK1 as a pivotal molecular player due to its dual role in immune and cancer contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Buoso
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Mirco Masi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (M.R.)
- Classe di Scienze Umane e della Vita (SUV), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università Degli Studi di Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12/14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Dipartimento di Scienze Politiche ed Ambientali, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy;
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Jones DP, Cohn BA. A vision for exposome epidemiology: The pregnancy exposome in relation to breast cancer in the Child Health and Development Studies. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 92:4-10. [PMID: 32197999 PMCID: PMC7306421 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Etiology of complex diseases, such as breast cancer, involves multiple genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. Gene sequencing enabled detection of genetic risks with relatively small effect size, and high-resolution metabolomics (HRM) to provide omics level data for exposures is poised to do the same for environmental epidemiology. Coupling HRM to the Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS) cohort combines two unique resources to create a prototype for exposome epidemiology, in which omics scale measures of exposure are used for study of distribution and determinants of health and disease. Using this approach, exposures and biologic responses during pregnancy have been linked to breast cancer in the CHDS. With improved chemical coverage and extension to larger populations and other disease processes, development of exposome epidemiology portends discovery of new disease-associated environment factors with small effect size as well as new capabilities to disentangle these from behavioral and other risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean P Jones
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Barbara A Cohn
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, 1683 Shattuck Avenue, Suite B, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA
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13
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Fenton SE, Birnbaum LS. CHDS: A national treasure that keeps on giving. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 92:11-13. [PMID: 32097706 PMCID: PMC7864627 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E Fenton
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.
| | - Linda S Birnbaum
- National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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14
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Environmental Influences on Mammographic Breast Density in California: A Strategy to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234731. [PMID: 31783496 PMCID: PMC6926682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
State legislation in many U.S. states, including California, mandates informing women if they have dense breasts on screening mammography, meaning over half of their breast tissue is comprised of non-adipose tissue. Breast density is important to interpret screening sensitivity and is an established breast cancer risk factor. Environmental chemical exposures may play an important role in this, especially during key windows of susceptibility for breast development: in utero, during puberty, pregnancy, lactation, and the peri-menopause. There is a paucity of research, however, examining whether environmental chemical exposures are associated with mammographic breast density, and even less is known about environmental exposures during windows of susceptibility. Now, with clinical breast density scoring being reported routinely for mammograms, it is possible to find out, especially in California, where there are large study populations that can link environmental exposures during windows of susceptibility to breast density. Density scores are now available throughout the state through electronic medical records. We can link these with environmental chemical exposures via state-wide monitoring. Studying the effects of environmental exposure on breast density may provide valuable monitoring and etiologic data to inform strategies to reduce breast cancer risk.
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