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Street ME, Ponzi D, Renati R, Petraroli M, D’Alvano T, Lattanzi C, Ferrari V, Rollo D, Stagi S. Precocious puberty under stressful conditions: new understanding and insights from the lessons learnt from international adoptions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1149417. [PMID: 37201098 PMCID: PMC10187034 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1149417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuro-biological variations in the timing of sexual maturation within a species are part of an evolved strategy that depend on internal and external environmental conditions. An increased incidence of central precocious puberty (CPP) has been described in both adopted and "covid-19 pandemic" children. Until recently, it was hypothesised that the triggers for CPP in internationally adopted children were likely to be better nutrition, greater environmental stability, and improved psychological wellbeing. However, following data collected during and after the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, other possibilities must be considered. In a society with high levels of child wellbeing, the threat to life presented by an unknown and potentially serious disease and the stressful environment created by lockdowns and other public health measures could trigger earlier pubertal maturation as an evolutionary response to favour early reproduction. The main driver for increased rates of precocious and rapidly progressive puberty during the pandemic could have been the environment of "fear and stress" in schools and households. In many children, CPP may have been triggered by the psychological effects of living without normal social contact, using PPE, being near adults concerned about financial and other issues and the fear of getting ill. The features and time of progression of CPP in children during the pandemic are similar to those observed in adopted children. This review considers the mechanisms regulating puberty with a focus on neurobiological and evolutionary mechanisms, and analyses precocious puberty both during the pandemic and in internationally adopted children searching for common yet unconsidered factors in an attempt to identify the factors which may have acted as triggers. In particular, we focus on stress as a potential factor in the early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and its correlation with rapid sexual maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabeth Street
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Paediatrics, P. Barilla Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maria Elisabeth Street,
| | - Davide Ponzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberta Renati
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maddalena Petraroli
- Unit of Paediatrics, P. Barilla Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana D’Alvano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Paediatrics, P. Barilla Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Lattanzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Paediatrics, P. Barilla Children’s Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Vittorio Ferrari
- Health Sciences Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Dolores Rollo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Stagi
- Health Sciences Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Univesitaria Meyer IRCCS, Florence, Italy
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Prenatal Environmental Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants and Reproductive Hormone Profile and Pubertal Development in Dutch Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159423. [PMID: 35954780 PMCID: PMC9367960 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), may interfere with hormonal processes. Knowledge about the effects of prenatal exposure to PCBs and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PCBs) on pubertal development is limited. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine whether prenatal environmental PCB and OH-PCB exposure are associated with reproductive hormone levels and pubertal characteristics in 13- to 15-year-old children. In this Dutch observational cohort study, 194 mother–infant pairs were included (1998–2002). Maternal pregnancy serum levels of PCBs, OH-PCBs, and other POPs were measured. At follow-up (2014–2016), we measured serum or plasma levels of reproductive hormones in their children. We assessed Tanner stages and testicular volume (by clinician or standardized self-assessment), and participants completed questionnaires on pubertal onset. In total, 101 adolescents (14.4 ± 0.8 years; 53.7% of invited) participated, and 55 were boys. In boys, higher prenatal PCB levels were associated with higher testosterone levels, higher pubic hair stage, larger testicular volume, and younger age at onset of growth spurt and voice break. In girls, higher prenatal PCB levels were associated with higher stages for breast development. In conclusion, higher prenatal PCB exposure could be associated with more advanced pubertal development in 13- to 15-year-old children.
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3
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West CN, Schell LM, Gallo MV. Sex differences in the association of measures of sexual maturation to common toxicants: Lead, dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethylene (DDE), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Ann Hum Biol 2022; 48:485-502. [PMID: 35105206 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2021.1998623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Many studies of human toxicant exposure examine the hypothesis that human sexual maturation can be affected through endocrine disruption. Within this body of literature there is significant variation in the findings. Variation may be related to the differential effects by toxicants between males and females as well as variation in sample size, toxicant levels, and the timing of exposure. We review sexual maturation outcomes between males and females when exposed to lead, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) using a systematic process to gather peer-reviewed studies published from January 1994 through December 2019 on the NCBI website's PubMed search engine. The review includes 34 studies, some comprised of multiple analyses, to compare effects on sexual maturation by sex. The analysis shows that both boys and girls have delayed sexual maturation in relation to lead exposure. There are differences in the direction of effects associated with DDE/DDT and PCB exposure in boys and girls. PCBs exist as congeners of many structural forms, and that variation is considered in this review. Dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like PCBs exposure directionality differed between boys and girls as well. Future investigations into the basis of sex variation in DDE/DDT and PCB relationships to sexual maturation are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey N West
- Department of Anthropology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Lawrence M Schell
- Department of Anthropology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.,Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Mia V Gallo
- Department of Anthropology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.,Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
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Lite C, Raja GL, Juliet M, Sridhar VV, Subhashree KD, Kumar P, Chakraborty P, Arockiaraj J. In utero exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, maternal factors and alterations in the epigenetic landscape underlying later-life health effects. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 89:103779. [PMID: 34843942 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Widespread persistence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment has mandated the need to study their potential effects on an individual's long-term health after both acute and chronic exposure periods. In this review article a particular focus is given on in utero exposure to EDCs in rodent models which resulted in altered epigenetic programming and transgenerational effects in the offspring causing disrupted reproductive and metabolic phenotypes. The literature to date establishes the impact of transgenerational effects of EDCs potentially associated with epigenetic mediated mechanisms. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of epigenetic programming and it's regulation in mammals, primarily focusing on the epigenetic plasticity and susceptibility to exogenous hormone active chemicals during the early developmental period. Further, we have also in depth discussed the epigenetic alterations associated with the exposure to selected EDCs such as Bisphenol A (BPA), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and vinclozlin upon in utero exposure especially in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy Lite
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Glancis Luzeena Raja
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulatur, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Melita Juliet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, SRM Kattankulathur Dental College and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulatur, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vasisht Varsh Sridhar
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulatur, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K Divya Subhashree
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulatur, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Integrative Physiology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Paromita Chakraborty
- Environmental Science and Technology Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulatur, Chennai 603203, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Soesanti F, Idris NS, Klipstein-Grobusch K, Hendarto A, Grobbee DE, Uiterwaal CSPM. The effect of non-organophosphate household pesticides exposure during pregnancy on infants birth sizes and growth rate: a cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:476. [PMID: 32819320 PMCID: PMC7441723 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03162-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, there is limited evidence on the effect of antenatal exposure to non-organophosphate household pesticides on infant health. Our hypothesis is that antenatal exposure to non-organophosphate household pesticides will be associated with birth sizes and infant growth rate. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 284 mother-infant pairs were studied. Mothers were recruited at the third trimester in two primary care centers and one private hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. Mothers filled out questionnaires about exposure to non-organophosphate household pesticides at the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Birth weight and length were measured at birth. Afterwards, the weight, height, and head circumference (HC) were measured at 7 days, 1, 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Linear mixed modeling and linear regression was performed to calculate growth rate of each infant. Multivariable linear regression adjusted for confounders was used to assess the association between household pesticides exposure and birth sizes and infant growth rate. Results Based on self-report questionnaires, 133 (46.8%) mothers were exposed to household pesticides during pregnancy. The mean HC at day 7 in the exposed group was − 7.1 mm (95%CI -13.1;-1.2) lower than in the non-exposed group. The difference was more prominent in the non-mosquito pesticide group (linear regression coefficient: − 22.1 mm, 95%CI -36.5;-7.6). No material associations were found between antenatal exposure to household pesticides with other growth measures, including weight gain, length gain, HC increment and weight-to-length gain rates. No modification of effects by breastfeeding was found. Conclusions Our findings suggest that antenatal exposure to household non-organophosphate pesticides is associated with smaller head circumference at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Soesanti
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. .,Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Nikmah S Idris
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Aryono Hendarto
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Diederick E Grobbee
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cuno S P M Uiterwaal
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Helyaich A, Elqadiry R, El Fakiri K, Rada N, Draiss G, Bouskraoui M. Case Report of Central Precocious Puberty in a Female: Role of Environmental Pollutants? CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CASE REPORTS 2020; 13:1179547620933585. [PMID: 32694924 PMCID: PMC7350395 DOI: 10.1177/1179547620933585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A 5-year-old girl was brought to Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes for premature breast development since 4 months. Her medical antecedents and family history were uneventful. From investigations she was diagnosed as a case of central precocious puberty. Identification of pesticides in farms surrounding their house indicates that this early stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was linked to the estrogen-like activity of endocrine-disrupting compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Helyaich
- Pediatric A Department, Mother-Child Pole, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakesh, Morocco.,Team for Childhood, Health and Development, Marrakech School of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Rabiy Elqadiry
- Pediatric A Department, Mother-Child Pole, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakesh, Morocco.,Team for Childhood, Health and Development, Marrakech School of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Karima El Fakiri
- Pediatric A Department, Mother-Child Pole, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakesh, Morocco.,Team for Childhood, Health and Development, Marrakech School of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Nourreddine Rada
- Pediatric A Department, Mother-Child Pole, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakesh, Morocco.,Team for Childhood, Health and Development, Marrakech School of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Ghizlane Draiss
- Pediatric A Department, Mother-Child Pole, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakesh, Morocco.,Team for Childhood, Health and Development, Marrakech School of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Bouskraoui
- Pediatric A Department, Mother-Child Pole, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakesh, Morocco.,Team for Childhood, Health and Development, Marrakech School of Medicine, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh, Morocco
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7
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Diao H, Wang H, Yang L, Li T. The association between sleep duration, bedtimes, and early pubertal timing among Chinese adolescents: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health Prev Med 2020; 25:21. [PMID: 32560630 PMCID: PMC7305621 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-020-00861-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Early pubertal timing is associated with sleep among Western adolescents, but little is known about this association in Chinese adolescents, especially with regard to the association between bedtimes and early pubertal timing. This paper aimed to identify the association between sleep duration, bedtimes, and early pubertal timing in Chinese adolescents. METHODS An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among primary and junior middle students (grades 3 to 9) from QiJiang District, ChongQing, China. Participants were recruited by applying stratified cluster sampling. Pubertal timing, sleep duration, and bedtimes were assessed using the Pubertal Development Scale and a self-designed sleep questionnaire. We utilized multivariable logistic linear regression (MLLR) to test the association between sleep duration, bedtimes, and pubertal timing. RESULTS A total of 5461 adolescents were evaluated, with mean age and BMI values of 11.41 ± 2.05 and 18.03 ± 3.03, respectively, of whom 1257 (23.02%) were in early pubertal timing. In MLLR controlling for age, BMI, family economic status, and other covariates, sufficient sleep (b = - 0.214, P = 0.032, OR = 0.808, 95% CI 0.664-0.982) was negatively related to early pubertal timing, and later bedtime (b = 0.195, P < 0.001, OR = 1.215, 95% CI 1.104-1.338) was positively associated with early pubertal timing. CONCLUSION Students with early pubertal timing had less sleep duration and later bedtimes, which may be the result of increased stress caused by physical and psychological changes. Therefore, more attention should be paid to pubertal health education for adolescents during puberty. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the causality between sleep and early pubertal timing in Chinese adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Diao
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Lianjian Yang
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ting Li
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
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Golestanzadeh M, Riahi R, Kelishadi R. Association of phthalate exposure with precocious and delayed pubertal timing in girls and boys: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:873-894. [PMID: 32091510 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00512a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to phthalate derivatives has adverse effects on the health and development of humans, especially for children. A growing body of evidence supports the idea that exposure to phthalates can change an individual's physiological set point and the time of puberty in both genders. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, recent studies were evaluated to obtain systematic and regulation results in relation to puberty status and phthalate exposure in girls and boys. We searched English-language papers using Scopus, ISI, and PubMed databases as search engines, with no restriction of time, until the end of July 2019. A comprehensive literature search for an association between phthalate exposure and signs of puberty as well as levels of different types of hormones was carefully performed. Of the 67 studies retained for full-text screening, 39 studies were eligible for data management and extraction. For conducting a meta-analysis, four studies had appropriate effect size and metrics for pooling in the meta-analysis. Our findings revealed that low and high exposure to phthalates could alter pubertal development in both genders; the effects were either early or delayed puberty such as changes in the pubarche, thelarche, and menarche time, as well as in testicular volume. We statistically analyzed the association of pubic-hair development, breast development, and menarche time with exposure to phthalates in girls. For example, the pooled odds ratios of mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) in relation to breast development were (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.85) and (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15-1.58) (P-value < 0.001), respectively. In addition, we analyzed the correlation between pubic-hair development and testicular volume with exposure to phthalates in boys. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind for girls and boys. In conclusion, we found that a positive association exists between phthalate exposure and pubertal timing in the pediatric age group. Therefore, prevention of exposure to phthalates and reduction of their use should be underscored in the strategies for primordial prevention of pubertal timing and related consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Golestanzadeh
- Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Lee JE, Jung HW, Lee YJ, Lee YA. Early-life exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pubertal development in girls. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2019; 24:78-91. [PMID: 31261471 PMCID: PMC6603611 DOI: 10.6065/apem.2019.24.2.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, the onset of puberty in girls has occurred earlier, but the tempo of pubertal progression has been relatively slower, resulting in a younger age at puberty onset without a change in age at menarche. Sufficient energy availability and adiposity contribute to early pubertal development, and environmental factors, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), may affect not only the control of energy balance, but also puberty and reproduction. EDCs are hormonally active substances that can perturb puberty by acting both peripherally on target organs, such as adipose tissue or adrenal glands, and/or centrally on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Depending on whether the exposure takes place earlier during fetal and neonatal life or later during early childhood, EDCs can lead to different outcomes through different mechanisms. Evidence of associations between exposures to EDCs and altered pubertal timing makes it reasonable to support their relationship. However, human epidemiologic data are limited or inconsistent and cannot provide sufficient evidence for a causal relationship between EDC exposure and changes in pubertal timing. Further investigation is warranted to determine the overall or different effects of EDCs exposure during prenatal or childhood windows on pubertal milestones and to reveal the underlying mechanisms, including epigenetic marks, whereby early-life exposure to EDCs affect the HPG-peripheral tissue axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Eun Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Hae Woon Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Jeong Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Ah Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul, Korea,Address for correspondence: Young Ah Lee, MD, PhD Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea Tel: +82-2-2072-2082 Fax: +82-2-2072-3917 E-mail:
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10
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Abstract
Precocious puberty is defined as the appearance of secondary sex characteristics before 8 years of age in girls and before 9 years of age in boys. Central precocious puberty (CPP) is diagnosed when activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis is identified. It is a rare disease with a clear female predominance. A background of international adoption increases its risk, with other environmental factors such as endocrine disruptors also being associated with CPP. The causes of CPP are heterogeneous, with alterations of the CNS being of special interest. Physical injuries of the CNS are more frequent in boys, while idiopathic etiology is more prevalent among girls. However, in the last decade the number of idiopathic cases has diminished thanks to the discovery of mutations in different genes, including KISS1, KISS1R, MKRN3, and DLK1 that cause CPP. For the diagnosis of CPP, hormone studies are needed in addition to the clinical data regarding signs of pubertal onset. For this purpose, the GnRH test continues to be the gold standard. Imaging analyses, such as bone age and brain MRI, are also very useful. Furthermore, genetic testing must be incorporated in the diagnosis of CPP, especially in familial cases. Early puberty has been related to various consequences in the medium and long term such as behavioral problems, breast cancer, obesity, and metabolic comorbidities. However, there are few studies that have exclusively analyzed patients with CPP. GnRH analogs are the most frequent treatment election with the main objective being to improve adult height. Currently, there are new formulations that are being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Soriano-Guillén
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Instituto de Investigación Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Argente
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain; Department of Pediatrics & Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación La Princesa, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; IMDEA Food Institute, CEIUAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Livadas S, Chrousos GP. Molecular and Environmental Mechanisms Regulating Puberty Initiation: An Integrated Approach. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:828. [PMID: 31920956 PMCID: PMC6915095 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the initiation of puberty, one of the cornerstones of human evolution, have not been fully elucidated as yet. However, recently, an accumulating body of evidence has helped unravel several critical aspects of the process. It is clear that a change in the pattern of pituitary gonadotropin secretion serves as a hormonal trigger for puberty induction. This change is directly guided by the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generation, a phenomenon regulated by the Kisspeptin-Neurokinin-Dynorphin (KNDy) system also in the hypothalamus. This represents the kisspeptin molecule, which is crucial in augmenting GnRH secretion at puberty, whose secretion is fine-tuned by the opposing signals neurokinin B and dynorphin. Recently, the novel kisspeptin inhibitory signal MKRN3 was described, whose role in puberty initiation provided further insight into the mechanistic aspects of pubertal onset. Furthermore, the description of higher inhibitory and stimulatory signals acting upstream of the KNDy neurons suggested that the trigger point of puberty is located upstream of the KNDy system and the GnRH pulse generator. However, the mechanism of pubertal onset should not be considered as an isolated closed loop system. On the contrary, it is influenced by such factors as adipose tissue, gastrointestinal function, adrenal androgen production, energy sensing, and physical and psychosocial stress. Also, fetal and early life stressful events, as well as exposure to endocrine disruptors, may play important roles in pubertal initiation, the latter primarily through epigenetic modifications. Here we present the available data in the field and attempt to provide an integrated view of this unique and crucial phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarantis Livadas
- Endocrine Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Sarantis Livadas
| | - George P. Chrousos
- UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- George P. Chrousos
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Street ME, Angelini S, Bernasconi S, Burgio E, Cassio A, Catellani C, Cirillo F, Deodati A, Fabbrizi E, Fanos V, Gargano G, Grossi E, Iughetti L, Lazzeroni P, Mantovani A, Migliore L, Palanza P, Panzica G, Papini AM, Parmigiani S, Predieri B, Sartori C, Tridenti G, Amarri S. Current Knowledge on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) from Animal Biology to Humans, from Pregnancy to Adulthood: Highlights from a National Italian Meeting. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1647. [PMID: 29865233 PMCID: PMC6032228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wildlife has often presented and suggested the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Animal studies have given us an important opportunity to understand the mechanisms of action of many chemicals on the endocrine system and on neurodevelopment and behaviour, and to evaluate the effects of doses, time and duration of exposure. Although results are sometimes conflicting because of confounding factors, epidemiological studies in humans suggest effects of EDCs on prenatal growth, thyroid function, glucose metabolism and obesity, puberty, fertility, and on carcinogenesis mainly through epigenetic mechanisms. This manuscript reviews the reports of a multidisciplinary national meeting on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisabeth Street
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sergio Bernasconi
- Former Department of Medicine, University of Parma, Via A. Catalani 10, 43123 Parma, Italy.
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- ECERI European Cancer and Environment Research Institute, Square de Meeus, 38-40, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium.
| | - Alessandra Cassio
- Pediatric Endocrinology Programme, Pediatrics Unit, Department of Woman, Child Health and Urologic Diseases, AOU S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti, 11, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Catellani
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Deodati
- Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Tor Vergata University, Piazza S. Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrica Fabbrizi
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Augusto Murri Hospital, Via Augusto Murri, 17, 63900 Fermo, Itlay.
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Pathology and Neonatal Section, AOU and University of Cagliari, via Ospedale, 54, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Gargano
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Villa Santa Maria Institute, Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation Center, Via IV Novembre 15, 22038 Tavernerio (Como), Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, Pediatrics Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | - Pietro Lazzeroni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Food and Veterinary Toxicology Unit ISS⁻National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Traslational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 55, 56123 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Paola Palanza
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Panzica
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri-Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10, 10043 Orbassano (Turin), Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Department of Chemistry 'Ugo Schiff', University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
| | - Stefano Parmigiani
- Unit of Evolutionary and Functional Biology-Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability (SCVSA)-University of Parma⁻11/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Barbara Predieri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mother, Children and Adults, Pediatrics Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via del Pozzo, 71, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | - Chiara Sartori
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Tridenti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Sergio Amarri
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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Mustieles V, Ocón-Hernandez O, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Dávila-Arias C, Pérez-Lobato R, Calvente I, Arrebola JP, Vela-Soria F, Rubio S, Hauser R, Olea N, Fernández MF. Bisphenol A and reproductive hormones and cortisol in peripubertal boys: The INMA-Granada cohort. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 618:1046-1053. [PMID: 29100688 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine disrupting compound. Although several studies have investigated the effect of BPA exposure and reproductive hormones in humans, results have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To explore the cross-sectional relationship between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and reproductive hormones/cortisol among peripubertal boys. MATERIAL AND METHODS Urinary BPA and serum hormones were assessed in 172 boys belonging to the INMA "Environment and Childhood" Granada birth cohort in their follow-up at 9-11years of age. BPA concentrations were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and levels of serum total testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and cortisol were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULT(S) After adjustment for confounders, linear regression models showed that each natural-log unit increase in urinary BPA concentrations was associated with a 19% increase in geometric mean (GM) serum TT levels, and a 16% decrease in GM serum cortisol levels. When urinary BPA concentrations were categorized in tertiles, boys in the 3rd tertile showed 49% higher TT levels and 23% lower cortisol concentrations compared to boys in the 1st tertile. Additionally, urinary BPA concentrations were also significantly associated with higher TT:LH and TT:cortisol ratios, but not with serum LH or FSH levels. CONCLUSION(S) Our results suggest the possible endocrine disrupting potential of BPA during this important period of development. Although action at the testis or pituitary cannot be ruled out, our findings are compatible with a possible involvement of BPA at the adrenal gland, resulting in a differential production of androgens/cortisol. However, given the cross-sectional design of our study, the heterogeneous results reported in the literature, and the scant experimental research on BPA effects at the adrenal gland, the present findings should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Mustieles
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Spain; University of Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Granada, Spain
| | - Olga Ocón-Hernandez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Spain; University of Granada, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Granada, Spain
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Dávila-Arias
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Pérez-Lobato
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Spain
| | - Irene Calvente
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Spain
| | - Juan P Arrebola
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Spain; University of Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Fernando Vela-Soria
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Spain
| | - Soledad Rubio
- University of Córdoba, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, 14017 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicolás Olea
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Spain; University of Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Mariana F Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Spain; University of Granada, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review summarizes recent epidemiologic data demonstrating the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) on the timing of puberty and highlights the complexity of understanding the interplay of environmental and genetic factors on pubertal timing. RECENT FINDINGS In girls, there have been mixed results, with some exposures being associated with earlier timing of puberty, and some with later puberty. In boys, prepubertal exposures to nondioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls accelerate puberty, whereas levels of insecticides, dioxin-like compounds, organochlorine pesticides, and lead delay puberty. SUMMARY The effects of EDCs on pubertal timing are sexually dimorphic, compound specific, and varies according to the window of exposure. These studies confirm that low-level exposures to a mix of environmental compounds may mask the effects of individual compounds and complicate our ability to translate data from animal studies to human health and to fully understand the clinical implications of environmental epidemiology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary M Lee
- Pediatric Endocrine Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Bratke H, Bruserud IS, Brannsether B, Aßmus J, Bjerknes R, Roelants M, Júlíusson PB. Timing of menarche in Norwegian girls: associations with body mass index, waist circumference and skinfold thickness. BMC Pediatr 2017; 17:138. [PMID: 28587648 PMCID: PMC5461627 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-017-0893-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research studies show conflicting results regarding the association between menarche and body weight. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if anthropometric indicators of body composition, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triceps (TSF) and subscapular skinfold (SSF) thicknesses, were differentially associated with age at menarche in Norwegian girls. Methods The association between menarche and BMI, WC, TSF and SSF was investigated in 1481 girls aged 8–15.5 years, and in a subgroup of 181 girls with menarche during the 12 months prior to examination. Anthropometric measures were categorized as low (< −1SDS), average (−1 ≤ SDS ≤ +1) or high (> 1SDS), and menarche according to this classification was analysed with Kaplan-Meier curves and unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression. Results The median age at menarche in the total sample was 13.1 years. In the unadjusted models, low categories of all traits were associated with later menarche, and high categories with earlier menarche. When adjusted for other covariates, earlier menarche was only related with a high BMI (Hazard Ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07, 1.85), and later menarche with a low BMI (HR 0.53, 95%CI 0.38, 0.75) and low SSF (HR 0.54, 95%CI 0.39, 0.75). In girls with recent menarche, early menarche was significantly associated with a high BMI in the final model (HR 1.79, 95%CI 1.23, 2.62). Conclusions The timing of menarche was associated with the BMI, WC, TSF and SSF, but more strongly so with the BMI. These associations may be related to a common tempo of growth, as the mean age at menarche has remained stable during the last decades during a time period while the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Bratke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Paediatrics, Haugesund District Hospital, Haugesund, Norway
| | | | - Bente Brannsether
- Department of Clinical Science, Section of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, 5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Paediatrics, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Jörg Aßmus
- Haukeland University Hospital, Centre for Clinical Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Robert Bjerknes
- Department of Clinical Science, Section of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mathieu Roelants
- KU Leuven -Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pétur B Júlíusson
- Department of Paediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Science, Section of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
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Trasande L, Vandenberg LN, Bourguignon JP, Myers JP, Slama R, Vom Saal F, Zoeller RT. Peer-reviewed and unbiased research, rather than 'sound science', should be used to evaluate endocrine-disrupting chemicals. J Epidemiol Community Health 2016; 70:1051-1056. [PMID: 27417427 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2016-207841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Evidence increasingly confirms that synthetic chemicals disrupt the endocrine system and contribute to disease and disability across the lifespan. Despite a United Nations Environment Programme/WHO report affirmed by over 100 countries at the Fourth International Conference on Chemicals Management, 'manufactured doubt' continues to be cast as a cloud over rigorous, peer-reviewed and independently funded scientific data. This study describes the sources of doubt and their social costs, and suggested courses of action by policymakers to prevent disease and disability. The problem is largely based on the available data, which are all too limited. Rigorous testing programmes should not simply focus on oestrogen, androgen and thyroid. Tests should have proper statistical power. 'Good laboratory practice' (GLP) hardly represents a proper or even gold standard for laboratory studies of endocrine disruption. Studies should be evaluated with regard to the contamination of negative controls, responsiveness to positive controls and dissection techniques. Flaws in many GLP studies have been identified, yet regulatory agencies rely on these flawed studies. Peer-reviewed and unbiased research, rather than 'sound science', should be used to evaluate endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA Department of Environmental Medicine and Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, New York, USA Department of Nutrition, Food & Public Health, NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York, New York, USA NYU Global Institute of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Bourguignon
- Pediatric Endocrinology, CHU Liège and Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, Universite de Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Remy Slama
- Inserm, CNRS and Univ. Grenoble Alpes joint research center (IAB), Team of Environmental Epidemiology, Grenoble, France
| | - Frederick Vom Saal
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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