Endocrine Disrupters, Steroidogenesis and Inflammation

During the past decade, considerable information concerning the effects of endocrine disrupters (EDCs) on animals and humans has been accumulated. These compounds of anthropogenic or natural origin mimic the action of sex hormones, thus disturbing the endocrine system. The present overview covers the different classes of EDCs, such as pesticides (that act as androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, i.e. anti-androgens), and phthalates and dioxins (which appear to inhibit fetal testosterone synthesis). The effects of these compounds on steroidogenesis by Leydig cells and reproductive development are reviewed and their possible key role in connection with increasing frequencies of abnormalities in reproductive development, such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism, is debated. Moreover, the influence of different classes of EDCs on ovarian and adrenal steroidogenesis is also described. In addition, putative interactions between EDCs and mediators of inflammation, that can potentially intensify the inflammatory process, are discussed.