Environmental endocrine disruption of energy metabolism and cardiovascular risk

Curr Diab Rep. 2014 Jun;14(6):494. doi: 10.1007/s11892-014-0494-0.

Abstract

Rates of metabolic diseases have increased at an astounding rate in recent decades. Even though poor diet and physical inactivity are central drivers, these lifestyle changes alone fail to fully account for the magnitude and rapidity of the epidemic. Thus, attention has turned to identifying novel risk factors, including the contribution of environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals. Epidemiologic and preclinical data support a role for various contaminants in the pathogenesis of diabetes. In addition to the vascular risk associated with dysglycemia, emerging evidence implicates multiple pollutants in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Reviewed herein are studies linking endocrine disruptors to these key diseases that drive significant individual and societal morbidity and mortality. Identifying chemicals associated with metabolic and cardiovascular disease as well as their mechanisms of action is critical for developing novel treatment strategies and public policy to mitigate the impact of these diseases on human health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atherosclerosis / chemically induced*
  • Atherosclerosis / epidemiology
  • Atherosclerosis / etiology
  • Benzhydryl Compounds / toxicity
  • Endocrine Disruptors / toxicity*
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Animal
  • Obesity / chemically induced*
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Phenols / toxicity
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Prevalence
  • Public Health
  • Risk Factors
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Endocrine Disruptors
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Phenols
  • bisphenol A