IMR Press / FBL / Volume 7 / Issue 4 / DOI: 10.2741/borgees

Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark (FBL) is published by IMR Press from Volume 26 Issue 5 (2021). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with Frontiers in Bioscience.

Article
The effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on the ovary
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1 Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
2 Department of Physiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
3 Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
Front. Biosci. (Landmark Ed) 2002, 7(4), 1941–1948; https://doi.org/10.2741/borgees
Published: 1 September 2002
Abstract

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or synthetic chemicals that mimic, enhance, or inhibit endogenous hormones. In this article, we review possible targets of EDCs within the ovary and explore whether EDCs may be acting as estrogen mimics, interfering with apoptosis, altering cell signaling pathways, or affecting estrogen metabolism. Though the study of EDCs has remained controversial, it is important to study them because our society continues to release large amounts of industrial chemicals into our environment and uncovering the mechanisms of action may lead to treatments of any potential adverse effects. In addition, studying how EDCs affect the ovary may lead to serendipitous discoveries about ovarian function and dysfunction. Finally, understanding the science behind endocrine disruption may influence the political and regulatory handling of EDCs.

Keywords
Endocrine Disruptor
Ovary
Estrogen
Apoptosis
Review
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