The Interplay of the Mammalian Brain and Thyroid Hormones, and the Threat of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
Nuha Ahmad Dsouki,
Bruno Fiorelini Pereira,
Roberta Goes da Silva,
Vinicius Gonçalves Rodrigues,
Rafaella da Silva Brito,
Marina Malta Letro Kizys,
Maria Izabel Chiamolera,
Rui Monteiro Maciel,
Caroline Serrano-Nascimento,
Gisele Giannocco
Affiliations
Nuha Ahmad Dsouki
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Bruno Fiorelini Pereira
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Roberta Goes da Silva
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Vinicius Gonçalves Rodrigues
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Rafaella da Silva Brito
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Marina Malta Letro Kizys
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Maria Izabel Chiamolera
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Rui Monteiro Maciel
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Caroline Serrano-Nascimento
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Gisele Giannocco
Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, São Paulo 04039-032, SP, Brazil
Introduction: During the formation of neural circuits, the developing brain demonstrates extraordinary plasticity, heavily influenced by hormones. These chemical messengers interact with specific receptors to regulate vital physiological functions. The thyroid gland plays a pivotal role in maintaining hormonal balance and guiding brain development. However, emerging threats like endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with this intricate system. EDCs are exogenous substances that can mimic, enhance, or block the actions of endogenous hormones, disrupting hormonal signaling in the brain at various developmental stages. Exposure can impair cognitive function and behavior due to disruptions in thyroid function. Studies indicate that mixtures of EDCs negatively impact brain development, leading to lower IQ and behavioral problems. Reducing EDC exposure through regulations and public awareness is crucial, and further research is needed to elucidate their mechanisms. Conclusions: Protecting vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, is essential through prompt regulatory measures.
