Impact of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Human Reproductive System: A Toxicological Perspective

Abstract

Recent clinical or epidemiological studies are reporting alarming results on the effects of certain groups of chemicals on the female reproductive system. These endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) influence the normal activities of hormones secreted from the female hypothalamus, ovary, pituitary & uterus. The female reproductive disorders are mainly observed at embryonic or during fetal development and subsequently get matured during puberty. Various toxic chemicals and other pollutants interact with the chemical structure of the hormones and hence prolonged effects are seen at the cellular and molecular level of hormones resulting in disruption of secretion and function. Due to poor coordination of hormones and other reproductive organs of the body vital functions are compromised. Hence it’s highly significant to study and explore the toxicity of chemicals that play a key role in the malfunctioning of the female reproductive system. In this review, we are concerned about the influence of EDCs and their significance in public health. Furthermore, we illustrated the discussion on the increasing effects of EDCs in various parts such as clinical, animal models, or epidemiological studies to develop awareness among the people.

Keywords

• endocrine disrupting chemicals, reproductive health, pralidoxime, pesticide toxicity