Endocrine Disruption and Human Health

The compounds of natural or human-made origin that are capable of interfering with the endocrine system of an organism are called endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). These compounds disrupt the normal physiology and homeostatic processes of the organism by mimicking or inhibiting naturally occurring hormones. EDCs are found in low levels in a lot of items due to which all people are exposed to compounds having estrogenic effects in their daily lives. DDT, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and a range of phthalates are among the chemicals regularly found in individuals. Endocrine-disrupting substances bind classical nuclear hormone receptors by disrupting other pathways regulating hormone synthesis or action processes of the organism. EDCs severely affect the cellular and whole-body metabolism. They may also act as causative agents in a wide spectrum of metabolic disorders in humans, including obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular dysfunction. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to endocrine disruption and its effects on human health. It will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers engaged in this area of study.