phytoestrogens and Endocrine-System-Diseases

Isoflavones, a group of phytoestrogens, are selective oestrogen receptor (ER) modulators. They may positively impact endocrine-related conditions but the current evidence is sparse. Equol, a non-steroidal oestrogen, is produced by the metabolism of the isoflavone daidzein by intestinal bacteria. In Western countries, 30-50% of individuals metabolize daidzein into equol and are known as equol producers. Equol production may be the source of benefit from isoflavones in endocrine disease.

Topics: Animals; Dietary Supplements; Endocrine System Diseases; Equol; Female; Functional Food; Humans; Isoflavones; Male; Phytoestrogens; Soy Foods

Diet is a significant source of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC); health risks cannot be excluded, in particular long-term effects in vulnerable Groups such as children. However, food safety assessment must also consider the effects of natural food components modulating the endocrine system. The scientific evidence on the complex interactions between EDC and food components is still limited. The new EDC-Diet Interactions Database (EDID) within the ISS EDC area (www.iss.it/inte/) aims to stimulate further research in the field of food toxicology: a database on international literature's studies, either on experimental systems and on animal population and humans, easy to consult and periodically updated. Examples of studies contained in EDID are provided concerning EDC with iodine, vitamins and phytoestrogens.

Topics: Databases, Factual; Diet; Endocrine Disruptors; Endocrine Glands; Endocrine System Diseases; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Phytoestrogens; Risk Assessment; Thyroid Gland

In Europe, endocrine disruptors (EDs) have been defined as substances foreign to the body that have deleterious effects on the individuals or their descendants, due to changes in endocrine function. In the United States, EDs have been described as exogenous agents that interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, binding, action or elimination of the natural ligands responsible for maintaining homeostasis and regulating body development. These two definitions are complementary, but both indicate that the effects induced by EDs probably involve mechanisms relating in some way to hormonal homeostasis and action. EDs are generally described as substances with anti-oestrogenic, oestrogenic, anti-androgenic or androgenic effects. More recently, other targets have been evidenced such as the thyroid and immune system. Many different EDs are present in the various compartments of the environment (air, water and land) and in foods (of plant and animal origin). They may originate from food packaging, combustion products, plant health treatments, detergents and the chemical industry in general. In addition to the potential effects of these compounds on adults, the sensitivity of embryos and fetuses to many of the xenobiotic compounds likely to cross the placenta has raised considerable concern and led to major research efforts. With the exception of the clearly established links between diethylstilbestrol, reproductive health abnormalities and cancers, very little is known for certain about the effects of EDs on human health. Given the lack of available data, current concerns about the possible involvement of EDs in the increase in the incidence of breast cancer, and possibly of endometriosis and early puberty in girls, remain hypothetical. Conversely, the deterioration in male reproductive health is at the heart of preoccupations and progress in analyses of the relationship between EDs and human health. This literature review aims to describe the current state of knowledge about endocrine disruption, focusing in particular on the problem of food contaminants.

Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Animals; Benzhydryl Compounds; Diethylstilbestrol; Endocrine Disruptors; Endocrine System Diseases; Environmental Health; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Fetus; Food Contamination; Gonadal Dysgenesis; Homeostasis; Humans; Industrial Waste; Infertility, Male; Male; Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental; Neoplasms; Pesticide Residues; Phenols; Phthalic Acids; Phytoestrogens; Plastics; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Rats