The effect of endocrine disrupting chemicals on the vitronectin-receptor (integrin αvβ3)-mediated cell adhesion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Cardiovascular disrupting effects of bisphenols, phthalates, and parabens related to endothelial dysfunction: Review of toxicological and pharmacological mechanisms

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. CVDs are promoted by the accumulation of lipids and immune cells in the endothelial space resulting in endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial cells are important components of the vascular endothelium, that regulate the vascular flow. The imbalance in the production of vasoactive substances results in the loss of vascular homeostasis, leading the endothelial dysfunction. Thus, endothelial dysfunction plays an essential role in the development of atherosclerosis and can be triggered by different cardiovascular risk factors. On the other hand, the 17β-estradiol (E2) hormone has been related to the regulation of vascular tone through different mechanisms. Several compounds can elicit estrogenic actions similar to those of E2. For these reasons, they have been called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). This review aims to provide up-to-date information about how different EDCs affect endothelial function and their mechanistic roles in the context of CVDs.

Expression Profiles of Genes Related to Development and Progression of Endometriosis and Their Association with Paraben and Benzophenone Exposure

Increasing evidence has been published over recent years on the implication of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including parabens and benzophenones in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been published on the ways in which exposure to EDCs might affect cell-signaling pathways related to endometriosis. We aimed to describe the endometriotic tissue expression profile of a panel of 23 genes related to crucial cell-signaling pathways for the development and progression of endometriosis (cell adhesion, invasion/migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation/hormone stimulation) and explore its relationship with the exposure of patients to parabens (PBs) and benzophenones (BPs). This cross-sectional study included a subsample of 33 women with endometriosis from the EndEA study, measuring their endometriotic tissue expressions of 23 genes, while urinary concentrations of methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-paraben, benzophenone-1, benzophenone-3, and 4-hydroxybenzophenone were determined in 22 women. Spearman's correlations test and linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. The expression of 52.2% of studied genes was observed in >75% of endometriotic tissue samples and the expression of 17.4% (n = 4) of them in 50-75%. Exposure to certain PB and BP congeners was positively associated with the expression of key genes for the development and proliferation of endometriosis. Genes related to the development and progression of endometriosis were expressed in most endometriotic tissue samples studied, suggesting that exposure of women to PBs and BPs may be associated with the altered expression profile of genes related to cellular pathways involved in the development of endometriosis.

The effects of bisphenols on the cardiovascular system

Bisphenols, endocrine disrupting chemicals, have frequently been used for producing food packaging materials. The best-known member, bisphenol A (BPA), has been linked to impaired foetal development in animals. Possible negative effects of BPA on human health have resulted in the production of novel, so-called next-generation (NextGen) bisphenols whose effects on humans are much less explored or even missing. This review aimed to summarise and critically assess the main findings and shortages in current bisphenol research in relation to their potential impact on the cardiovascular system in real biological exposure. Because of the common presence of bisphenols in daily use products, humans are clearly exposed to these compounds. Most data are available on BPA, where total serum levels (i.e. included conjugated metabolite) can reach up to ∼430 nM, while free bisphenol levels have been reported up to ∼80 nM. Limited data are available for other bisphenols, but maximal serum levels of bisphenol S have been reported (680 nM). Such levels seem to be negligible, although in vitro studies have showed effects on ion channels, and thyroid, oestrogenic and androgenic receptors in low micromolar concentrations. Ex vivo studies suggest vasodilatory effects of bisphenols. This stays in clear contrast to the elevation of arterial blood pressure documented in vivo and in observatory cross-sectional human studies. Bisphenols are also claimed to have a negative effect on lipidic spectrum and coronary artery disease. Regardless, the reported data are generally inconsistent and unsatisfactory. Hence novel well-designed studies, testing in particular NextGen bisphenols, are needed.