Carcinogenetic mechanisms of endocrine disruptors in female cancers (Review)

Del Pup,Lino; Mantovani,Alberto; Cavaliere,Carla; Facchini,Gaetano; Luce,Amalia; Sperlongano,Pasquale; Caraglia,Michele; Berretta,Massimiliano

doi:10.3892/or.2016.4886

Carcinogenetic mechanisms of endocrine disruptors in female cancers (Review)

Authors:
- Lino Del Pup
- Alberto Mantovani
- Carla Cavaliere
- Gaetano Facchini
- Amalia Luce
- Pasquale Sperlongano
- Michele Caraglia
- Massimiliano Berretta
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Affiliations: Division of Gynecological Oncology, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, I-33081 Aviano, Italy, National Institute of Health, I-00161 Rome, Italy, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Uro-Gynaecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori ‘Fondazione G. Pascale’ - IRCCS, I-80131 Naples, Italy, Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, Second University of Naples, I-80138 Naples, Italy, Unit of General and Geriatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Second University of Naples, I-80137 Naples, Italy, Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, I-33081 Aviano, Italy
Published online on: June 21, 2016 https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2016.4886
Pages: 603-612
Copyright: © Del Pup et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are pollutants that alter the endocrine system and are involved in carcinogenesis. EDs have multiple and complex levels of action. They can affect the synthesis, release and transport of natural hormones. In target tissues, EDs can reduce or increase the effects of natural hormones on their receptors and change signaling cascades. When ED exposure happens at critical periods of life, from embryo to puberty, they can act at doses considered safe for an adult. Furthermore, their epigenetic effects can also influence the cancer risk of future generations. The cancer mechanisms of known EDs are hereby reviewed, There are thousands of newly introduced substances whose potential endocrine-disrupting and cancer effects are completely unknown. Although there are still gaps in our knowledge, these data support the urgent need for health and environmental policies aimed at protecting the public and in particular, the developing fetus and women of reproductive age.

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