{"id":37434,"date":"2025-01-16T00:01:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T05:01:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/?p=37434"},"modified":"2025-01-14T16:17:15","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T21:17:15","slug":"multitude-of-studies-find-epigenetic-effects-from-pfas-and-other-endocrine-disrupting-pesticides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beyondpesticides.org\/dailynewsblog\/2025\/01\/multitude-of-studies-find-epigenetic-effects-from-pfas-and-other-endocrine-disrupting-pesticides\/","title":{"rendered":"Multitude of Studies Find Epigenetic Effects from PFAS and Other Endocrine Disrupting Pesticides"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Beyond Pesticides<\/em>, January 16, 2025) In Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety<\/em><\/a>, researchers highlight a multitude of studies on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and endocrine disrupting pesticides (EDPs) showing epigenetic<\/a> effects from exposure. These EDCs imitate the action of endocrine hormones and lead to gene damage and multigenerational adverse effects to health.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese chemicals can interfere with the normal functioning of target tissues by altering their response to hormonal signals, thereby affecting various physiological processes including reproduction, development, the nervous system, the immune system, and even the process of carcinogenesis [causing cancer],\u201d according to the authors from Hebei Agricultural University and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. \u00a0<\/p>\n

In causing epigenetic modifications, the authors describe that EDCs can create changes \u201cat the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (nDNA and mtDNA) or RNA levels, without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These alterations modify the structure or conformation of DNA, influencing gene expression and, consequently, cellular function.\u201d They continue, \u201cThe mechanisms of epigenetics include changes in DNA methylation, chromatin modifications and the involvement of certain noncoding RNAs.\u201d<\/p>\n

In reviewing over 80 studies on EDCs, predominantly fluorinated compounds such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS<\/a>), the researchers provide a summary of linkages between pesticide exposure and the threats to health on a cellular level. The studies on EDCs \u201cinclude typical pesticides such as organophosphorus, organochlorine, pyrethroid, carbamate, and triazole pesticides, which can induce estrogenic, androgenic, and thyroid hormone effects in the body,\u201d the authors note.<\/p>\n

They continue: \u201cTheir actions hinge on intricate hormone signaling pathways, which have the potential to disrupt various aspects of the endocrine system in humans and other animals, leading to abnormal effects within the organism. It is widely recognized that the action of EDPs is related to their structural similarity to natural hormones, which endows EDPs with the ability to mimic endogenous hormones [those produced inside a cell] by binding to target hormone receptors.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the high sensitivity of organisms to epigenetic changes, exposure to EDPs at very low concentrations poses a threat. These chemicals are also prone to accumulating in human tissues and can lead to chronic impacts. (See more on body burden here<\/a>.) The authors describe exposure methods and the resulting implications in saying: \u201cEDPs enter organisms through various routes, including food ingestion, breathing, and skin contact. EDPs exert endocrine-disrupting effects with potentially wide-ranging effects on the reproductive system<\/a>. They can impact the development and functionality of the gonads, resulting in imbalances in sex hormone levels that may cause reproductive issues, including infertility<\/a> and gonadal tumors.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is a wide body of science showcasing the connection of pesticides to endocrine disruption<\/a>. Numerous studies document exposure to EDPs, including PFAS<\/a>, leading to dysfunction of the body\u2019s endocrine system as well as additional health effects such as cancer<\/a>, brain and nervous system disorders<\/a>, immune system disorders<\/a>, diabetes<\/a>, learning\/developmental impacts<\/a>, and sexual and reproductive dysfunction<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Within the review, studies document:<\/p>\n