The screening of everyday life chemicals in validated assays targeting the pituitary–gonadal axis (original) (raw)

2013, Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology

AI-generated Abstract

Ten structurally diverse chemicals (vitamins C, B9, B6, B3, sucrose, caffeine, gingerol, xanthan gum, par-acetamol, ibuprofen) were assessed for their potential endocrine disruption effects on the pituitary-gonadal axis using in vitro assays, specifically the human estrogen receptor transcriptional activation and H295R steroidogenesis assays. The majority were inactive in these assays, but four compounds (caffeine, gingerol, paracetamol, and vitamin C) influenced steroidogenesis. Further in vivo examinations of caffeine revealed significant impacts on pubertal parameters and hormone levels in rats. This research suggests an extensive range of natural chemicals may warrant consideration concerning endocrine effects, necessitating a weight of evidence approach in regulatory frameworks to focus on chemicals with genuine risks.