Effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals in pigs. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Changwon; Song, Gwonhwa; Lim, Whasun
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 263(2020)Supplement Part B
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Endocrine disrupting chemicals -- Pig -- Farm animal -- Bisphenol A -- Mycotoxin; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that interfere with the expression, synthesis, and activity of hormones in organisms. They are released into the environment from flame retardants and products containing plasticizers. Persistent pesticides, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorobenzene, also disrupt the endocrine system through interaction with hormone receptors. Endogenous hormones, such as 17β-estradiol (E2), are released in the urine and feces of farm animals and seep into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through sewage. Pigs are widely used as animal models to determine the effects of EDCs because they are physiologically, biochemically, and histologically similar to humans. EDCs primarily disrupt the reproductive and nervous systems of pigs. Moreover, embryonic development during the prenatal and early postnatal periods is particularly sensitive to EDCs. Mycotoxins, such as zearalenone, are food contaminants that alter hormonal activities in pigs. Mycotoxins also alter the innate immune system in pigs, making them vulnerable to diseases. It has been reported that farm animals are exposed to various types of EDCs, which accumulate in tissues, such as those of gonads, livers, and intestines. There is a lack of an integrated understanding of the impact of EDCs on porcine reproduction and development. Thus, this article aims to provide a comprehensive review of literature regarding the effects of EDCs in pigs. Graphical abstract: A graphical abstract of the contents of this review. Various classes of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including plasticizers, pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and mycotoxins, affect the environment of pig farms. EDCs seep into the environment either through manure or sewage runoff into water bodies, causing pollution. Endogenous hormones, such as 17β-estradiol (E2), have also been found in porcine urine and feces. However, there is insufficient appreciation of the effects of exposure to EDCs on the reproduction and development of pigs. Image 1 Highlights: The review highlights EDC effects on the physiological characteristics of pigs. Plasticizers, pesticides, and mycotoxins are EDCs that pigs can be exposed to. EDCs target the gonads and mainly cause reproductive dysfunction in pigs. Molecular mechanisms underlying EDC effects on porcine cells need elucidation. Abstract : Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals harmfully affect the reproductive system and embryo development in pigs.