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Impact of endocrine disruptors on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro: role of gender
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Researchers tested six endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates and PFAS compounds, on human immune cells in the laboratory and found that they altered immune function with notable differences between males and females. Diethyl phthalate and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid were the most active disruptors, affecting inflammation markers, natural killer cell activity, and lymphocyte differentiation. The study suggests that common environmental contaminants can directly interfere with human immune responses in a sex-dependent manner.
Humans can be exposed to endocrine disruptors (EDs) in numerous ways. EDs can interfere with endogenous hormones at different levels, resulting in numerous adverse human health outcomes, including immunotoxicity. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate in vitro the possible effects of EDs on immune cells and possible gender differences. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy humans, both males and females, were exposed to 6 different EDs, namely atrazine (herbicide), cypermethrin (insecticide), diethyl phthalate (plasticizer), 17α-ethynylestradiol (contraceptive drug), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (persistent organic pollutant), and vinclozolin (fungicide). We evaluated the effect of EDs on RACK1 (receptor for activated C kinase 1) expression, considering it as a bridge between the endocrine and the immune system, and putatively used as screening tool of immunotoxic effects of EDs. The exposure to EDs resulted at different extent in alteration in RACK1 expression, pro-inflammatory activity, natural killer lytic ability, and lymphocyte differentiation, with sex-related differences. In particular, diethyl phthalate and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid resulted the most active EDs tested, with gender differences in terms of effects and magnitude. The results from our study evidenced the ability of EDs to directly affect immune cells.
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Researchers reviewed how endocrine disruptors, particulate matter, and micro/nanoplastics cause sex-dependent neurotoxicity, finding that biological differences between male and female brains shape their vulnerability to these pollutants and that most prior toxicology studies have overlooked sex as a variable, leaving important knowledge gaps for public health policy.
The Impact of Endocrine Disruptions on Animal and Human Organism
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This review examines how endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including bisphenol A, phthalates, and micro- and nanoplastics, interfere with hormonal balance in animals and humans. Researchers describe how these substances interact with hormone receptors, induce epigenetic changes, and disrupt cell signaling pathways affecting reproduction, metabolism, and neurological function. The study highlights that nanoparticles, including microplastics, may amplify endocrine disruption and calls for more research into the molecular pathways involved.
Sex-dependent variations in the immune status of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio laevis (Crustacea, Isopoda) as a response to environmental perturbation: a case of microplastic exposure in soil
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Scientists exposed small soil creatures (isopods, a relative of pill bugs) to microplastics and found that males and females responded differently, females showed immune changes while males showed changes in growth and protein levels, even at low microplastic doses. While this study is about bugs, not people, it's a reminder that microplastics can quietly affect living things' internal biology in ways that differ by sex, a factor scientists are increasingly finding matters when studying how these tiny plastic particles might affect human health too.
Advances in understanding the reproductive toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in women
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This review examines how endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and triclosan may interfere with the female reproductive system. Evidence indicates that these chemicals, found widely in the environment, can disrupt hormone function and may contribute to adverse reproductive outcomes, though the precise mechanisms are still being studied.
Phthalate exposure and risk of ovarian dysfunction in endometriosis: human and animal data
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Researchers explored the link between phthalate exposure and ovarian dysfunction in endometriosis patients, using both human clinical data and animal models to identify potential mechanisms by which these environmental endocrine disruptors impair reproductive function.
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