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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Human Health Effects Sign in to save

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Human Health: Effects on Metabolism, Diabetes and Cancer

Cancers 2023 40 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Valerio Renzelli, Marco Gallo, Lelio Morviducci, Giampiero Marino, Alberto Ragni, Enzo Tuveri, Antongiulio Faggiano, Rossella Mazzilli, Annalisa Natalicchio, Maria Chiara Zatelli, Monica Montagnani, Stefano Fogli, Dario Giuffrida, Antonella Argentiero, Romano Danesi, Stella D’Oronzo, Stefania Gori, Tindara Franchina, Antonio Russo, Matteo Monami, Laura Sciacca, Saverio Cinieri, Annamaria Colao, Angelo Avogaro, Graziano Di Cianni, Francesco Giorgino, Nicola Silvestris

Summary

This review by a panel of Italian medical experts examines how polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) — flame retardants found in industrial products and household items — disrupt hormonal signaling and may contribute to metabolic disorders, diabetes, and cancer through both molecular and clinical mechanisms.

Body Systems

There is increasing evidence of the role of endocrine disruptors (EDs) derived from commonly employed compounds for manufacturing and processing in altering hormonal signaling and function. Due to their prolonged half-life and persistence, EDs can usually be found not only in industrial products but also in households and in the environment, creating the premises for long-lasting exposure. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are common EDs used in industrial products such as flame retardants, and recent studies are increasingly showing that they may interfere with both metabolic and oncogenic pathways. In this article, a multidisciplinary panel of experts of the Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists (AMD), the Italian Society of Diabetology (SID), the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE) and the Italian Society of Pharmacology (SIF) provides a review on the potential role of PBDEs in human health and disease, exploring both molecular and clinical aspects and focusing on metabolic and oncogenic pathways.

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