Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and implications for neurodevelopment

Human brain development is a complex multistep process that is partly coordinated by the endocrine system. Any interference with the endocrine system might affect this process and result in deleterious outcomes. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) represent a large group of exogenous chemicals with the capacity of interfering with endocrine functions. In different population-based settings, associations between exposure to EDCs, particularly in prenatal life, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes have been demonstrated. These findings are strengthened by numerous experimental studies. Although mechanisms underlying these associations are not entirely delineated, disruption of thyroid hormone and, to a lesser extent, sex hormone signalling have been shown to be involved. Humans are constantly exposed to mixtures of EDCs, and further research combining epidemiological and experimental settings is required to improve our understanding of the link between real-life exposures to these chemicals and their impact on neurodevelopment.

Automated summary

Human brain development is a complex process, influenced in part by the endocrine system. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during prenatal life has been found to be associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in various population-based studies. Experimental research has provided further support for these findings. Mechanisms involving thyroid hormone and sex hormone signaling disruptions have been implicated, but more comprehensive research combining epidemiological and experimental approaches is needed to better understand the impact of real-life exposure to EDCs on neurodevelopment.