Endocrine disruptors + Early exposure - Late effects + Risk assessment (TOX 6)

22 important questions on Endocrine disruptors + Early exposure - Late effects + Risk assessment (TOX 6)

What is the "Barker hypothesis"?

The birth weight influences the chance of CV disease. A higher birth weight means a lower chance of having CV disease.

There is a downside of the "Barker hypothesis".What is it?

It depends on when the pregnant women was having a low calorie intake.

What was seen during the Dutch hunger winter?

During the Dutch hunger winter, there was a low intake of calories. Giving the newborn babies a low birth weight. This resulted in a lower incidence of CV diseases, obesity, and cognitive disfunction.
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What is the relation between epigenetics and DOHaD?

Epigenetics controls what parts of DNA are expressed, when, and how. If this is different in one individual and another, it will change what part of the DNA is expressed. This can cause disease in one individual but not in the other.

Where does DNA methylation occur?

DNA methylation occurs in the CpG sites.

What are the two types of DNA methyltransferases? And what is their function?





DNMT1: maintenance
DNMT3a/b: de novo

What are examples of chemicals that can change the epigenome?





  • Vinclozolin
  • DES
  • Methoxychlor
  • Bisphenol A
  • Dioxin
  • Phytoestrogens
  • Heavy metals
  • Tributyltin
  • Cigarette smoke

What is the epigenetic change caused by DES? What was DES used for?

DES was used to prevent miscarriage but it did not work. Developmental animal studies show a change in DNA methylation of the promoter of the oestrogen-responsive gene.

What is the difference between trans- and multigenerational?

Transgenerational means that the trait has been passed on without direct exposure, due to epigenetic changes.
Multigenerational means that there was exposure of mother, child, and grand child.

What are risk factors for obesity?

  • Diet
  • Physical activity
  • Underlying genetics
  • Prenatal environment (smoking, stress, exposure to EDCs)

What is the OBELIX hypothesis?

The OBELIX is a european research project.
Developmental exposure to an EDC can program the organism for increased sensitivity to develop obesity and related disorders later in life.

What is the approach of OBELIX?

There are three types of study:
  • Epidemiology
  • Toxicology
  • Risk assessment
The epidemiology and toxicology are compared with a mechanistic analysis.

What is something important that you need to keep in mind about DOHaDs?

Epigenetic changes may occur below "traditional" threshold levels.

Is endocrine disruption a problem?

Yes, it is affecting health of humans and animals world-wide.

What is the mechanism of action of hormones?

Hormones are transported via the blood to target distant organs where they bind to a receptor and regulate physiology and behavior. Or act locally by transferring a message to neighboring cells.

How are hormones chemically classified?

  • Steroid hormones
  • Peptide hormones

How are hormones biologically classified, based on their role?

  • Releasing hormones
  • Stimulating (or tropic) hormones
  • Non-tropic hormones

How are hormones biologically classified, based on receptor type?

  • Membrane receptor
  • Nuclear receptor

What are the modes of actions for EDCs?

  • Focus on (anti)estrogenecity
  • Receptor binding (activate (agonism) or inhibit (antagonism))
  • Non-receptor mediated alterations of endocrine function

What can you tell about the ANO-genital distance?

It is shorter in females than in males and it is also applicable for humans.

What are susceptible windows?





Periods of intense hormonal changes and changes in morphology and cell proliferation.

What are susceptible windows for breast cancer?

  • Gestation
  • Pre-puberty
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause

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