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Xenoestrogens: mechanisms of action and detection methods

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Abstract

Estrogenic compounds exert pleiotropic effects in wildlife and humans, and endogenous estrogens, like 17β-estradiol, regulate growth and development of their target tissues. Environmental, industrial, or naturally occurring chemicals that possess estrogenic and/or antiestrogenic activities are termed xenoestrogens and may interfere with endocrine systems. These xenoestrogens are therefore defined as endocrine-active or endocrine-disrupting compounds. The estrogen receptor (ER) is the major regulatory unit within the estrogen-signaling pathway and the molecular mechanisms of estrogen and ER actions are described briefly. Based on the mechanism of ER action, in vitro test systems are described that can be employed for screening but also for the elucidation of mechanisms of action of (anti)estrogenic compounds. How screening assays and mechanistic studies can aid in human risk assessment for potential endocrine-active compounds is discussed also.

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Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank members of the Institute of Toxicology at Merck KGaA for fruitful discussion and comments.

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  1. Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Toxicology, Merck KGaA, PO Box, 64271, Darmstadt, Germany

    Stefan O. Mueller

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  1. Stefan O. Mueller
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Correspondence to Stefan O. Mueller.

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Mueller, S.O. Xenoestrogens: mechanisms of action and detection methods. Anal Bioanal Chem 378, 582–587 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-003-2238-x

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