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Endokrine Disruptoren

Schädliche Wirkungen auf den weiblichen Organismus

Endocrine disruptors

Adverse effects on the female organism

  • Leitthema
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Gynäkologische Endokrinologie Aims and scope

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Jeder von uns ist stetig einem Cocktail von Substanzen ausgesetzt, die endokrin disruptiv wirken könnten. Erfahrungen mit Substanzen wie Diethylstilbestrol haben gezeigt, dass die weiblichen Reproduktionsorgane in sensiblen Entwicklungsphasen durch Zufuhr exogener Hormone irreversibel geschädigt werden können. Es ist daher sehr wichtig, sich mit dieser Problematik auseinanderzusetzen.

Zielsetzung

Es sollen die schädlichen Wirkungen endokriner Disruptoren auf die weiblichen Reproduktionsorgane dargestellt werden. Zusätzlich werden Besonderheiten der Toxizität dieser Substanzen aufgezeigt.

Material und Methoden

Ausgewählte Literatur wurde gesichtet und hinsichtlich schädlicher Effekte der endokrinen Disruptoren auf die weiblichen Reproduktionsorgane ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die Mehrzahl der Erkenntnisse zur negativen Wirkung von endokrinen Disruptoren auf den weiblichen Organismus wird aus Tierstudien abgeleitet. Beobachtete Toxizitäten betreffen alle weiblichen Reproduktionsorgane (Ovar, Uterus, Vagina) und den Zeitpunkt der sexuellen Reifung. Die Effekte umfassen u. a. das Syndrom polyzystischer Ovarien, Zyklusanomalien, Endometriose, Schwangerschaftskomplikationen und Uterusmyome. Hierbei wird deutlich, dass sich die Schäden häufig erst mit erheblichem zeitlichem Abstand zur Exposition manifestieren.

Schlussfolgerungen

Expositionen mit endokrinen Disruptoren können die weiblichen Reproduktionsorgane schädigen. Embryonen, Feten und Neugeborene reagieren dabei viel sensibler als erwachsene Frauen. Inwieweit unsere Gesundheit durch die stetige Aufnahme geringer Mengen verschiedener endokriner Disruptoren aus der Umwelt beeinträchtigt wird, ist sehr schwer abzuschätzen. Diese Problematik bleibt daher weiterhin im Fokus der toxikologischen Forschung.

Abstract

Background

We are constantly exposed to a cocktail of substances that could act as endocrine disruptors. Experiences with substances like diethylstilbestrol have proven that the female reproductive organs can be damaged irreversibly by exposure to exogenous hormones during sensitive developmental stages. It is therefore necessary to address this important issue.

Objectives

The adverse effects of endocrine disruptors on the female reproductive organs are summarized. In addition, special aspects of the toxicity of these substances are identified.

Materials and methods

Selected literature on the adverse effects of endocrine disruptors on female reproductive organs was screened and evaluated.

Results

The majority of findings on the adverse effects of endocrine disruptors on the female organism are derived from animal studies. Observed toxicities affect all female reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, vagina) and the timing of sexual maturation. The effects include polycystic ovary syndrome, altered cycliscity, endometriosis, pregnancy complications, and uterine fibroids. Importantly, the damage does not usually manifest directly after exposition, but after a considerable temporal interval.

Conclusion

Exposure to endocrine disrupters can damage the female reproductive organs. Embryos, fetuses, and newborn babies are much more sensitive than adult women. The extent to which our health is affected by the continuous intake of low quantities of various endocrine disrupters from the environment is very difficult to estimate. Endocrine disruptors therefore remain in the focus of toxicological research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland

    Silvia Vogl

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  1. Silvia Vogl
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Correspondence to Silvia Vogl.

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S. Vogl gibt an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht.

Dieser Beitrag beinhaltet keine Studien an Menschen oder Tieren.

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T. Strowitzki, Heidelberg

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Vogl, S. Endokrine Disruptoren. Gynäkologische Endokrinologie 13, 150–155 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10304-015-0026-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10304-015-0026-2

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