Hidden fatteners These chemicals drastically affect our metabolism

How endocrine disruptors affect our hormone balance

A major EU research project is currently investigating a group of chemicals suspected of having a negative impact on human metabolism. There are many indications that so-called endocrine disruptors promote weight gain as well as metabolic diseases such as fatty liver, high blood lipid levels and diabetes. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals or mixtures of chemicals that interfere with hormone-driven signaling pathways.

In January 2019, the starting signal was given for the Europe-wide research project EDCMET. Researchers want to investigate the effects of endocrine disruptors on the metabolism in the project. Since 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned in the Global Assessment of the State-of-the-Science of Endocrine Disruptors report of these common chemicals that we are constantly absorbing about food and toiletries.

Normally, the body produces its hormones through organs such as the thyroid itself. However, certain chemicals can be mistaken for hormones. (Image: Kateryna_Kon / fotolia.com)

The hormones of the body regulate numerous functions

Hormones are normally used by humans and other organisms as signal molecules, which are usually transported through the blood, causing certain reactions throughout the body. For example, they regulate the development, growth, reproduction and behavior of humans and animals.

How do endocrine disruptors interfere with this natural process??

Certain chemicals are similar in chemical structure to natural hormones. If they enter the body, they can be mistaken for natural hormones. This can lead to a whole series of consequences:

• The effect of endogenous hormones can be weakened or intensified.
• The production of certain hormones can be excessively increased or decreased.
• The transport routes in the blood can be disturbed.
• Enzymes for regulating a natural hormone balance can be inhibited.
• The breakdown of hormones can get out of balance.
• The natural metabolism can be confused.

How do endocrine disruptors get into the body??

Endocrine disruptors are used to produce many synthetic materials. Also in the food and care industry they are often used to make plastic boxes, plastic bottles, tetra packs and cans. In pesticides they are also used and get into soils and waters. According to WHO, most of the chemicals enter the body through foods and liquids that were previously stored in plastic or had been in contact with pesticides. They can also be absorbed via the skin contact, for example via care products or industrial cleaning agents.

Final proof is now to be provided

Although the endocrine disruptors are associated with a variety of negative effects, according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) so far lacking clear scientific evidence whether and how these hormone-mimicking chemicals interfere with the metabolism. Consequently, there are currently no validated methods for assessing their metabolic effects.

New routine testing for chemicals

As part of the project, researchers will investigate how chemicals affect fat and energy metabolism in liver cells. Within this study, a new routine method for testing chemicals should also be developed to prevent further endocrine disruptors from circulating.

If the ban comes for use?

"The identification of such endocrine disruptors and their effect on bodily functions is a key aspect in the risk assessment of chemicals," reports BfR President Professor Dr. med. Dr. Andreas Hensel in a press release on the new EU project. Such a reliable proof with validated methods is indispensable to initiate legal regulatory measures. (Vb)