Endocrine Abstracts

The term endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) defines a structurally diverse class of synthetic and natural compounds that possess the ability to alter various components of the endocrine system (e.g. receptors, metabolizing enzymes, transporters) and potentially induce adverse health effects in exposed individuals and populations. Particularly the family of the nuclear receptors which include steroid receptors are known to bind many of such substances. For example, the two e...

The endocrine active compound 4-methylbenzylidene-camphor (4-MBC) is frequently used as an UV absorber in sunscreens and various skin care products. Though 4-MBC is weakly estrogenic in the reproductive system of fishes and rodents it shows strong anti-osteoporotic effects. Furthermore, different studies show percutanous absorption of 4-MBC after dermal administration resulting in identical biotransformation in humans and rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received five concentr...