Immune System: An Emerging Player in Mediating Effects of Endocrine Disruptors on Metabolic Health

Endocrinology. 2018 Jan 1;159(1):32-45. doi: 10.1210/en.2017-00882.

Abstract

The incidence of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and obesity continues to increase. In addition to the well-known contributors to these disorders, such as food intake and sedentary lifestyle, recent research in the exposure science discipline provides evidence that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol A and phthalates via multiple routes (e.g., food, drink, skin contact) also contribute to the increased risk of metabolic disorders. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can disrupt any aspect of hormone action. It is becoming increasingly clear that EDCs not only affect endocrine function but also adversely affect immune system function. In this review, we focus on human, animal, and in vitro studies that demonstrate EDC exposure induces dysfunction of the immune system, which, in turn, has detrimental effects on metabolic health. These findings highlight how the immune system is emerging as a novel player by which EDCs may mediate their effects on metabolic health. We also discuss studies highlighting mechanisms by which EDCs affect the immune system. Finally, we consider that a better understanding of the immunomodulatory roles of EDCs will provide clues to enhance metabolic function and contribute toward the long-term goal of reducing the burden of environmentally induced diabetes and obesity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endocrine Disruptors / toxicity*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Illness / chemically induced*
  • Environmental Illness / epidemiology
  • Environmental Illness / immunology
  • Environmental Illness / metabolism
  • Global Health*
  • Health Transition*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / drug effects*
  • Immune System / immunology
  • Immune System / metabolism
  • Immune System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Immune System Diseases / epidemiology
  • Immune System Diseases / immunology
  • Immune System Diseases / metabolism
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Endocrine Disruptors