review · Toxicology Reports
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including widespread pollutants such as bisphenol A and phthalates, interfere with hormonal systems and create significant public health risks during critical embryonic development windows. These substances disrupt gene regulation and alter essential epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA dynamics, which are vital for proper cellular differentiation. Such disruptions can lead to developmental and reproductive disorders and heighten long-term susceptibility to diseases. Current research evaluates potential interventions to reverse these changes, including DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and targeted nutritional strategies. In addition, innovative tools like high-throughput sequencing and CRISPR-based epigenome editing are reshaping the study of chemical impacts, reinforcing the need for stronger exposure regulations and tailored preventative solutions to protect early human development.
Common environmental pollutants can silently alter how genes are controlled during early embryonic growth, increasing long-term risks for reproductive and developmental health conditions. Understanding these molecular mechanisms enables public health authorities to develop stronger safety regulations and helps scientists explore targeted interventions, such as nutrition and specific therapeutics, to protect vulnerable populations from toxic chemical exposures.
The findings point toward early-stage applications in toxicology screening and therapeutic development. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies could leverage tools like CRISPR-based epigenome editing and high-throughput sequencing to assess chemical safety or validate therapeutic agents, such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, alongside preventative nutritional formulations. However, these applications remain at an exploratory and early review stage rather than ready for immediate market deployment.
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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are prevalent ecological pollutants that interfere with hormonal systems and pose serious health risks to the public, especially during critical developmental windows. Well-known EDCs, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, can alter gene regulation and induce epigenetic modifications that worsen reproductive and developmental disorders. This review explores the intricate relationships that exist among epigenetic mechanisms, EDCs, and embryonic development, with a focus on significant modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA dynamics that are critical for cellular differentiation. We review the possible health implications of EDC-induced epigenetic changes, focusing on how they could increase susceptibility to diseases. In addition, we provide a critical review of the available treatments aimed at reversing these epigenetic changes and highlight the groundbreaking technologies of high-throughput sequencing and CRISPR-based epigenome editing that are redefining the understanding of EDC effects. This thorough analysis highlights the necessity of efficient regulations that lower EDC exposure as well as the possibility of customized preventative measures to ensure developmental safety. • EDCs disrupt key epigenetic processes crucial for embryonic development. • EDC exposure alters gene regulation, leading to developmental disorders. • Therapeutic interventions including DNMT inhibitors target EDC-induced changes. • Nutritional strategies can mitigate the epigenetic disruptions caused by EDCs. • Emerging technologies like CRISPR-based editing are advancing EDC research.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101885
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