Endocrine Disruptors and the Induction of Insulin Resistance

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of insulin resistance syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased at an alarming rate worldwide and constitutes a serious challenge to public health care in the 21st century. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are defined as “substances or mixtures of substances that alter the endocrine system function[s] and, hence, adversely affect organisms, their progeny, or [sub] populations” and may be associated with this increase in prevalence. Objective: This study aimed to assess the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in insulin resistance and the importance of approaching the subject during anamnesis. Methods: A full review of the literature regarding insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes and endocrine disruptors was conducted. Conclusion: Large-scale production and distribution of endocrine disrupting chemicals coincide with the increase in prevalence of insulin resistance globally. In recent years, studies have shown that endocrine disrupting chemicals are positively associated with insulin resistance syndrome, evidenced by worse prognoses among individuals with higher levels of exposure. Health professionals should recognize the forms of exposure, most susceptible people, and lifestyle habits that can worsen patients’ prognoses.

Xenobiotic-Induced Aggravation of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

“…To this end, experimental investigations using cellular models of MAFLD might allow a great number of xenobiotics to be screened [47,176,216]. Although there is increasing evidence that many xenobiotics might alter the insulin signaling pathway [217][218][219][220], it should be pointed out that these in vitro models cannot detect MAFLD worsening due to extra-hepatic effects such as insulin resistance (Figure 1).…”

Diabetes mellitus: Plasticizers and nanomaterials acting as endocrine‑disrupting chemicals (Review)

“…Multiple factors play a certain role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of DM including lifestyle choices (sedentary habits and junk food consumption), genetic susceptibility (such as genes involved in glucose metabolism, insulin control and secretion), chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, growth hormone and cortisol axis anomalies which contribute to insulin resistance and are a necessary step in type 2 DM development (6,8,9). EDCs have been demonstrated to be involved in the occurrence of DM based on experimental and clinical studies (8)(9)(10). For instance, bisphenol A (BPA) induces excessive insulin secretion impairing the communication among fat-muscle-liver-pancreas (10).…”

“…EDCs have been demonstrated to be involved in the occurrence of DM based on experimental and clinical studies (8)(9)(10). For instance, bisphenol A (BPA) induces excessive insulin secretion impairing the communication among fat-muscle-liver-pancreas (10). Other molecules may display a similar effect including pesticides, dioxins, and aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbides (10).…”

“…For instance, bisphenol A (BPA) induces excessive insulin secretion impairing the communication among fat-muscle-liver-pancreas (10). Other molecules may display a similar effect including pesticides, dioxins, and aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbides (10). Certain EDCs are nanomolecules with varying applications from industry or medical fields (10).…”

“…Other molecules may display a similar effect including pesticides, dioxins, and aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbides (10). Certain EDCs are nanomolecules with varying applications from industry or medical fields (10).…”