'Estrogens' in the Context of Endometrial Neoplasia

Abstract

Environmental contaminants released by anthropogenic activities pose an epigenetic threat to ecosystem health. These chemicals or 'estrogens' are widespread in the environment and include synthetic organic compounds such as pesticides, chemicals used for the polymerization of plastics and resins, dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, butiltins and natural phytoestrogens. The 'obesogenic action' and the estrogenicity of these chemicals are some of the candidate mechanisms for the progression of endometrial neoplasia. In this review the pathophysiologic path that links exposure to these substances with the endometrial cancer development will be described.