Endocrine-disrupting mechanisms of polychlorinated biphenyls

Abstract

The extent of human exposure to chemicals, their endocrine-disrupting mechanisms of action, and the relationship between exposure and various human diseases raise significant scientific and public health concerns. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) belong to the group of organic compounds known as persistent organic pollutants, characterized by long-range transport, persistence, bioaccumulation, and high toxicity. They have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that endocrine-disrupting effects of PCBs mainly involve thyroid and reproductive function. In the review presented, these effects were placed in the context of the most recent findings on PCB-induced endocrine-disrupting mechanisms and modes of action.