Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): An overview of impact, analysis and microbial degradation

Background Endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDCs) is an artificial or naturally occurring any compound that is capable of interfering with endocrine system and it presents a threat not only to the environment but also to the health of human being. These xenobiotics are becoming more widespread in the environment and can cause a whole spectrum of metabolic and developmental disorders. They can be long-term with many of their effects being dependent on the time and associated exposure time and some of them are irreversible. Methods The review summarizes existing evergreen publications about the classification, origin, and biological effects that EDCs have. It discusses how various organisms are vulnerable to being exposed to EDCs and how the latter interfere with endocrine action. The review also considers different bioassays that are applied in toxicological testing in evaluation of EDC activity. Results All EDCs can be classified into industrial chemicals, pesticides, plasticizers, pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. Lipophilic EDCs have the potential of bioaccumulation that gives rise to long-term biological impacts. Reproductive and developmental abnormalities have been found their way into wildlife studies; infertility, obesity, diabetes, and hormone-related cancers linked in humans being exposed to it. Mechanistically, EDCs act as mimics or antagonists to naturally produced hormones, change the expression of receptor in cells, hormone synthesis and metabolism. Bioassays like the in vitro receptor binding, reporter gene and in vivo animal model are also very useful in assessing EDC toxicity. Conclusions The tendency of even greater persistence of EDC in the environment poses as testimony to the dire necessity of intensified monitoring, regulation, and spread of sensitivity among general public. There is a strong need to research further to learn about the long term effects to health, improve methods of detection, and make certain chemical alternatives that are safe. The issue of EDC exposure is of importance when it comes to protecting the natural balance of the environment and human health.