Early homeostatic disturbances of human growth and maturation by endocrine disrupters

We attempt to delineate and integrate aspects of growth and
development that could be affected by endocrine disrupters [endocrine-disrupting
compounds (EDC)], an increasing public health concern. RECENT FINDINGS:
Epidemiological and experimental data substantiate that fetal and early postnatal
life are critical periods of exposure to endocrine disrupters, with possible
transgenerational effects. The EDC effects include several disorders of the
reproductive system throughout life (abnormalities of sexual differentiation,
infertility or subfertility and some neoplasia) and disorders of energy balance
(obesity and metabolic syndrome). The mechanisms are consistent with the concept
of 'developmental origin of adult disease'. They could involve cross-talk between
the factors controlling reproduction and those controlling energy balance, both
in the hypothalamus and peripherally. SUMMARY: Due to ubiquity of endocrine
disrupters and lifelong stakes of early exposure, individual families should be
provided by pediatricians with recommendations following the precautionary
principle, that is prevention or attenuation of conditions possibly detrimental
to health before the evidence of such adverse effects is complete and
undisputable.