The Effect of Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors on Bone Development and Bone-Related Diseases

Presenter

Jenna Marando

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Laura N. Vandenberg, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C26, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 3 (C21-C30) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that can alter one or more hormone action, often by mimicking or blocking the actions of natural hormones. Bone development and remodeling is a hormone-dependent process that may be sensitive to exposure to these chemicals leading to changes in bone health and diseases like osteoporosis. This study has two parts. In the first part, we summarize the results of published studies that have examined the effects of EDCs on bone outcomes in exposed animals. Chemicals that have been evaluated in prior studies include BPA, DEHP, glyphosate, PCBs, TBBPA, and tributyltin. We also summarize the results of epidemiology studies evaluating associations between EDC exposures and bone health including bone metabolism, bone mineral density, osteoporosis, and bone mass. These studies have examined EDCs including BPA, PFAS, phthalates, and triclosan. 

Because prior studies have evaluated the effects of exposures to EDCs with different mechanisms including estrogen receptor agonists and androgen receptor agonists, the second part of this study aims to characterize the expression of hormone receptors in developing bone and cartilage in mice at embryonic day 16. Using immunohistochemistry and microscopy approaches, we are evaluating expression patterns for the estrogen receptor alpha, progesterone receptor, and androgen receptor. The tissues were examined using a Zeiss Axio Imager inverted microscope and Zen image processing software to determine the prevalence of these hormone receptors. The characterization of these hormone receptors will be used to inform our analysis of the published studies of EDCs with complex endocrine disrupting properties.

Keywords

endocrine disruptor, hormone, bone health, bone diseases, endocrine disrupting chemicals

Research Area

Public Health and Epidemiology

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