About this Research Topic
Several substances are known to be disruptors of endocrine glands. In the past, research focused on disrupting chemicals like bisphenol a (BPA) and aspects of reproductive health, while many ways of action have been hypothesized. Identification of further disrupting substances and a broad spectrum of possible targets forces the intensification of research activities. Regarding the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, however, data is still relatively scarce. The adrenal gland is relatively neglected in endocrine toxicology. BPA has been shown to increase adrenal weight and corticosterone levels in female rats, while GR protein was lower. A correlation between adrenal incidentalomas and BPA has also been suggested. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been shown to induce significantly elevated basal corticosterone levels in female rats. Phtalates also seem to disrupt fetal adrenal development. Evaluation of endocrine disrupting aspects of combined toxic chemicals are in very early stages of research efforts.
This research topic aims to broaden the horizon of research regarding endocrine disrupting chemicals with special focus on the HPA axis, especially the adrenal gland. It is in accordance with the The Endocrine Society’s Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, calling for more research on this topic.
Contributors might address mechanistic aspects with basic research. They should aim to:
1) identify HPA-axis (especially adrenal gland) disrupting chemicals, identifying windows of toxicity,
2) analyze effects on hormone levels,
3) hypothesize possible courses of action.
Reviews regarding the topic are also accepted.
This research topic aims to broaden the horizon of research regarding endocrine disrupting chemicals with special focus on the HPA axis, especially the adrenal gland. It is in accordance with the The Endocrine Society’s Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, calling for more research on this topic.
Contributors might address mechanistic aspects with basic research. They should aim to:
1) identify HPA-axis (especially adrenal gland) disrupting chemicals, identifying windows of toxicity,
2) analyze effects on hormone levels,
3) hypothesize possible courses of action.
Reviews regarding the topic are also accepted.
Keywords: Disruptor, adrenal gland, endocrine disruptor, chemical
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
