Modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase by endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are used to describe environmental agents that alter endocrine function. They are found in the environment as constituents of consumer products, such as plastic bottles, toys, and pesticides. Mechanisms of action for their effects are not thoroughly understood. Some chemicals may disrupt endocrine function via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Kinases function in signal-transducing pathways involved in regulating key cellular processes in many organisms. These kinases can be activated by various extracellular physiological or pathological stimuli. EDCs initiate stress and induce kinase phosphorylation cascades. This review discusses previous studies regarding MAPK pathways and their role in endocrine disruption. This work highlights the pathological effects of EDCs and describes their impact on MAPK signaling.