Question

How do Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) primarily interact with the body's hormonal system?

1. EDCs interfere with the function of endocrine glands by mimicking natural hormones.
2. EDCs can bind to and activate various hormone receptors, such as Estrogen Receptor and Androgen Receptor.
3. EDCs only affect the elimination of natural hormones from the body.
4. The main action of EDCs is to block the synthesis of all natural hormones.

• A. All
• B. iv only
• C. i, ii
• D. iii only

Answer 1

Answer:

C. i, ii

• An endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are defined as an exogenous agent that interferes with the production, release, transport, metabolism, binding, action or elimination of natural hormones in the body responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis and the regulation of development processes.

• EDCs act mainly by interfering with natural hormones produced by endocrine glands because of their strong potential to bind to estrogen or androgen receptors

• EDCs can bind to and activate various hormone receptors like Androgen Receptor, Estrogen Receptor, Estrogen Related Receptor, Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Constitutive Androstane Receptor, etc. and subsequently mimic the natural hormone's action

• Pesticides like atrazine, chlordecone, dicofol, endosulfan, lindane, methoxychlor, and vinclozolin are reported to act as endocrine disruptors.