Question

What defines an Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC)?

1. An EDC is an exogenous agent that interferes with natural hormones responsible for homeostasis and development.
2. EDCs primarily disrupt endocrine glands by blocking the action of natural hormones.
3. EDCs only affect the production and release of natural hormones.
4. The primary mechanism of EDCs is to mimic the action of natural hormones.

• A. None of these
• B. 1 only
• C. 4 only
• D. 1, 4

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 1, 4

• 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