Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Endocrine disruptors are natural or chemical molecules capable of interfering with the endocrine system, as well as disrupting the signaling pathways of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of 85 patients with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m² followed in the endocrinology department of CHU Mohamed VI; we studied exposure to endocrine disruptors.

Results: 85 patients were included, mean age 41.96 years, with a predominance of female sex. Mean BMI was 38.24 kg/m². 67 patients, 78.82% had been exposed to endocrine disruptors either via inhalation, ingestion or transdermal absorption. 69.41% of patients had been exposed to bisphenol A (plastic), 36.47% to alkyl phenols and phthalates (household products), 31.77% to organochlorines (pesticides), 12.94% to thiocyanates (active or passive smoking).

Discussion: Endocrine disruptors have the ability to interfere with hormone regulation by binding to membrane and nuclear receptors normally occupied by natural hormones; they mimic or disrupt the action of certain hormones on organs such as adipose tissue, pancreas and skeletal muscle. The Endocrine Society described the toxicity of endocrine disruptors; their effects on various diseases including obesity in 2015 they can act directly or indirectly as obesogens, by altering basal metabolic rate, by altering gut microbiota favoring food storage, and by altering hormonal control of appetite and satiety.

Conclusion: The rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity cannot be explained solely by overeating and a sedentary lifestyle. Endocrine disruptors can affect adipocyte differentiation and endocrine function, and disrupt metabolic processes.