Unit:
Department of NursingLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Panagiotidou Emily-Elisavet
Dissertation committee:
Αντώνιος Σταματάκης, Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Ευθυμία Κιτράκη, Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Οδοντιατρικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Σοφία Χαβάκη, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Ιατρικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Χριστίνα Δάλλα, Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Ιατρικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Φωτεινή Στυλιανοπούλου, Ομότιμη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Χρήστος Κόνσουλας, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Ιατρικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Ανδρονική Ραυτογιάννη, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Ψυχολογίας, Πανεπιστήμιο Κρήτης
Original Title:
Study of the effects of prenatal exposure to mixtures of endocrine disruptors, on the reproductive and nervous system of mice
Translated title:
Study of the effects of prenatal exposure to mixtures of endocrine disruptors, on the reproductive and nervous system of mice
Summary:
This thesis explored the effects of prenatal exposure to environmentally relevant
mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on reproductive and neurodevelopmental
outcomes in mice offspring. EDCs are known to disrupt hormonal function even at low doses
and are detected in biological fluids, making developing fetuses vulnerable to their effects.
Phthalates, pesticides, and BPA are common EDCs found in everyday products, with known
neurodevelopmental effects and associations with reproductive and behavioral problems.
The study focused on two EDC mixtures, Mixture S0 and Mixture N1, designed based
on exposure levels observed in the SELMA cohort study. Experimental testing involved
exposure of pregnant mice to these mixtures, followed by monitoring offspring through pre -
puberty and into adulthood. Mixture S0, representing human exposure levels of phthalates,
caused lasting reproductive changes in mice, including altered gonadal function and hormone
levels, reduced anogenital distance, more significantly affecting males. Mixture N1, combining
phthalates, pesticides, and BPA at realistic exposure levels, induced enduring neurobehavioral
disruptions in adult offspring, such as altered stress response, increased activity, and reduced
sociability resembling ADHD traits, with gene expression changes observed in the limbic
system.
These findings underscore the profound developmental risks posed by prenatal
exposure to EDC mixtures, highlighting the importance of continued research and regulatory
measures to mitigate potential adverse effects on reproductive and neurological development.
The study contributes to the broader goal of initiatives like EDC-MixRisk in promoting safer
chemical use for future generations.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Mixtures of endocrine disruptors, prenatal exposure of mice, reproductive system of mice, behavior of mice
Number of references:
853
