Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Fetal development relies on intricate maternal-fetal-placental interactions, with thyroid hormones playing a critical role in growth and neurogenesis. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during pregnancy has emerged as a significant risk factor for thyroid dysfunction and its associated developmental and cognitive disorders. EDCs, including bisphenol A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFAS), pesticides, and heavy metals, disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis, secretion, and metabolism. Mechanisms include binding to thyroid hormone receptors, impairing the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, and altering thyroid peroxidase activity. BPA exposure, for instance, reduces free and total T4 levels and interferes with deiodinase activity. Similarly, PCBs and PBDEs are associated with lower thyroxine levels and long-term behavioral issues in offspring. Pesticides and heavy metals exacerbate thyroid dysfunction by affecting hormone synthesis and receptor interactions. Genetic predisposition, iodine deficiency, and autoimmune conditions further increase susceptibility to EDC-related thyroid diseases. Given the vulnerability of the early pregnancy period and the prevalence of EDCs in the environment, reducing exposure and implementing regulatory measures are essential to mitigate adverse effects on maternal and fetal thyroid health. Future research should prioritize the mechanisms of EDC-induced thyroid dysfunction and potential interventions to protect at-risk populations.
DOI
10.55730/1300-0144.6122
Keywords
Endocrine disruptors, environmental exposure, fetal development, neurogenesis, thyroid dysfunction
First Page
1620
Last Page
1624
Publisher
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
ERASLAN AYDEMİR, E, & ŞAHİN, M (2025). Effects of endocrine disruptors on thyroid hormone synthesis and function and consequences of fetal exposure. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 55 (7): 1620-1624. https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.6122
