Characterization of toxicological effects on the energy metabolism after exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds.

In the present project we will investigate if endocrine disrupting chemicals are able to disrupt pancreas, liver and adipose tissue function; if they could alter insulin, glucagon and leptin levels; and if they could induce molecular mechanisms related to metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and/or cardiovascular disorders. A limited list of endocrine disrupting chemicals, all known as environmental pollutants, will be studied. With this project we will attempt to show that some of these compounds disrupt cellular energy homeostasis, more specifically by influencing glucose and/or lipid metabolism. Special attention will be given to the elucidation of the mode of action that underlies this disruption. Additionally, in this project we will investigate if the selected in vitro models can be used in the future as an alternative test system for detection and toxicological characterization of endocrine disrupting compounds with regard to the insulin/glucagon related metabolism. To this purpose, a defined set of biomarker genes with a toxicological predictive and/or xeno-estrogenic characterizing value will be selected.

Keywords:ENDOCRINE DISRUPTION, TOXICOLOGY, ENDOCRINOLOGY

Disciplines:Animal biology, General biology, Endocrinology and metabolic diseases, Veterinary medicine