In vivo study of the effects of the endocrine disruptor glyphosate in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis

Abstract

Endocrine Disruptors (ED) can be defined as exogenous compounds with the potential to alter standard hormone regulation and endocrine system. Such interference may occur in the production, release, metabolism and elimination of hormones. Furthermore, these substances can mimic natural hormone actions, causing changes in normal physiological functions. In this project we opted to study one of the major currently used ED that might affect men's health: glyphosate based herbicides, which are widely used, especially in transgenic plantations. Preliminary data shown that prenatal exposure of rats with a compound containing glyphosate resulted in a decrease of the mRNA content of TSH beta subunit, however, with increased protein content. Other than that little is known about how glyphosate can influence the regulation of the HPT axis. Therefore, we aim at studying the influence of perinatal exposure to glyphosate in rats HHT axis. To reach that goal hormonal and gene expression profiles will be evaluated in order to estimate HHT axis function. Therefore, the results of this project could provide better understand in the mechanisms of action of this ED and help assess the possible impact of these on public health.