New solutions for Endocrine Disrupters
Julien Blaise, Ecotoxicology Market Manager, Eurofins Expertises Environnementales : julienblaise@eurofins.com; Dr. Hana Hofman-Hüther, Head of Scientific Consulting, Eurofins Professional Scientific Services, HanaHofman-Huether@eurofins.com
Some chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, can have harmful effects on the body’s endocrine (hormone) system. The endocrine system is a complex, interconnected system that enables regulation of growth, development and reproduction. Responses of the endocrine system act over longer periods than do those of the autonomic nervous system and affect all the tissues and organ systems of the body. Chemical substances suspected to be an Endocrine Disruptor on organisms are banned from formulations and products, which are made to be in contact with users and consumers, or which can end up in the environment. With this fact, Industries (Biopharma Industries included) have to detect endocrine properties of their products. This research has to be made as far upstream as possible to prevent the marketing of products that can have a negative impact on human health and adverse consequences for next generations (due to the impact on the hormonal system).
To date, there are more than 40 different ecological in vitro and in vivo mammalian assays included in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) conceptual framework, and there are still additional assays being developed in other parts of the world despite the volume and complexity of existing test methods.
Within the Eurofins network of laboratories, Environmental and BioPharma Product Testing sites offer the full range of Endocrine Disruptors testing required by the different Industries (pharmaceutic, cosmetic, chemistry, etc.). Assessments of weight-ofevidence and expert statements, tailored for respective regulatory programmes, are helpful to know the endocrine disrupting properties of a substance. Eurofins experts recommend that studies are constructed carefully in order to meet global requirements and avoid redundant testing.
Eurofins Expertises Environnementales in France and Eurofins BioPharma Product Testing in Germany are able to measure the impact of products on the endocrine system. The Endocrine Test Strategy includes in vitro and as well in vivo tests, which are able to evaluate the endocrine impact of the product.
In vitro Assays:
- Aromatase Assay
- ER TranscripAct (Human HeLa 9903) Assay
- H295R Steroidogenesis Assay
- Androgen Receptor Binding Assay
- Estrogen Receptor Binding Assay
In vivo Assays:
- Estrogenic scale: Fish to reveal estrogen disruption
- Thyroid scale: Amphibian larvae to reveal thyroid disruption
- Androgenic scale: Fish to reveal androgen disruption
By doing these tests, Eurofins takes into account the complete metabolic system with an enhanced sensitivity. Moreover, by using larvae of amphibian and fish models, Eurofins has representative organisms for biodiversity.
For more information, visit www.eurofins.com/contact-us/worldwide-interactive-map/
