2023-06-16 15:00:00
Shampoo, cans, plastic toys, detergents… Endocrine disruptors are omnipresent in our environment. As a reminder, these can interfere with the hormonal system and the functioning of the endocrine system. According to a study presented at the Endocrine Society congress in Chicago, these chemicals could cause cognitive and behavioral disorders in future generations.
To reach this conclusion, researchers at the University of Texas (Austin) administered polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a type of endocrine disruptor, to pregnant female rats. “Polychlorinated biphenyls can mimic the effect of estrogen on the body, contributing to a variety of neuroendocrine, metabolic, and reproductive issues,” the scientists said in a statement. Next, the adult rodents, their offspring, and future grandchildren were all assessed on pleasure seeking, attention span, and cognitive flexibility.
Endocrine disruptors: the harmful cognitive effects transmitted from generation to generation
According to the results, the grandchildren of rats exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls sought more food for pleasure and had a reduced ability to switch between tasks or learn new rules. “This suggests that endocrine disruptors program potential cognitive impairment or behavioral problems that only show up in later generations,” the team reported.
Additionally, male grandchildren were more likely to fixate on a visual cue, which is common in disorders such as ADHD. The grandchildren of mothers exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls also consumed more sucrose solution. These negative cognitive effects can therefore be transmitted from generation to generation.
Towards stronger regulations to reduce the prevalence of cognitive disorders?
The authors concluded that polychlorinated biphenyls altered different aspects of cognitive behavior in male and female rats, depending on the age at which they were exposed. However, they do not yet know exactly which biological systems could be causing this phenomenon. “Our results suggest that regulating endocrine disruptors in industrial and consumer products may reduce the prevalence of certain cognitive or behavioral disorders in the future,” said Emily N. Hilz, researcher and author of the work.
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