The Role of Endocrine Disruptors and Environmental Chemicals in Causing Cancer: Focusing on Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms

Amit Kumar  Singh; Ranjay Kumar Choudhary; Vikas Tiwari; Suresh Babu Kondaveeti; Jappreet Kaur; Vivek Kumar Garg; Bunty Sharma; Vaishali Aggarwal; Harpal Singh Buttar

doi:10.5937/scriptamed57-62642

Amit Kumar Singh Chandigarh University
Ranjay Kumar Choudhary A’sharqiyah University
Vikas Tiwari AIPH University
Suresh Babu Kondaveeti Symbiosis International (Deemed University)
Jappreet Kaur Chandigarh University
Vivek Kumar Garg Chandigarh University
Bunty Sharma Graphic Era (deemed to be University)
Vaishali Aggarwal Panjab University
Harpal Singh Buttar University of Ottawa

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/scriptamed57-62642

Keywords: Endocrine disruptors, Neoplasms, Carcinogenesis, Epigenomics, Toxic, Metals

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and environmental pollutants are ubiquitous and increasingly linked to the aetiology of cancer. This review synthesises existing evidence on the carcinogenic potential of EDCs, including bisphenols, phthalates, pesticides, heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, with a focus on genetic and epigenetic pathways. The molecular mechanisms by which these chemicals induce carcinogenesis, including DNA damage, chromosomal aberrations, dysregulation of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes and alterations in DNA repair was critically accessed. Epidemiological research emphasises epigenetic changes, including aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications and deregulated non-coding RNA expression, which mediate long-term and potentially transgenerational effects of exposure. The interplay among endocrine signalling, oxidative stress, inflammation and epigenetic reprogramming is discussed in relation to hormone-dependent and hormone-independent cancers. Epidemiological, in vivo and in vitro experimental evidence, together with high-throughput omics data, were integrated to strengthen mechanistic plausibility. This review identified important research gaps, including low-dose and mixture effects, timing of exposure and population-wide vulnerability and provides future directions for risk assessment and regulatory policy. Greater insight into the genetic and epigenetic effects of EDCs is needed to advance cancer prevention and inform evidence-based community health interventions.

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