Enhanced identification of endocrine disruptors through integration of science-based regulatory practices and innovative methodologies: The MERLON Project
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Published:2024-04-12
Issue:
Volume:4
Page:68
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ISSN:2732-5121
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Container-title:Open Research Europe
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Open Res Europe
Author:
Svingen TerjeORCID, Andersson Anna-Maria, Angelova Julianna, Axelstad Marta, Bakker Julie, Baumann Lisa, Beronius Anna, Bouftas NoraORCID, Chalmel Frederic, Christiansen SofieORCID, Cornil CharlotteORCID, Damdimopoulou Pauliina, Deepika DeepikaORCID, Dollé Martijn E. T., Draskau Monica KamORCID, Fischer Margit Bistrup, Hagen Casper P., Hessel Ellen, Holmer Marie Louise, Hughes SamanthaORCID, Jensen Genon, Johansson Hanna Katarina Lilith, Juul AndersORCID, Kumar Vikas, Kumar SauravORCID, Lardenois Aurélie, Main Katharina M., Mazaud-Guittot Severine, Moe S. JannickeORCID, Mola Gylli, Parent Anne-Simone, Pineda Rafael, Rolland Antoine, Rosenmai Anna Kjerstine, Song YouORCID, Suglia Antonio, Tena-Sempere Manuel, Wehrli LydiaORCID, Zilliacus Johanna, van Duursen Majorie
Abstract
The prevalence of hormone-related health issues caused by exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a significant, and increasing, societal challenge. Declining fertility rates together with rising incidence rates of reproductive disorders and other endocrine-related diseases underscores the urgency in taking more action. Addressing the growing threat of EDCs in our environment demands robust and reliable test methods to assess a broad variety of endpoints relevant for endocrine disruption. EDCs also require effective regulatory frameworks, especially as the current move towards greater reliance on non-animal methods in chemical testing puts to test the current paradigm for EDC identification, which requires that an adverse effect is observed in an intact organism. Although great advances have been made in the field of predictive toxicology, disruption to the endocrine system and subsequent adverse health effects may prove particularly difficult to predict without traditional animal models. The MERLON project seeks to expedite progress by integrating multispecies molecular research, new approach methodologies (NAMs), human clinical epidemiology, and systems biology to furnish mechanistic insights and explore ways forward for NAM-based identification of EDCs. The focus is on sexual development and function, from foetal sex differentiation of the reproductive system through mini-puberty and puberty to sexual maturity. The project aims are geared towards closing existing knowledge gaps in understanding the effects of EDCs on human health to ultimately support effective regulation of EDCs in the European Union and beyond.
Funder
HORIZON EUROPE Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
Publisher
F1000 Research Ltd
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