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Epigenetics, Evolution, Endocrine Disruption, Health, and Disease

Section of Integrative Biology (D.C.), University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712; and Environmental Endocrinology Laboratory (J.A.M.), Center for Bioenvironmental Research, at Tulane and Xavier Universities, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: David Crews, Section of Integrative Biology, 2400 Speedway, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712. E-mail: crews{at}mail.utexas.edu.

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment have been linked to human health and disease. This is particularly evident in compounds that mimic the effects of estrogens. Exposure to EDCs early in life can increase risk levels of compromised physical and mental health. Epigenetic mechanisms have been implicated in this process. Transgenerational consequences of EDC exposure is also discussed in both a proximate (mechanism) and ultimate (evolution) context as well as recent work suggesting how such transmission might become incorporated into the genome and subject to selection. We suggest a perspective for exploring and ultimately coming to understand diseases that may have environmental or endocrine origins.