endocrine-disruption
Endocrine disruption refers to the interference of chemicals with hormone systems that regulate growth, development, and reproduction in living organisms. In plant science, researchers investigate how such compounds—often agricultural or industrial pollutants—affect plant hormone signaling pathways, potentially altering growth patterns, reproductive success, and stress responses. Understanding these effects is crucial for assessing environmental contamination risks and developing plants with greater resilience to chemical exposure.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-06-30
Researchers in South Korea found that estrogen metabolites from sewage treatment plants accumulate in freshwater fish and remain hormonally active, accounting for far more of the measured estrogenic contamination than the well-known estrogens scientists typically test for. Two compounds, epiestriol and 17-epiestriol, were largely overlooked until now.
Well-known estrogens (estrone, E2, estriol, ethinylestradiol) explained only 27% of estrogenic activity in fish muscle and 11% in eggs, leaving the majority of activity unaccounted for.
17-epiestriol, an estrogen breakdown product produced in sediments and transferred to fish, contributed up to 27% of measured estrogenic activity on its own.
A six-step screening workflow identified 14 candidate compounds; 7 of 11 tested were confirmed as newly recognized estrogen receptor agonists, primarily estrogen metabolites and anabolic agents.