On April 8, 2014 the medical news provider Medical Press published an article reporting on a new study investigating the differing responses of human and rat testes to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). The study carried out by researchers from the French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), the University of Paris-Diderot and the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) compared the effect of 6 EDCs on testicular development, using an in vitro culture system called FeTA. Compounds assessed included the food contact substancea bisphenol A (BPA), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and cadmium. In the article, René Habert, professor at the University of Paris-Diderot, states that the study indicates differing susceptibilities of human and rat cells to some EDCs. The study’s study system did not allow the investigation of long term effects. The follow-up project will assess the risks of BPA substitutes, including bisphenol S and F (BPS and BPF).
Read more
Laura Udakis (April 8, 2014). “Human safety thresholds for endocrine disrupting chemicals may be inaccurate.” Medical Press.
Reference
Habert, R. (2014). “Concerns about the widespread use of rodent models for human risk assessments of endocrine disruptors.” Reproduction 147, R119-129.
