In an article published online on April 18, 2015 in the peer-reviewed journal Medical Hypotheses, scientists from the Athens University Medical School, Greece suggest that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in combination with other agents, may be a crucial factor for the development of acne. Mazioti and colleagues reviewed the effects of several EDCs either acting as agonists of the androgen receptors or elevating testosterone levels due to interference with enzymes and binding proteins. Among other chemicals, two common food contact substances, namely, bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP, CAS 117-81-7), are discussed. Based on the available literature, the authors suggest that exposure to some EDCs may lead to the stimulation of the androgen receptors on the pilosebaceous units that are composed of a hair follicle and a sebaceous gland. This stimulation results in excess sebum output and hyperkeratinization i.e. dead skin cells do not leave the follicle because of an excess of keratin. As the authors point out, the pathways underlying the development of acne are still being elucidated. According to the authors, the present article underlines the potential contribution of EDCs to the development of acne. The authors hope that their perspective may stimulate interest in design and implementation of large scale studies to obtain in-depth knowledge of acne.
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Mazioti, M.C. et al. (2015). “The potential contribution of endocrine disrupting chemicals to acne.” Medical Hypotheses (published online April 18, 2015).
