edc

Talking about Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), we refer matters in both the internal and external surroundings of the body that hamper the fabrication and functioning. As such, such systems of the body like reproduction, development, neurologic and the immune system become adversely affected as (Metzler & Bosland, 2013).  Numerous types of these EDCs exist. I seek to discuss Natural chemicals, as one type of them, found in human and animal food, such as phytoestrogens, genistein and coumestrol in this discussion.

This is the group of the EDSs that I researched. According to Keith, Needham & American Chemical Society (2000), these natural chemicals were all-inclusively presumed to contain comparatively low binding affinity to ERs. Nevertheless, they are used extensively and are elements of the infant formula. There have been a number of specialists that have tried to examine these chemicals. The latest study established that the concentration of urine of these substances, with genistein, daidzein and phytoestrogens making the bulk of them were approximately five hundred folds in the Soy formula of infant fed as contrasted to those the one with the milk formula of cows as Keith, Needham & American Chemical Society (2000) writes. As such, the prospective for the disruption of endocrines by phytoestrogens requires some considerations.

These substances have several effects on almost all the systems of the human body in case a person experience constant exposure to them. For instance, in the reproductive system, they affect fertility as a result of reducing the quality of sperms, their count and the volume of semen in men. In women, they increase the chances of miscarriages. They as well lead to abnormalities in sex organs of human beings (Keith, Needham & American Chemical Society, 2000). A case that is a clinical example here is cryptorchidism alongside hypospadias. The former is a condition that sees the testes lingering inside the abdominal region instead of dropping out and down. The later refers to a deformity in which the aperture is not at the end of the penis but at the bottom of it. Other than causing an ailment known as Endometriosis, a condition of womenthat sees the tissues of the uterus appear in the abdominal parts other than the uterus consequently leading to pain and barrenness (Metzler & Bosland, 2013). Similarly, other than these natural chemicals taken through food and water, almost all the EDCs interfere with the development and the functionality of both the nervous system and the immune system.

Other than causing adverse effects on the body systems as discussed above, the natural chemicals; phytoestrogens, genistein and coumestrol in the same breath have adverse implications on hormones and their secretion in the body. Foremost sits an actuality that these chemicals hinder the production of some hormones like the Follicle Stimulating Hormone in women. In convection occasions, they allow the generation of hormones but they are either inactive or are less in volume (Metzler & Bosland, 2013). As such, these hormones fail to meet their various obligations in the body systems thereby causing subsequent fails in the entire systems and the whole body in turn (Metzler & Bosland, 2013).

Although there some research on these substances, it is at the basic level. This reason stands so because these chemicals are miscellaneous and may not materialize to share any structural correspondence other than typically being molecular compounds of diminutive mass. Therefore, it is intricate to envisage the possibility of a multipart to exert endocrine-disrupting activities (Keith, Needham & American Chemical Society, 2000). As such, increasing and advancing researches and studies on the subject will be of great use and significance in line with boosting a better understanding of chemicals so as to devise mechanisms of curbing their effects. Establishing prevention measures of exposure to the substances will equally be cheap and simple.

References

Keith, L. H., Needham, L. L., & American Chemical Society. (2012).Analysis of environmental endocrine disruptors. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society.

Metzler, M., & Bosland, M. C. (2013). Endocrine disruptors. Part 2. Berlin: Springer.

The teacher responds to my post with the following:

These chemicals affect fertility frequently and we aren't even aware that it's happening. Is it possible that we are influencing our fertility? Is that why some people are having issues with their fertility (where they have to see an infertility specialist to be able to conceive)? What are your thoughts? 

How do I respond back to my teacher?