Endocrine disrupting compounds
More and more is known about the impact of exposure to mixtures of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in humans and animals. It is possible to be exposed to these compounds via nutrition, cosmetics and the environment. EDCs can have an effect or even disrupt the development and functioning of the endocrine system. The HYPIEND project aims to gain insights in the effects and mechanisms of those compounds in the endocrine system and to investigate what strategies are effective to minimize the exposure in sensitive populations.
The HYPIEND consortium consists of 14 teams from Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Zebrafish
The aim is to identify the effects of endocrine disruptors, and especially those compounds in mixtures that occur naturally. The effect of EDC mixtures will be researched in cell models, models of the placenta and blood-brain barrier, and in organoids. Additionally, EDCs will be tested in zebrafish (Danio rerio), in which the Radboud University plays a key role. The zebrafish is chosen as model organism because the model is highly useful to screen toxicity in full life cycle and to study mechanisms of action of EDC mixtures.
During this project, behavioural assays, fecundity and fertility screenings will be done after EDCs exposure to identify its effects. Moreover, gene expression, of genes related to the stress, reproduction and thyroid physiology, will be assessed. Combined with the study of transgene zebrafish we can identify molecular pathways through which EDCs affect an organism.
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