Insight into the role of hormones, particularly estrogen and testosterone, in health and disease etiology – including interactions with other hormone pathways – has dramatically changed. Estrogen and androgen receptors, with their polymorphisms, are key molecules in all tissues and are involved in a number of homeostatic mechanisms but also pathological processes including carcinogenesis and the development of metabolic and neurological disorders such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with the endocrine (hormone) systems at certain dosages and play a key role in the pathology of disease. Most known EDCs are manmade and are therefore an increasing concern given the number commonly found in household products and the environment. This book will cover the mechanisms of EDC pathology across the spectrum of disease, as well as risk assessment and government and legal regulation to provide a holistic view of the current issues and cutting-edge research in the topic. With contributions from global leaders in the field, this book will be an ideal reference for toxicologists, endocrinologists and researchers interested in developmental biology, regulatory toxicology and the interface between environment and human health.

Insight into the role of hormones, particularly estrogen and testosterone, in health and disease etiology - including interactions with other hormone pathways - has dramatically changed. Estrogen and androgen receptors, with their polymorphisms, are key molecules in all tissues and are involved in a number of homeostatic mechanisms but also pathological processes including carcinogenesis and the development of metabolic and neurological disorders such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with the endocrine (hormone) systems at certain dosages and play a key role in the pathology of disease. Most known EDCs are manmade and are therefore an increasing concern given the number commonly found in household products and the environment. This book will cover the mechanisms of EDC pathology across the spectrum of disease, as well as risk assessment and government and legal regulation to provide a holistic view of the current issues and cutting-edge research in the topic. With contributions from global leaders in the field, this book will be an ideal reference for toxicologists, endocrinologists and researchers interested in developmental biology, regulatory toxicology and the interface between environment and human health.

With the expansion of human settlements and the environmental changes brought on by human activity and pollutants, toxicology and risk assessment of piscine species is becoming increasingly of interest to scientists involved in environmental research and connected disciplines. This book focuses specifically on environmental risk assessment in fish species from different zoogeographical regions of the world. Fish Species in Environmental Risk Assessment Strategies is an ideal companion to toxicologists and ecologists interested in risk assessment in the environments of ichthyic fauna, particularly those with an interest in the deleterious impact introduced by human activity. The book is also of interest to those working in conservation biology, biological invasion, biocontrol, habitat management and related disciplines.

This new book, written by two outstanding scientists in the field, describes the basic principles of toxic mechanisms and organ toxicity, providing detailed information on specific mechanisms or chemicals for exemplification. The goal is to provide sufficient information that the reader becomes familiar with the basic concepts in toxicology to enable him or her to understand the basic principles in toxicology and to evaluate the risks at given exposures. With this basic understanding the reader also will be able to critically evaluate the available information on a chemical and to identify data gaps. In addition to the introductory chapters the book will offer the following systematic information, presented in six special sections: Principles in Toxicology Organ Toxicology Methods in Toxicology Risk Assessment Risk Management Toxicity of Chemicals Fulfilling a demand for such a book, this will be a welcomed introductory text for students and non-experts alike to focus on and understand the principles of hazard identification and risk assessment of toxicants. Relevant to all those studying toxicology, biochemistry, biology, medicine and chemistry, as well as toxicologists in hospitals, universities and in industry.

Neurotransmitters are usually considered to be endogenous substances that are released from neurons, act on receptor sites that are typically present on membranes of postsynaptic cells and produce a functional change in the properties of the target cell. They are essential features of the nervous systems of all animals, and numerous chemicals can act as neurotransmitters either intentionally (e.g. pesticides) or unintentionally (neurotoxins). The most common forms of neurotoxicity are the death of neurons, degeneration of axons, damage to glial cells and interference with the axonal membrane or neurotransmission. Important neurotoxins are found among pesticides, metals, solvents, natural substances, and industrial chemicals. Environmental chemicals may also contribute to the pathology of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. Neurotransmitters and Toxicology will be particularly appealing to toxicologists interested in neurotoxicology in various sub-disciplines, as well as neuro-chemists interested in pathology and disease mechanisms associated with neurotoxicants.

Germ cells have a unique and critical role as the conduit for hereditary information. The issue of male germline mutagenesis and the effects on developmental defects in the next generation has become increasingly high profile in recent years. Understanding the mechanisms by which the germline is induced and maintained is one of the effective ways to treat infertility and cancer. Male-mediated Developmental Toxicity discusses these issues and provides analysis of the fundamental mechanisms of mutations covering both clinical and experimental aspects. It helps clarify the data explaining how genotoxicity involves multiple modes of action and highlights novel models and assays being used to assess germ cell genotoxicity. With a clear focus on the various mechanisms that could impact human health, this book is for postgraduate students and researchers in reproductive and developmental toxicology as well as those with an interest in the fields of genetically inherited diseases, developmental biology and, potentially, those with a more clinical background.

This open access book focuses on of the impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human reproduction. It comprehensively discusses the three most important topics in the field: the basic biology of EDCs; the effects of EDCs on human reproduction and human reproductive systems; and potential interventions and practical advice for dealing with the problems caused by EDCs. Presenting a translational approach to endocrine disrupting chemicals research, spanning both basic biology and clinical applications, the book provides a critical link between laboratory investigations and clinical practice. Written by international experts in the field, it is a valuable reference resource for gynaecologists, obstetricians, endocrinologists and experts in reproductive medicine, and a useful tool for anyone interested in the impact of the environment on human reproduction.

In 2007, the National Research Council envisioned a new paradigm in which biologically important perturbations in key toxicity pathways would be evaluated with new methods in molecular biology, bioinformatics, computational toxicology, and a comprehensive array of in vitro tests based primarily on human biology. Although some considered the vision too optimistic with respect to the promise of the new science, no one can deny that a revolution in toxicity testing is under way. New approaches are being developed, and data are being generated. As a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expects a large influx of data that will need to be evaluated. EPA also is faced with tens of thousands of chemicals on which toxicity information is incomplete and emerging chemicals and substances that will need risk assessment and possible regulation. Therefore, the agency asked the National Research Council to convene a symposium to stimulate discussion on the application of the new approaches and data in risk assessment. The symposium was held on May 11-13, 2009, in Washington, DC, and included presentations and discussion sessions on pathway-based approaches for hazard identification, applications of new approaches to mode-of-action analyses, the challenges to and opportunities for risk assessment in the changing paradigm, and future directions.