Immunomodulatory Role of EDCs in Disrupting Metabolic Health

Abstract

The incidence of metabolic diseases continues to rise. While some risk factors are known and well understood, others are still an area of active exploration. In particular, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are known to contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the mechanism by which they elicit their pathologic effect is not fully elucidated. One proposed mechanism is through activation and disruption of the immune system. Metabolic health is dependent on a careful immune balance and immune dysfunction has been implicated in obesity and diabetes. EDCs have been demonstrated to alter normal immune processes that are important for metabolic homeostasis. Through an appreciation of the immune system’s role in metabolic health one can begin to identify susceptible pathways. In this chapter, we discuss the potential immunomodulatory role of EDCs in disrupting metabolic health.