Estrogenic Disruption by Pesticides Exposure Associated with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review Focusing on Epigenetic Mechanisms

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) has been highlighted worldwide in view of its high prevalence. There are several risk factors that can be associated with the occurrence of BC, such as reproductive aspects, genetic mutations and family history. In this sense, lifestyle and environmental conditions may also be relevant - factors that are related to environmental contamination by pesticides, which in Brazil stands out, given the high consumption rates, therefore, exposure of the population. Since some types of BC associate themselves to the positive regulation of ERs, being sensitive to certain pesticides, it is valid to assume the existence, thus, an epigenetic association between cases. Thus, through a systematic review of the literature of studies reporting pesticides that alter estrogenic expression and activity and esstablish a risk for BC, focusing on epigenetic mechanisms. Descriptors were used and inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, so that 195 articles were found, and 3 were selected by the criteria. It is evident the existence of a relationship between estrogenic regulation and activity according to mechanisms that interfere in the expression of associated control genes, and the set of these factors is determinant for the increased risk of developing BC. However, the epigenetic genetic mechanisms described, associated with BC, are not standardized, and further research in the area is necessary in order to delineate more clearly the epigenetic aspects that permeate the disease.