NEW HAVEN, Conn., Apr 2, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. scientists say they have
determined why synthetic estrogens, such as found in some plastics, can hurt a
developing fetus.
Yale School of Medicine researchers said previous studies showed exposure to the
synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol, or DES, alters the expression of HOXA10
-- a gene necessary for uterine development -- and increases the risk of cancer
and pregnancy complications in female offspring.
In the new study, the team studied DNA from the offspring of 30 pregnant mice
injected with DES. They found changes in certain regions of the HOXA10 gene
persisted into adulthood, indicating exposure to DES and similar substances
results in lasting genetic memory.
"We found HOXA10 protein expression was shifted to the bottom portion of the
uterus in the female offspring," said Dr. Hugh Taylor, a Yale professor who led
the study. "We also found increased amounts of the enzyme responsible for
changes in the DNA. Rather than just changing how much of the protein is there,
DES is actually changing the structure of the HOXA10 gene.
The study that included Jason Bromer and Jie Wu was recently presented in San
Diego during the annual scientific meeting of the Society for Gynecologic
Investigation.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2008 by United Press International