Vascular effects of environmental oestrogens: implications for reproductive and vascular health

Environmental oestrogens are defined as xenobiotics structurally resembling oestrogen, and are divided into two broad categories, xeno-oestrogens and phyto-oestrogens, Environmental oestrogens may contribute importantly to th e increased incidence of reproductive disorders in the modern environment. Although the mechanisms by which environmental oestrogens induce their dele terious effects on the reproductive system remain poorly defined, it is lik ely that the vascular effects of these compounds play a critical role, In t his regard, oestradiol strongly regulates both angiogenesis and vascular re modelling by influencing the growth and function of vascular endothelial ce lls (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC). Since blood vessels, by undergoing angiogenesis, vascular regression and vascular remodelling, actively partic ipate in the normal functioning of reproductive organs, environmental oestr ogens-by mimicking or antagonizing the vascular effects of oestradiol-may i nduce abnormalities in vascular function and structure leading to reproduct ive disorders such as pre-eclampsia, endometriosis, impaired follicular dev elopment, inefficient implantation, impotence and infertility. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the evidence regarding the vascular e ffects of xeno-oestrogens and phyto-oestrogens and to discuss the implicati ons for these effects on the reproductive system.