Understanding and preventing the impact of endocrine disruptors in sensitive populations

One of the first research projects to study endocrine disruptor chemicals' effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis

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HYPIEND IN A NUTSHELL

Towards elucidating the health impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals

Exposure to multiple Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) interferes with the function of the endocrine system, especially during developmental stages of life.

HYPIEND is one of the first projects to study EDCs effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis using a multidisciplinary approach, including preclinical models and two European-wide clinical studies.

The findings will be used to delineate interventional strategies for minimizing EDC exposure and consequences on the neuroendocrine system in pregnant and breastfeeding women and perinatal and pre-pubertal children.

PROJECT PHASES

A holistic approach to evaluate the effect of EDCs on the hypothalamus - pituitary axis

Computational toxicology methodological framework

Leveraging public data and state-of-the-art data analysis techniques to further understand the real impact of EDC mixtures on health.
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Patterns evaluated in a sequential (tiered) approach

Cell-based screenings, Zebrafish models, placenta and blood brain barrier in vitro, in silico and in vivo models, and organoids-based organ-on-chip.
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Preclinical studies & non-invasive biomarkers

EDCs effects on epigenetic programming evaluated in preclinical models of perinatal window and early childhood. Non-invasive biomarkers of hypothalamic-pituitary axis disruption will be identified.
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Multi-centre intervention studies

Studies to minimise EDC exposure in pregnant women and their infants, and pre-pubertal children through innovative educational and behavioural change tools.
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Despite the current body of knowledge on endocrine disrupting chemical actions on the endocrine system, a comprehensive, holistic understanding of their impact on human health is still lacking. HYPIEND aims to understand the effects of EDC co-exposure in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis for minimizing exposure and consequences on the neuroendocrine system during the pregnancy, infancy, and pre-pubertal stage.
Chiara Baudracco
HYPIEND project coordinator, Eurecat Technology Center

ALIGNED WITH USERS NEEDS

Committed to protect citizens from hazardous chemicals

According to a report from the Endocrine Society, since 2009 numerous international scientific and health organizations have raised concerns and took a public stance about the risks that EDCs pose for public health, and many have called for stronger regulations. Scientific community concerns led to several actions by the European Commission to improve its regulatory regime

Adopted in 2018, the Comprehensive European Union Framework on Endocrine Disruptors defines the EU strategic approach on endocrine disruptors for the years to come.

In 2020, the European Union acknowledged the need for attention to EDCs and called for several specific actions, including a ban on several of these chemicals in consumer products in the Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

In 2022, the EU Commission proposed new hazard classes under its chemicals regulation, including endocrine disruption, to better protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals.

Under these regulatory frameworks and scientific concerns, HYPIEND aims at contributing to develop new endocrine disruptor screening methods and map out new public health strategies and policies to minimise the exposure of the most vulnerable populations.

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MEET THE TEAM

HYPIEND project consortium

HYPIEND is a collaborative consortium coordinated by Eurecat that involves the collaboration of research institutions and companies, collectively working towards a holistic understanding of EDC adverse health effects during critical development stages.

This Horizon Europe project brings together epidemiologists, exposure scientists, toxicologists, endocrinologists, health case practitioners, phycologists and risk assessors to bridge science-policy gaps.

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