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Introduction
Endocrine disruptors are exogenous substances affecting the
endocrine system of organisms, resulting in adverse effects.
Except the pharmacology of synthetic hormones, however, no
substance has been demonstrated to disrupt the human endocrine
system. This situation remains the same since the publication of
the Supplement to the Intermediary Report in 2001.
Actions taken according to the Supplement to the Intermediary
Report and the remaining major tasks are summarized below.
The action plan itself was also revised according to the results
of these actions.
Chapter 1: Results of major actions and future tasks
Section 1: Test scheme[Results]
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(i) In silico screening (prediction by computers), (ii) in
vitro screening using cellular and non-cellular systems, and
(iii) in vivo screening using ovariectomized animals, juvenile
animals and castrated animals were conducted.
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Methodologies for the detailed tests are under development
for comprehensive examination of the growth process of organisms
(embryo - neonate - puberty) and biological reactions (changes
in the neural, endocrine, immune and other higher systems).
[Future tasks]
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Developing a guideline and evaluation criteria for specific
tests
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Improving screening techniques for higher precision and
comprehensiveness aiming at more precise ordering of substances
whose hormonal activities (including those at low doses) can be
biologically explained.
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For this purpose, adding androgen and thyloid receptors to
the screening system currently involving estrogen receptors.
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Studying the possibility of pathway screening using the
microarray technology
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Developing the method of lifelong monitoring of rodents in
order to take into account the genesis, development, maturation
and aging of the neural, endocrine and immune network, which
will be a part of the definitive studies.
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Assessing the risk for possible disruptors of human endocrine
system to determine appropriate legal or administrational
measures such as limitation of application or surveillance, with
actual situations of exposure taken into account.
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