Endocrine disrupting compounds and human fertility Essay Example for Free

Endocrine disrupting compounds and human fertility Essay In the past 100 years, humans have introduced several hundreds of new compounds into the environment, which actually have affected the physiology of both plants and animals including humans (Propper, 2005). In most cases these deleterious effects are unintended and it was not predicted before that these compounds could have such effects on organisms. Therefore the actual mechanisms by which these compounds affect physiological functions of other organisms are not yet properly researched. When such compounds affect the endocrine systems they are called endocrine disrupting compounds. These compounds would affect different hormonal pathways and physiological functions such as reproduction, development, metabolism and even the behavior of humans and other animals. The present essay is intended to identify some of the endocrine disrupting compounds that affect human fertility, the mechanism of affecting, to analyze the weight of different evidences available and to analyze the current investigation techniques. Endocrine disrupting compounds have been defined as an exogenous agent that interferes with the synthesis, secretion, transport, binding, action, or elimination of natural hormones in the body which are responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis, reproduction, development and/or behavior (Kavloc et al. , 1996). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has accepted this definition as the most appropriate one in the year 2004. These compounds are capable of interfering with normal signaling mechanisms of the endocrine system. Either they could block or make changes in the synthesis of hormones, or they could mimic some of the endocrine compounds, thereby affecting the target organs. They could also affect the release of these hormones from the concerned glands and its transportation. They could also bind with the specific molecules to which hormone binds. These compounds are usually seen in pesticides, industrial effluents, pharmaceutical compounds, etc. Heavy metals also could induce endocrine disruption. Wastewater effluents from cities as well as from agricultural fields are sources of such compounds. The neuro- endocrine system might also get affected by these compounds causing changes in the reproductive organs and associated behaviors in humans. Most of the researches in this filed are concentrated towards the effect of these compounds on estrogen and other steroids responsible for reproduction (Propper, 2005). According to Caserto et al. (2008) these compounds could affect human heath seriously even when present in very small amounts. This is especially because many such chemicals would be these affecting a single target. There are many studies which reveal that waste water discharge in to natural waters have resulted in the changes in reproductive organs of aquatic fauna. This is because of the presence of 17 beta estradiol, estrogens, androgens, etc, in wastewater. These compounds are highly stable and therefore could not be removed completely from wastewater by various treatment procedures to reclaim the water. Traces of these compounds would be present in the drinking water, which is prepared from these natural waters into which the wastewater has been disposed. Bioaccumulation of these compounds in humans is expected to affect fertility (Falconer, 2006). Wagner and Oehlmann (2009) have conducted a study to determine the level of endocrine disrupting compounds in usual food stuffs of humans and they selected bottled mineral water as one of the sources of this compounds. The effort was taken based on the fact that endocrine disrupting hormones reaches the body of human mainly through foodstuffs. They used estrogen receptor alpha for the identification. They found that the mineral waters in plastic bottles are seriously contaminated with phthalates that are getting leached into the water from plastic bottle. Thus it was proved beyond doubt that endocrine disrupting compounds are present in plastic wares and extensive use of plastic wares to store food would result in increased level of these compounds in the foodstuffs with a deleterious effect on fertility. According to Rhind (2005) there is an urgent need to study the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds on animals. Very little is known regarding the concentration of these compounds in the different tissues of animals, the concentration required to produce a deleterious effect on the animals, effect of prolonged exposure to an single compound, the effects of different classes of compounds, effect of the exposure to more than one compounds at a time etc. With the available information it is possible to establish that the endocrine disrupting compounds in the environment is affecting human health adversely with a high impact on fertility. The effect of these endocrine disrupting compounds on human reproduction is different for different compounds. Compounds such as diethylstilbestrol affect female reproductive system and cause abnormal follicular growth, ovulation, abnormal formation of corpus luteum and the overall maintenance of ovary would be affected. It would also affect the normal sexual differentiation in females. Pregnancy would be affected because of the negative effects on fertilization and implantation of the embryo in the uterus. Another pollutant called dioxin has been reported to cause endometriosis in women, which is a very painful disease that leads to infertility (Crisp et al. , 1998). There are some compounds, which are naturally occuring such as phytoestrogens produced by plant that could mimic the properties of estrogens produced by humans (Caserta et al. , 2008). Natural sex hormones are used extensively for different purposes in farms as well as in urban areas and there is every chance that these would become harmful to non-targeted organisms including humans because of the concentrating effect. There are many evidences, which prove that environmental contaminants are causing problems in female fecundity as well as fertility (Louis et al. , 2006). There are evidences to prove that puberty, menstruation, endometriosis, pregnancy, senescence period for reproduction etc are affected by exposure to these compounds. Diethyl stilbestrol was given to pregnant women during 1950’s to prevent miscarriage. But later on due to the adverse effects of these compounds most of the kids developed abnormalities. Finally the compound was withdrawn from the market. The female child produced in such cases developed menstrual abnormalities, vaginal hypoplasia, sudden abortion, premature delivery, uterine malformation and overall low fertility. If the child is a male, it was found to develop testicular dysgenesis syndrome (Milhan 1992). Maternal exposure during pregnancy and exposure to these compounds present in the mother’s milk during the prenatal period are believed to be the reasons for such defects. This occurs due to the lipophilic nature of these compounds, which in turn gets stored in the adipose tissues of the mother. This is one of the strongest evidences of the deleterious effect of these compounds on human reproductive system. There are reports that state that human sperm production has decreased in the past 50 years. Although accurate evidence is not there, the reasons for this decrease is attributed to the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds in the environment (Crisp, 1998). Leydig cells tumors are increasingly believed to be caused by this factor. Same is the case of prostrate cancer. Studies conducted in Coke-oven workers have revealed that there has been an increase of mortality among them due to prostrate cancer due to occupational exposure to these compounds. However more research is required to find out the actual cause of this cancer, whether it is due to endocrine disruption by any chemicals in the environment.

Women in Science Careers Essay -- Gender Roles, Discrimination

According to a six-year study reviewed by the University of Washington Human Rights Committee, conducted by Suzanne Brainard and Linda Carlin on undergraduate women in science, â€Å"20% of freshmen reported no barriers; only 3% of seniors could say the same.†(Bickenstaff 380) This study illustrates a common theme for women studying a science. There is no one defining reason for why women feel there are barriers but several theories suggest that there could be more than one contributing factor that causes these ‘barriers’ for women. Looking at multiple possibilities, it can be determined what causes the under representation of women in science careers such as physics, biology, technology, engineering, and math. There are many examples of areas in science which women choose not pursue for one reason or another; Sue V. Rosser, from the Georgia Institute of Technology studies women in work and academy, and found that â€Å"women [earn] 55.5 percent of the Master of Science degrees in all fields, they [earn] only 39.3 percent of the degrees in science and engineering fields† (53). Women may be pursuing some forms of science, but not to the extent of equality in certain areas. The American Association of University Women reinforces that â€Å"women earned only 21 percent of doctoral degrees in computer science in 2006† as quoted from the National Science Foundation (1). Sue Rosser observes that â€Å"Women [earn] 40.6 percent of the Ph.D.s in all fields but only 32.8 percent of the Ph.D.s in science and engineering† (53). Whatever the cause, it is apparent that women fall behind in degrees in many types of science fields. Arguable explanations for this vary from lack of inte lligence of women, to fear of sexual harassment. A popular stereotype is t... ...uccess in science and engineering, research shows that spatial skills can be improved fairly easily with training (22). In response to discrimination, Hill cites that â€Å"Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. [†¦] During the last 37 years, however, Title IX has been applied mostly to sports† (13). The policies of Title IX should apply to all women in the workforce to assure that sexual harassment never occurs. Women should no longer be looked down upon when it comes to intelligence in math and sciences. And classes for spatial skills improvement should be provided to any women with a desire to work in a field requiring that type of skill. With these types of changes, women will not be as under represented in any of the STEM fields as they currently are.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Essay

Though Blanche, from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, thinks that opposites attract and thus that she will marry Rochester, Bronte has different ideas about foils. Near the end of the novel Jane marries Rochester effectively quieting Blanche’s ideas. However, Bronte does use foils in the novel for a different reason. She uses characters will opposite personalities to reveal more about them, and to keep the reader from overlooking many of the major characters’ traits. For instance, without Blanche, who is a foil of Jane, one may have thought Jane a simple and plain governess and nothing more. Similarly, without St. John the reader could have missed Rochester’s passionate side, or with no Mrs. Reed how supportive Miss Temple really is. Using foils, Bronte reveals more about the personalities of the major characters, and keeps the reader from overlooking many traits. One can see that Jane and Blanche are opposites from before they even meet. While Jane is rather plain and unattractive on the outside, Blanche is described as beautiful with, â€Å"the noble bust, the sloping shoulders, the graceful neck, the dark eyes and black ringlets† (183) Even Jane cannot deny that Blanche is beautiful. In addition, Blanche grows up in a rich noble family while Jane is an orphan who was sent to a lowly boarding school. The opposites do not stop at their looks and backgrounds, for even Jane and Blanche’s personalities are completely different. Jane is an independent, passionate, and respectful young woman, although she often seems very practical and rational. Blanche flaunts herself, gossips, talks about marriage, and can be very rude as shown when she says â€Å"she (Jane) looks too stupid for any game of the sort† (194). While Jane was in the room, Blanche speaks loudly and rudely of her without a second thought. In addition, Blanche only wants Rochester as her husband for his money, and for the title of a wife. She likes the fact that he is not handsome because as a result, she will receive all of the attention. Jane loves Rochester for his personality, and thinks to herself, â€Å"gratitude and many associations, all pleasurable and genial, made his face the object I best liked to see; his presence in a room was more cheering than the brightest fire† (155). Jane does not mind his physical features because she finds him interesting, caring, and the fact that he makes her happy. As foils, Blanche elicits Jane’s noble characteristics, while at the same time making Jane seem more interesting. Instead of seeing a simple governess, the reader realizes Jane’s passion and interesting qualities. Blanche’s outer beauty also helps the reader see the beauty within Jane though her physique is plain. In the novel, St. John brings out many characteristics in Rochester. They seem to be the two sides of Jane, her practical and rational side versus her passionate and emotional side. St. John seems to be powerful and dangerous. Jane feels he wants to marry her because it would be practical, and as he says goodbye to her she notes that â€Å"his look was not, indeed, that of a lover beholding his mistress, but it was that of a pastor recalling his wandering sheep: (454-455). St. John does not love Jane, and he does not try to act so. Unlike Rochester he lacks passion. In contrast to St. John, Rochester really loves Jane and expresses himself when she talks of leaving, â€Å"my deep love, my wild woe, my frantic prayer, all are nothing to you? †¦You leave me here in anguish† (344). The severe intensity of Rochester’s words shows just how much he really loves Jane. In addition, St. John is very self-denying. He takes and feels what he thinks the Lord would want to him to take or feel. He does not want to give love to anyone except his God. Rochester is much different as he succumbs to temptation and love. He has many other personality traits as well, although some are not originally apparent. After Jane saves Rochester from the fire in his room Rochester says, â€Å"If you are not warm enough, you may take my cloak† (159). Rochester can also by very caring and thoughtful, although these traits are much less obvious. They are made clearer through contrast to St. John who lacks empathy and is very harsh and cold. These foils also help the reader understand more about Jane. After being courted by both of them, she chooses Rochester. This symbolizes her choice of emotion and passion over principles and rationality. A less obvious pair of characters who are foils as well is Miss Temple and Mrs. Reed. Not only are they opposites of each other, but they also bring out different sides of Jane herself. When around the uncaring and rude Mrs. Reed, Jane feels angry and suppressed. She finally lets out her anger in a memorable scene after she learns she is going to school, â€Å"If anyone asks me how I liked you, and how you treated me, I will say the very thought of you makes me sick, and that you treated me with miserable cruelty† (34). Because Mrs. Reed, is mean herself, she brings out the bad side of Jane. Miss Temple brings out a much different personality in Jane. Around Miss Temple, Jane is calm and more caring as a result of Miss Temple’s influence. Mrs.  Reed was a hateful and unforgiving person as shown when talking to Jane on her dying bed, â€Å"she (Jane) did not die: but I said she did—I wish she had died! † (249). Even as she dies, Mrs. Reed hates Jane, although Jane did not do anything wrong. Miss Temple believes in forgiveness, and she even helps Jane clear her tarnished reputation. Miss Temple teaches Jane about life as well as schoolwork and is very generous. Mrs. Reed, a horrible mother figure for Jane, helps the reader realize that Miss Temple is more of a inspiration and maternal figure than at first apparent. After Miss Temple marries and Jane becomes unhappy, Jane has a realization as a result of Miss Temple’s motherly influence, â€Å"I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears†¦ awaited those to who had the courage to go forth† (87). Instead of just being a schoolteacher, Miss Temple helps Jane through her life unlike Mrs. Reed who was supposed to treat Jane as her own child. In Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, the author uses many foils to highlight certain traits in the major characters. She also uses the opposites to help one see personality traits that are not as obvious to the reader. Without these foils, many characters would have seemed different and less interesting. Without Mrs. Reed, Miss Temple would have just seemed like a nice schoolteacher. If St. John had been missing, Rochester would not have seemed very nice or caring at all. Finally, without Blanche, Jane would have seemed much less interesting, and her noble characteristics would have been diminished. The opposites are used to reveal more about the major characters, and to keep the reader from overlooking important personality traits.

Mood Swings and Bipolar Disorder - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 614 Downloads: 4 Date added: 2019/08/12 Category Medicine Essay Level High school Tags: Bipolar Disorder Essay Did you like this example? Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood disturbances. These include changes in energy level, activity, sleep, behaviors, and judgement. Bipolar disorder is one of the psychiatric disorders with a complex and multifactorial heritage. According to Bipolar disorder: Implications for nursing practice (2017), the age for bipolar diagnosis begins at 18 and it can be diagnosed at any time in a persons life. Studies reveal that the prevalence of bipolar disorder is 0.5% to 1.5% amongst the general population, that the disease is generally diagnosed between 18 and 30 years of age, and that its prevalence in men and women is similar (Bipolar disorder: Implications for nursing practice, 2017). Individuals who experienced bipolar spectrum disorder symptoms for lifetime was about 2.4% of the general population, with a prevalence of 0.6% of Bipolar disorder Type I and 0.4% of Bipolar type II (Rowland Marwaha, 2018). The prevalence of Bipolar Type I in US is 1%, which is slightly higher than other countries. Some data suggest that females are at greater risk for depression and rapid mood shifts, while males have a greater risk for mania (Bipolar Disorder, 2016). There are multiple risk factors that contribute to the developm ent of bipolar disorder (BD). The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes bipolar disorder in adults as possibly due to genetics, or brain variations in structure or function. According to Amini, Najafi-Vosough, Ghaleiha, and Mahjub (2017), almost 60% and 75% of patients experience relapse within 2 and 5 years. According to World Health Organization reports, bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of life-long disability worldwide. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Mood Swings and Bipolar Disorder" essay for you Create order Amini et al. (2017) state that BD is a serious and chronic disorder, which is ongoing with recoveries and relapses and causes significant morbidity and mortality. There are no definitive blood tests or brain scans to diagnose this condition. However, brains of people with bipolar disorder show different patterns than the brains of healthy people or people with other mental disorders. Diagnosis is done by a psychiatrist through diagnostic tests, family history assessment, and history of symptoms. Because of the overlapping symptoms with certain conditions like major depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), and anxiety, BD is commonly misdiagnosed. Bipolar disorder exists along with other illnesses, such as anxiety disorder, substance abuse, or eating disorders. Patients tend to seek treatment when depressed. An accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder is essential to develop an effective plan of treatment. It is necessary to run a complete physical exam to eliminate other diseases causing mood fluctuations. Also necessary to study is a complete medical history, as well as family and social history that might be influencing changes in mood. Providers should screen for depression to differentiate between unipolar and bipolar. People with BD are at risk for thyroid disease, migraine headaches, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other physical illnesses. Nonadherence to medication therapy results in relapses. Manic episodes can be described as over exhibition of joy, more energy than usual, belief in ability to do many things simultaneously, irritability, racing thoughts, risky behaviors, unusual sexual activity, and overspending of money. Depressive episodes consist of feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, over- or under-eating, trouble sleeping, and suicidal thoughts. Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by manic episodes that last at least 7 days or severe manic symptoms that require hospitalization, as well as depressive episodes lasting at least 2 weeks. Bipolar II Disorder is defined by a mixture of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the true manic episodes. Cyclothymic Disorder incorporates numerous periods of hypomania and depression lasting for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar an d Related Disorder is defined by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match the three categories listed above (National Institute of Mental Health, 2018).