Interaction entre polluants environnementaux et obésité

There are multiple interactions between environmental pollutants and obesity. Recent studies indicated that the adipose tissue was the target of pollutants such as endocrine disruptor Compounds (EDCs) or persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Perinatal exposure to certain EDCs leads to a delayed increased adipose mass as well as to metabolic dysfunctions in adult life. This could be accounted for by epigenetic programming. Several POPs display a direct effect on the adipose tissue and increase its inflammation. In addition, the adipose tissue plays a role in the kinetics and toxicity of these compounds. Experimental evidence indicates that this tissue stores highly lipophilic pollutants thereby protecting other more sensitive tissues. However, in the long run, this storage function leads to a chronic source of POPs and to an internal low-grade exposure. Progressive release of POPs from the adipose tissue has been shown in human following drastic weight loss. In conclusion, the adipose tissue appears to be both a target of POPs and a modulator of their kinetics and toxicity.