G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) and environmental exposure. Consequences for cell metabolism using the β-adrenoceptors as example

The impact of endocrine disruptors (EDs), compounds disturbing the normal action of hormones, represents a major field of toxicological research, in particular through the interference with steroid hormones and their nuclear receptors. By contrast, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been a major focus of pharmacological research and drug-development, but have received limited attention in toxicology as potential targets of EDs. In this review we discuss the potential importance of GPCRs in the mode of action of EDs, using the recently observed interaction between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and β-adrenergic receptors as an example. This ability to disturb adrenoceptor function represent a novel mode of action (MOA) for hormone disruption by EDs which may affect both metabolic processes and immune responses. The outcome may be of relevance to development or exacerbation of multifactorial non-communicable diseases (NCDs).