Nuclear Receptors-Mediated Endocrine Disrupting Effects of Non-Phthalate Plasticizers: A Review

In 2021, the global market for non-phthalate plasticizers reached $3.1 billion, and it is projected to grow by 25.8% by 2025. These plasticizers have gained substantial attention as substitutes for phthalates in various industrial applications due to their potential health and environmental risks, particularly in agroecosystems where they have emerged as contaminants. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that non-phthalate plasticizers can exert endocrine-disrupting effects through mechanisms mediated by nuclear receptors. This review aims to summarize the present understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which non-phthalate plasticizers modulate the activity of nuclear receptors, including estrogen receptor, androgen receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Furthermore, the potential health impacts of exposure to conventional phthalate plasticizers are discussed, with a particular emphasis on developmental and reproductive toxicity, metabolic disorders, and carcinogenesis. Overall, this review underscores the significance of evaluating the endocrine-disrupting effects of non-phthalate plasticizers and lays the foundation for the development of safer alternatives within the plastic industry.