The role of the environment in our ageing process
Age-related chronic diseases are the consequence of identifiable individual risk factors in relation to our environment (= Exposome).
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Occupational exposure
- Socio-economic environment
- Air pollution
- Nutrition (excess or deficiency)
- Endocrine disruptors
While genetics is the study of genes, epigenetics is concerned with the modification of gene expression in response to the environment. Epigenetic modifications can be reversible (unlike mutations = modification of the DNA sequence) and can be transmitted over several generations.
Epigenetics can transform risky behavior during the mother's pregnancy into accelerated ageing in the offspring.
The first 1,000 days of life, from fertilization to age 2, account for 70% of adult illnesses. Being born in New York between late 2001 and early 2002 is a risk factor for the development of chronic stress and emotional fragility. This is a consequence of the stress caused to the mother, who was pregnant at the time, by the September 11th attacks. This phenomenon of the transmission of trauma is an illustration of epigenetics.
What do we know about endocrine disruptors today?
Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances foreign to the organism, capable of modifying the functioning of the hormonal system. They can have harmful effects on reproduction, growth, thyroid and carbohydrate metabolism, neurodevelopmental disorders and hormone-dependent cancers. There are hundreds of them, and they are not easy to analyze because they do not follow the rules of conventional toxicology.
Their effect is not dose-dependent: low doses in the body can have a strong impact on health. There is also a "cocktail" effect, where disruptors can interact with each other.
How to protect yourself from endocrine disruptors?
Prevention is essential: we need to know what these disruptors are, and where they can be found, in order to reduce our exposure. There are three types of PE exposure in our daily lives: what we eat, what we breathe and what we put on our skin.
Food accounts for 80% of contact with P.E.s in the form of pesticides, preservatives, colorants and plastic packaging. We should avoid ready-made meals as much as possible, and give preference to organic food.
As far as air pollution is concerned, we can take action in our homes by airing for 10 minutes a day and avoiding home perfumes and chemical household products. Finally, as far as our skin is concerned, we should limit the use of cosmetics and opt for organic products.
preconception consultation
Fertility is declining worldwide. The latest report from the World Health Organization puts the figure at one in six.
It has now been proven that endocrine disruptors contribute to this phenomenon, with increases in endometriosis, oligoasthenospermia, micropolycystic ovaries and reduced ovarian reserve.
With the age of first pregnancy on the decline in France and Europe (a societal phenomenon), and the impact of our environment on the genome, preconception consultation must be at the heart of the gynecologist's concerns.
The objectives of this consultation are to
- Determining ovarian age
- Screening for metabolic and environmental risk factors
- Exploring male fertility
- Informer et sensibiliser le couple aux perturbateurs endocriniens
