Validation of the Lumi-cell Er Recombinant Bioassay for Rapid Evaluation of Chemicals for Potential Estrogenic Activity

Introduction The association between the exposure and bioaccumulation of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) and their adverse effects on human and wild life populations has raised concern worldwide. Due to the detrimental effects of environmental exposure to EDCs, there is an obvious need to develop a relevant bioassay, which can both detect these chemicals, as well as provide a relevant estimate of their endocrine disrupting potency. Some examples of the effects of EDCs are: decreased reproductive success and feminization of males in several wildlife species; increased hypospadias along with reductions in sperm counts in men; increase in the incidence of human breast and prostate cancers; and endometriosis . Because these chemicals are ubiquitous, highly lipophilic, and often chlorinated, ensures their persistent presence in the environment resulting in their bioaccumulation in the food chain.