2008/12/08 by Alessio Amadasi, Andrea Mozzarelli, Clara Meda +2 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · #Estrogen and related hormone effects #Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals #Protein Hydrolysis and Bioactive Peptides
paper · doi:10.1021/tx800048m
openalex publication_date 2008/12/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
In the search for xenoestrogens within food additives, we have analyzed the Joint FAO-WHO expert committee database, containing 1500 compounds, using an integrated in silico and in vitro approach. This analysis identified 31 potential estrogen receptor alpha ligands that were reduced to 13 upon applying a stringent filter based on ligand volume and binding mode. Among the 13 potential xenoestrogens, four were already known to exhibit an estrogenic activity, and the other nine were assayed in vitro, determining the binding affinity to the receptor and biological effects. Propyl gallate was found to act as an antagonist, and 4-hexylresorcinol was found to act as a potent transactivator; both ligands were active at nanomolar concentrations, as predicted by the in silico analysis. Some caution should be issued for the use of propyl gallate and 4-hexylresorcinol as food additives.