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. 2001 Feb;109(2):133–138. doi: 10.1289/ehp.109-1240632

Estrogenic activity of phenolic additives determined by an in vitro yeast bioassay.

D Miller 1, B B Wheals 1, N Beresford 1, J P Sumpter 1
PMCID: PMC1240632  PMID: 11266322

Abstract

We used a recombinant yeast estrogen assay to assess the activity of 73 phenolic additives that are used as sunscreens, preservatives, disinfectants, antioxidants, flavorings, or for perfumery. Thirty-two of these compounds displayed activity: 22 with potencies relative to 17beta-estradiol, ranging from 1/3,000 to < 1/3,000,000, and 10 compounds with an impaired response that could not be directly compared with 17beta-estradiol. Forty-one compounds were inactive. The major criteria for activity appear to be the presence of an unhindered phenolic OH group in a para position and a molecular weight of 140-250 Da.

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Selected References

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