DES is Not an Estrogenic Compound

Dr. Schwarcz begins his discussion of endocrine disruptors in “Paralysis Through Analysis” with a mention of alligator penis length. Dr. Schwarcz mentions a study on the alligators in polluted Lake Apopka in Florida. The alligators in Lake Apopka had penises 24% smaller than the penises of alligators in a nearby, cleaner lake. An abundance of a testosterone-blocking chemical, that accounted for the difference in length.

The authors of this study very carefully denoted what could and could not be deduced from the findings. Like Dr. Schwarcz, they do not claim universality, and draw a line between alligators and mice, and mice and humans. No claims are made about a non-studied relationship. All references are cited. While seemingly elementary, these qualities do a significant service to the reader by insuring reputability. This is a reputable article on a focused study.

One section of this article discusses a point glossed over by all DES-related articles previously mentioned in this weblog:

The underlying cause of these abnormalities, as well as the reported developmental problems in females, has been hypothesized to be due to "estrogenic" contaminants…Although DDT has been reported to be estrogenic…a controversy exists as to whether p,p'-DDE is estrogenic or not …However…p,p'-DDE binds the androgen receptor preferentially compared to the estrogen receptor and acts in the yeast system as an antiandrogen.

This has huge implications regarding articles claiming that DES is estrogenic. True, it is an endocrine disruptor. But there is no cited evidence in any articles mentioned in the weblog to show that antiandrogens are responsible for the same effects as estrogenic compounds (including possible increased risk of breast cancer and thyroid activity disruption).

This is further proof that the inflammatory articles on the internet must be checked and re-checked against reputable scientific findings. Examining each claim closely against articles such as this reveals holes and hand-waving on the part of the propagandists on both sides.