Effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on steroid hormones in female polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard
Abstract
Both multivariate data analysis and bivariate correlations indicated negative relationships between hydroxylated PCB metabolites (OH-PCBs) and androstenedione or pregnenolone. These results suggest possible interactions with the steroid biosynthesis pathway. However, the statistical models were weak. Thus, no firm conclusions on the effects of OH-PCBs on the steroid levels of AN and PRE can be made.