Air Pollution and Pituitary Adenoma Pathogenesis: Unraveling Environmental Impacts on Neuroendocrine Function and Tumorigenesis.

Pituitary adenomas, although predominantly benign, can lead to significant clinical complications due to endocrine imbalances and mass effects on adjacent structures. Traditional research has focused on intrinsic factors like genetic mutations and hormonal dysregulation; however, emerging evidence implicates environmental pollutants-particularly urban air contaminants-in pituitary tumorigenesis. This review consolidates current findings on how chronic exposure to pollutants such as benzene, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may trigger neuroinflammation, disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and alter pituitary cell proliferation and hormone secretion. We explore mechanistic pathways involving inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and microenvironmental modifications that contribute to neoplastic transformation and tumor progression. Epidemiological studies, supported by in vitro experiments, suggest that air pollutants not only initiate the development of pituitary adenomas but may also enhance the secretory activity of functioning tumors, potentially increasing their aggressiveness. Given the escalating global burden of air pollution and its far-reaching public health implications, further investigation is essential to elucidate these complex interactions. Advancing our understanding in this area could inform preventive strategies and therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating the environmental impact on pituitary tumor behavior.