Evaluation of estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity of endocrine disruptors using breast cancer spheroids: a comparative study of T47D and MCF7 cell lines in 2D and 3D models

Our findings indicate that E2 and BPA significantly increase pS2 expression while decreasing TGFβ3, and that FUL co-treatment reverses these effects. Therefore, the <i>in vitro</i> model system could serve to observe the cell-mediated effects caused by the interaction of EDs with nERs. Through the use of these <i>in vitro</i> model systems - 2D and especially 3D, the latter of which allow better emulation of complex physiological and pathological processes occurring <i>in vivo</i>, the effects caused by EDs on nERs pathways can be detected and studied under various conditions. This approach performs as a preliminary screening tool to identify estrogenic substances, offering the potential to reduce reliance on <i>in vivo</i> experiments and contributing to improved environmental and health risk assessments.