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Gholami M, Ahmadi SAY, Abaszadeh A, Khaki A. Protective effects of melatonin and ghrelin on spermatogenesis: A narrative review of the literature. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.5.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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52
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Protective effects of melatonin and ghrelin on spermatogenesis: A narrative review of the literature. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017; 15:265-272. [PMID: 28744521 PMCID: PMC5510579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatocytogenesis starts from lumens of seminiferous cords and after migration to the basal membrane ends to the lumens again. We attempt to review the protective effects of melatonin and ghrelin on Spermatocytogenesis and in particular on spermatogonial stem cells, as two rather newly-discovered hormones. Testicular freezing prior to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is one of the ways of preserving fertility in children with cancer. The freezing has two methods of slow-freezing (cryopreservation) and rapid-freezing (vitrification). Administration of melatonin can maintain the quality of the germ cells underwent such processes, as well as ghrelin, can protect germ cells from the toxicities secondary to ischemic injuries, and pathologic apoptosis. This review indicates that in vitro or in vivo administration of melatonin or ghrelin, could be effective to preserve fertilization and also they can be used in assisted reproductive technologies to improve the quality of sperms. Future original studies should be propelled toward human studies, of course with observing the ethics.
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53
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Houari S, Loiodice S, Jedeon K, Berdal A, Babajko S. Expression of Steroid Receptors in Ameloblasts during Amelogenesis in Rat Incisors. Front Physiol 2016; 7:503. [PMID: 27853434 PMCID: PMC5090168 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) play a part in the modern burst of diseases and interfere with the steroid hormone axis. Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the most active and widely used EDCs, affects ameloblast functions, leading to an enamel hypomineralization pattern similar to that of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). In order to explore the molecular pathways stimulated by BPA during amelogenesis, we thoroughly investigated the receptors known to directly or indirectly mediate the effects of BPA. The expression patterns of high affinity BPA receptors (ERRγ, GPR30), of ketosteroid receptors (ERs, AR, PGR, GR, MR), of the retinoid receptor RXRα, and PPARγ were established using RT-qPCR analysis of RNAs extracted from microdissected enamel organ of adult rats. Their expression was dependent on the stage of ameloblast differentiation, except that of ERβ and PPARγ which remained undetectable. An additional large scale microarray analysis revealed three main groups of receptors according to their level of expression in maturation-stage ameloblasts. The expression level of RXRα was the highest, similar to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), whereas the others were 13 to 612-fold lower, with AR and GR being intermediate. Immunofluorescent analysis of VDR, ERα and AR confirmed their presence mainly in maturation- stage ameloblasts. These data provide further evidence that ameloblasts express a specific combination of hormonal receptors depending on their developmental stage. This study represents the first step toward understanding dental endocrinology as well as some of the effects of EDCs on the pathophysiology of amelogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Houari
- Paris Laboratory of Molecular Oral Pathophysiology, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMRS 1138, Université Paris-Descartes, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-ParisParis, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Unité de Formation et de Recherche d'OdontologieParis, France
| | - Sophia Loiodice
- Paris Laboratory of Molecular Oral Pathophysiology, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMRS 1138, Université Paris-Descartes, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-ParisParis, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Unité de Formation et de Recherche d'OdontologieParis, France
| | - Katia Jedeon
- Paris Laboratory of Molecular Oral Pathophysiology, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMRS 1138, Université Paris-Descartes, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-ParisParis, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Unité de Formation et de Recherche d'OdontologieParis, France
| | - Ariane Berdal
- Paris Laboratory of Molecular Oral Pathophysiology, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMRS 1138, Université Paris-Descartes, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-ParisParis, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Unité de Formation et de Recherche d'OdontologieParis, France; Centre de Référence des maladies rares de la face et de la cavité buccale MAFACE hôpital Rothschild, AP-HPParis, France
| | - Sylvie Babajko
- Paris Laboratory of Molecular Oral Pathophysiology, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMRS 1138, Université Paris-Descartes, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-ParisParis, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Unité de Formation et de Recherche d'OdontologieParis, France
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54
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Zhang T, Shen W, De Felici M, Zhang XF. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate: Adverse effects on folliculogenesis that cannot be neglected. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2016; 57:579-588. [PMID: 27530864 DOI: 10.1002/em.22037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Primordial follicle formation and the subsequent transition of follicles through primary and secondary stages constitute crucial events of oogenesis. In particular, in mammals, defects in the processes that precede and accompany the formation of the primordial follicle pool can affect the size of this population significantly, while alterations in follicle activation, growth and maturation can result in premature depletion of the follicle reserve or cause follicle arrest at immature stages. Over the last decade, in vitro and in vivo approaches have been used to provide evidence that exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP), the most widely used plasticizer, has a deleterious effect on various stages of folliculogenesis in rodents. There is growing concern, supported by epidemiological and experimental data, that DEHP may have similar effects in women. This article reviews the evidence, with particular reference to our own findings, that DEHP may actually exert a variety of adverse effects on mammalian folliculogenesis from early to final stages of oogenesis, including altered development of the primordial germ cells, impaired fetal oocyte survival and meiotic progression, reduced oocyte nest breakdown, acceleration of primordial follicle activation, altered follicle steroidogenesis and increased follicle atresia. These effects can cause serious complications for reproductive and nonreproductive women's health. In addition, emerging data indicate that phthalates, including DEHP, may cause subtle epigenetic changes in germ cells that can be transmitted to subsequent generations, with potential negative effects on human health. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:589-604, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhang
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Germplasm Enhancement in Universities of Shandong, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Massimo De Felici
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, 00133, Italy.
| | - Xi-Feng Zhang
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, 430023, China.
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55
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Brieño-Enríquez MA, Larriba E, Del Mazo J. Endocrine disrupters, microRNAs, and primordial germ cells: a dangerous cocktail. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:871-9. [PMID: 27521771 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental pollutants that may change the homeostasis of the endocrine system, altering the differentiation of germ cells with consequences for reproduction. In mammals, germ cell differentiation begins with primordial germ cells (PGCs) during embryogenesis. Primordial germ cell development and gametogenesis are genetically regulated processes, in which the posttranscriptional gene regulation could be mediated by small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we review the deleterious effects of exposure during fetal life to EDCs mediated by deregulation of ncRNAs, and specifically miRNAs on PGC differentiation. Moreover, the environmental stress induced by exposure to some EDCs during the embryonic window of development could trigger reproductive dysfunctions transgenerationally transmitted by epigenetic mechanisms with the involvement of miRNAs expressed in germ line cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo Larriba
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Del Mazo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
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56
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Ho SM, Cheong A, Adgent MA, Veevers J, Suen AA, Tam NNC, Leung YK, Jefferson WN, Williams CJ. Environmental factors, epigenetics, and developmental origin of reproductive disorders. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 68:85-104. [PMID: 27421580 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sex-specific differentiation, development, and function of the reproductive system are largely dependent on steroid hormones. For this reason, developmental exposure to estrogenic and anti-androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is associated with reproductive dysfunction in adulthood. Human data in support of "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease" (DOHaD) comes from multigenerational studies on offspring of diethylstilbestrol-exposed mothers/grandmothers. Animal data indicate that ovarian reserve, female cycling, adult uterine abnormalities, sperm quality, prostate disease, and mating behavior are susceptible to DOHaD effects induced by EDCs such as bisphenol A, genistein, diethylstilbestrol, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene, phthalates, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Mechanisms underlying these EDC effects include direct mimicry of sex steroids or morphogens and interference with epigenomic sculpting during cell and tissue differentiation. Exposure to EDCs is associated with abnormal DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifications, as well as altered expression of genes important for development and function of reproductive tissues. Here we review the literature exploring the connections between developmental exposure to EDCs and adult reproductive dysfunction, and the mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuk-Mei Ho
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Veteran Affairs Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| | - Ana Cheong
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Margaret A Adgent
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jennifer Veevers
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Alisa A Suen
- Reproductive Medicine Group, Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; Curriculum in Toxicology, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Neville N C Tam
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Center for Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Wendy N Jefferson
- Reproductive Medicine Group, Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive Medicine Group, Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.
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57
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Szabó PE. Response to "Variable directionality of gene expression changes across generations does not constitute negative evidence of epigenetic inheritance" Sharma, A. Environmental Epigenetics, 2015, 1-5. Genome Biol 2016; 17:105. [PMID: 27184890 PMCID: PMC4868108 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-016-0978-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abhay Sharma brings two arguments in favor of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TGEI) in mammals when criticizing our work. He uses probability calculations and finds that the probability of obtaining the number of common changes in the in utero-exposed prospermatogonia and the same cells in the next generation is significant in our study. He also compares our results to other published datasets and concludes that the probability for the observed overlap between independent studies is significant. We disagree with both arguments of Sharma and show here that his meta-analysis and statistical calculations are not correct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piroska E Szabó
- Van Andel Research Institute, Center for Epigenetics, 333 Bostwick Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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58
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Wu H, Hauser R, Krawetz SA, Pilsner JR. Environmental Susceptibility of the Sperm Epigenome During Windows of Male Germ Cell Development. Curr Environ Health Rep 2016; 2:356-66. [PMID: 26362467 PMCID: PMC4623071 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-015-0067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Male germ cells require multiple epigenetic reprogramming events during their lifespan to achieve reproductive capacity. An emerging body of compelling data demonstrates that environmental exposures can be embodied within the developing male germ cell as epigenetic marks. In turn, these epigenetic marks can impart information at fertilization to affect the trajectory of offspring health and development. While it is recognized that in utero epigenetic reprogramming of male germ cells is a particularly susceptible window to environmental exposures, other such windows exist during germ cell development. The objective of this review is to discuss epigenetic reprogramming events during male germ cell development and to provide supporting evidence from animal and human studies that during specific periods of development, germ cells are susceptible to environmentally induced epigenetic errors. Moving forward, the nascent field of sperm epigenetics research is likely to advance our understanding of paternal environmental determinants of offspring health and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Wu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 149 Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Building I 14th Floor, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Building I 14th Floor, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 275 East. Hancock, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 149 Goessmann, 686 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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Larriba E, del Mazo J. Role of Non-Coding RNAs in the Transgenerational Epigenetic Transmission of the Effects of Reprotoxicants. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:452. [PMID: 27023531 PMCID: PMC4848908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are regulatory elements of gene expression and chromatin structure. Both long and small ncRNAs can also act as inductors and targets of epigenetic programs. Epigenetic patterns can be transmitted from one cell to the daughter cell, but, importantly, also through generations. Diversity of ncRNAs is emerging with new and surprising roles. Functional interactions among ncRNAs and between specific ncRNAs and structural elements of the chromatin are drawing a complex landscape. In this scenario, epigenetic changes induced by environmental stressors, including reprotoxicants, can explain some transgenerationally-transmitted phenotypes in non-Mendelian ways. In this review, we analyze mechanisms of action of reprotoxicants upon different types of ncRNAs and epigenetic modifications causing transgenerationally transmitted characters through germ cells but affecting germ cells and reproductive systems. A functional model of epigenetic mechanisms of transgenerational transmission ncRNAs-mediated is also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Larriba
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Jesús del Mazo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Madrid 28040, Spain.
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60
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Decoding Lamarck—transgenerational control of metabolism by noncoding RNAs. Pflugers Arch 2016; 468:959-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-016-1807-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
Endocrine disruptors are critical environmental exposures that influence health and can promote epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of disease and abnormal physiology. Advances in 2015 included analyses of the effects of endocrine disruptors on human disease, further examples of endocrine disruptors promoting transgenerational behavioural effects, insights into effects of endocrine disruptors on epigenetic programming of primordial germ cells and the finding that endocrine disruptors can transgenerationally promote genetic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4236, USA
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62
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Klosin A, Lehner B. Mechanisms, timescales and principles of trans-generational epigenetic inheritance in animals. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2016; 36:41-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
Not so fast. The Iqbal et. al. study and the associated Whitelaw commentary highlight the appropriately high standards of study design and interpretation needed to obtain good evidence for or against epigenetic inheritance. Please see related article: www.dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0714-1
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph H Nadeau
- Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute, 720 Broadway, Seattle, WA, 98119, USA.
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64
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Abstract
We thank Dr. Nadeau for his interest in our work. Dr. Nadeau has raised concerns about the experimental approach (mouse strains, route of administration, lack of phenotypic assessment) and about the validity of our conclusions. We will respond to each of these concerns point-by point. Please see related article: www.dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0709-y
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Affiliation(s)
- Piroska E Szabó
- Van Andel Research Institute, Center for Epigenetics, 333 Bostwick Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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65
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Xin F, Susiarjo M, Bartolomei MS. Multigenerational and transgenerational effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals: A role for altered epigenetic regulation? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 43:66-75. [PMID: 26026600 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has highlighted the critical role of early life environment in shaping the future health outcomes of an individual. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that early life perturbations can affect the health of subsequent generations. Hypothesized mechanisms of multi- and transgenerational inheritance of abnormal developmental phenotypes include epigenetic misregulation in germ cells. In this review, we will focus on the available data demonstrating the ability of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and parabens, to alter epigenetic marks in rodents and humans. These epigenetic marks include DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNAs. We also review the current evidence for multi- and transgenerational inheritance of abnormal developmental changes in the offspring following EDC exposure. Based on published results, we conclude that EDC exposure can alter the mouse and human epigenome, with variable tissue susceptibilities. Although increasing data suggest that exposure to EDCs is linked to transgenerational inheritance of reproductive, metabolic, or neurological phenotypes, more studies are needed to validate these observations and to elucidate further whether these developmental changes are directly associated with the relevant epigenetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Xin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 9-123 Smilow Center for Translational Research, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 1316 Biomedical Research Building II/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 9-123 Smilow Center for Translational Research, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 1316 Biomedical Research Building II/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 9-123 Smilow Center for Translational Research, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 1316 Biomedical Research Building II/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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66
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Sharma A. Variable directionality of gene expression changes across generations does not constitute negative evidence of epigenetic inheritance. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2015; 1:dvv005. [PMID: 29492280 PMCID: PMC5804684 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals has been controversial due to inherent difficulties in its experimental demonstration. A recent report has, however, opened a new front in the ongoing debate by claiming that endocrine disrupting chemicals, contrary to previous findings, do not cause effects across generations. This claim is based on the observation that gene expression changes induced by these chemicals in the exposed and unexposed generations are mainly in the opposite direction. This analysis shows that the pattern of gene expression reported in the two generations is not expected by chance and is suggestive of transmission across generations. A meta-analysis of diverse data sets related to endocrine disruptor-induced transgenerational gene expression alterations, including the data provided in the said report, further suggests that effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals persist in unexposed generations. Based on the prior evidence of phenotypic variability and gene expression alterations in opposite direction between generations, it is argued here that calling evidence of mismatched directionality in gene expression in experiments testing potential of environmental agents in inducing epigenetic inheritance of phenotypic traits as negative is untenable. This is expected to settle the newly raised doubts over epigenetic inheritance in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Sharma
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Council of Scientific
and Industrial Research, Sukhdev Vihar, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110025, India
- *Correspondence address. CSIR-Institute of Genomics and
Integrative Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Sukhdev Vihar, Mathura
Road, New Delhi 110025, India. Tel: +91-11-26932421; Fax:
+91-11-27662407;
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