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Soto-Heras S, Reinacher L, Wang B, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Park CJ, Hess RA, Ko CJ. Cryptorchidism and testicular cancer in the dog: unresolved questions and challenges in translating insights from human studies†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:269-291. [PMID: 38738783 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum, and testicular cancer show a strong correlation in both dogs and humans. Yet, long-standing medical debates persist about whether the location of undescended testes directly causes testicular cancer in humans or if both conditions stem from a common origin. Although testicular cancer is a prevalent disease in dogs, even less is known about its cause and correlation with testicular descent in this species. This review investigates the relation between these two disorders in dogs, drawing insights from human studies, and examines key biomarkers identified thus far. In addition, it explores potential causal links, including the impact of temperature on maturing testicular cells and a potential shared genetic origin. Notably, this literature review reveals significant differences between men and dogs in reproductive development, histological and molecular features of testicular tumors, and the prevalence of specific tumor types, such as Sertoli cell tumors in cryptorchid dogs and germ cell tumors in humans. These disparities caution against using dogs as models for human testicular cancer research and underscore the limitations when drawing comparisons between species. The paper concludes by suggesting specific research initiatives to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between cryptorchidism and testicular cancer in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Soto-Heras
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Lindsey Reinacher
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Bensen Wang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Ji Eun Oh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Mary Bunnell
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Chan Jin Park
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rex A Hess
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - CheMyong Jay Ko
- Epivara, Inc., 2109 S. Oak Street, Suite 100A, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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2
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Li W, Li Y, Xu W, Chen Z, Gao Y, Liu Z, Li Q, Jiang M, Liu H, Luo B, Zhan Y, Dai L. Maternal PM 2.5 exposure and hypospadias risk in Chinese offspring: Insights from a nationwide surveillance-based study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134503. [PMID: 38718509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Research on the association between maternal PM2.5 exposure and hypospadias risk in male offspring, particularly in highly polluted areas, has been limited and inconsistent. This study leveraged data from China's National Population-based Birth Defects Surveillance System spanning the years 2013 to 2019, and employed sophisticated machine learning models to estimate daily PM2.5 levels and other pollutants for mothers at a 1-km resolution and a 6-km buffer surrounding maternal residences. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and hypospadias risk. For sensitivity analyses, stratification analysis was conducted, and models for one-pollutant and two-pollutants, as well as distributed lag nonlinear models, were constructed. Of the 1194,431 boys studied, 1153 cases of hypospadias were identified. A 10 μg/m3 increase in maternal PM2.5 exposure during preconception and the first trimester was associated with an elevated risk of isolated hypospadias, with Odds Ratios (ORs) of 1.102 (95% CI: 1.023-1.188) and 1.089 (95% CI: 1.007-1.177) at the 1-km grid, and 1.122 (95% CI: 1.034-1.218) and 1.143 (95% CI: 1.048-1.246) within the 6-km buffer. Higher quartiles of PM2.5 exposure were associated with increased odds ratios compared to the lowest quartile. These findings highlight a significant association between PM2.5 exposure during the critical conception period and an elevated risk of isolated hypospadias in children, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce PM2.5 exposure among expectant mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Li
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Wenli Xu
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuyang Gao
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qi Li
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hanmin Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Biru Luo
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Nursing Management, West China Second University, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Yu Zhan
- College of Carbon Neutrality Future Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Li Dai
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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3
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Cui H, Culty M. Do macrophages play a role in the adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on testicular functions? FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1242634. [PMID: 37720385 PMCID: PMC10501733 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1242634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, several endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been confirmed to affect male reproductive function and fertility in animal studies. EDCs are suspected to exert similar effects in humans, based on strong associations between levels of antiandrogenic EDCs in pregnant women and adverse reproductive effects in infants. Testicular macrophages (tMΦ) play a vital role in modulating immunological privilege and maintaining normal testicular homeostasis as well as fetal development. Although tMΦ were not historically studied in the context of endocrine disruption, they have emerged as potential targets to consider due to their critical role in regulating cells such as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and Leydig cells. Few studies have examined the impact of EDCs on the ability of testicular cells to communicate and regulate each other's functions. In this review, we recapitulate what is known about tMΦ functions and interactions with other cell types in the testis that support spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. We also surveyed the literature for reports on the effects of the EDCs genistein and DEHP on tMΦ, SSCs, Sertoli and Leydig cells. Our goal is to explore the possibility that EDC disruption of tMΦ interactions with other cell types may play a role in their adverse effects on testicular developmental programming and functions. This approach will highlight gaps of knowledge, which, once resolved, should improve the risk assessment of EDC exposure and the development of safeguards to protect male reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martine Culty
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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4
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Elcombe CS, Monteiro A, Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M, Padmanabhan V, Lea R, Sinclair KD, Evans NP, Bellingham M. Developmental exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture alters testicular transcription factor expression in neonatal and pre-pubertal rams, with morphological changes persisting into adulthood. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 100:104152. [PMID: 37209889 PMCID: PMC10457458 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Environmental chemical (EC) exposure may be impacting male reproductive health. The translationally relevant biosolids treated pasture (BTP) sheep model was used to investigate gestational low-level EC mixture exposure on the testes of F1 male offspring. Adult rams from ewes exposed to BTP 1 month before and throughout pregnancy had more seminiferous tubules with degeneration and depletion of elongating spermatids, indicating possible "recovery" from previously reported testicular dysgenesis syndrome-like phenotype in neonatal and pre-pubertal BTP lambs. Expression of transcription factors CREB1 (neonatal) and BCL11A and FOXP2 (pre-pubertal) were significantly higher in the BTP exposed testes, with no changes seen in adults. Increased CREB1, which is crucial for testes development and regulation of steroidogenic enzymes, could be an adaptive response to gestational EC exposure to facilitate the phenotypic recovery. Overall, this demonstrates that testicular effects from gestational exposure to low-level mixtures of ECs can last into adulthood, potentially impacting fertility and fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Elcombe
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | - Ana Monteiro
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Richard Lea
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Kevin D Sinclair
- University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - Neil P Evans
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
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5
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Cicirelli V, Burgio M, Mrenoshki D, Cseh S, Aiudi G, Lacalandra GM. Update on canine anorchia: A review. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:600-603. [PMID: 36597410 PMCID: PMC10029902 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities of the external genitals are an important issue in dog breeding because of the unfavourable qualities and characteristics of breeds, resulting in consistent economic losses. Despite their significance, little scientific attention has been given to these problems. Although there are several reviews on cryptorchidism in dogs, none have described anorchia. Testicular agenesis is a rare reproductive disorder with a congenital origin. Moreover, no author has described the diagnostic procedure for making a definitive diagnosis of anorchia in dogs. It is important to have a well-structured diagnostic scheme to help practical veterinarians make a confirmatory diagnosis. This review article aims to provide an update on canine anorchia diagnosis based on the poor research studies published in recent years. We have also contributed to the pathogenesis of this disorder using human medicine studies. Finally, the review includes therapeutic hypotheses that can be expanded in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cicirelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldi Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Burgio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldi Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Mrenoshki
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldi Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Sandor Cseh
- University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Giulio Aiudi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldi Moro, Bari, Italy
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6
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Tysman M, Toppari J, Main KM, Adamsson A, Wohlfahrt-Veje C, Antignac JP, Le Bizec B, Löyttyniemi E, Skakkebæk NE, Virtanen HE. Levels of persistent organic pollutants in breast milk samples representing Finnish and Danish boys with and without hypospadias. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137343. [PMID: 36423724 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hypospadias is a congenital malformation of penile urethra with unknown etiology in most cases. Persistent organic pollutant (POP) exposure may disrupt endocrine function during a critical window of development of male genitalia. In animal studies, POPs have been associated with male reproductive disorders, including hypospadias, but only few studies have assessed this relationship in humans. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between hypospadias and POP concentration levels in breast milk, as a proxy for prenatal exposure. This is a nested case-control study of Danish and Finnish mother-son pairs. Maternal breast milk samples were collected between 1997 and 2002, and they represent infant boys born with hypospadias [n = 33 (n = 22 Danish and n = 11 Finnish)] and their 1:1 matched controls. Breast milk samples were analyzed for six classes of POPs [including dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, flame retardants and perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS)]. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each chemical class using conditional logistic regression. In addition, a composite exposure score system was used to explore the effect of a POP mixture (four chemical classes): The composite score was categorized as low, moderate, or high exposure, and differences between cases and controls were tested with conditional logistic regression. No statistically significant associations were observed between the sums of the chemical classes and hypospadias in either country. The composite score was unable to detect differences in the risk of hypospadias between the tertiles of POP exposure. Levels of PFAS were significantly higher in Danish than in Finnish breast milk samples. This small study does not provide evidence for an association between hypospadias and exposure to POPs but adds information on quantitative exposures. Further development of multi-exposure models is needed for assessing the potential mixture effect associated with multiple chemical exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Tysman
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, And Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Adjunct Affiliation with General Pediatrics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, And Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Int Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Katharina M Main
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Int Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Dept of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Annika Adamsson
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
| | - Christine Wohlfahrt-Veje
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Int Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Int Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Dept of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, And Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Rodprasert W, Toppari J, Virtanen HE. Environmental toxicants and male fertility. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 86:102298. [PMID: 36623980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.102298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Semen quality has declined especially among Western men. Experimental and epidemiological studies have shown potential links between exposure to environmental toxicants and poor male fertility. Some environmental exposures in utero can disrupt fetal testicular function and result in cryptorchidism, low semen quality, low serum testosterone levels, and low fertility. Environmental exposure in childhood and adulthood can also adversely affect germ cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, or the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, resulting in impaired male fertility. In this review, we report the latest results from human studies that investigated the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and use of marijuana in low semen quality and impaired male fertility. Current evidence suggests the relationship between these environmental factors and low male fertility; however, some factors showed conflicting results which need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiwat Rodprasert
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology and Centre for Population Health Research, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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8
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Al-Sharkawi M, Calonga-Solís V, Dressler FF, Busch H, Hiort O, Werner R. Persistence of foetal testicular features in patients with defective androgen signalling. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 188:7017644. [PMID: 36721956 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Congenital defects of androgen synthesis or action in 46,XY individuals can result in impaired virilisation, despite the apparent testicular development. In a recent case, report of a young adult with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), tumourous gonadal tissue was shown to express HSD17B3 in Sertoli cells (SCs) and not in Leydig cells (LCs). This expression pattern differs from the typical adult human testis and resembles a foetal mouse testis, suggesting an underlying testicular development and function defect. Here, we investigate the effect of altered androgen signalling in gonads from five 46,XY individuals with defects in androgen synthesis or action. METHODS Gonadal tissue sections from four patients with CAIS, one with CYP17A1 deficiency, and one control were immunostained for LC developmental and steroidogenic markers. The expression of some of these markers during development was investigated by reanalysing previously published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from normal human testicular tissues. RESULTS All gonadal tissues from the patients show an exclusive expression of HSD17B3 in SCs and an expression of the foetal/immature LC marker DLK1 in a subset of LCs, suggesting an androgen-dependent differentiation defect of adult SCs and LCs. Furthermore, reanalysis of scRNA-seq data reveals an expression of HSD17B3 in foetal and neonatal SCs that is downregulated in adult SCs. CONCLUSIONS Androgen signalling may affect the differentiation of adults, but possibly not foetal SCs or LCs, and may induce a shift of testosterone production from the tubular compartment in the foetal phase to the interstitial compartment in the adult phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Al-Sharkawi
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Biochemical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Institute, 12622 Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Verónica Calonga-Solís
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Medical Systems Biology Division, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Franz F Dressler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Medical Systems Biology Division, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf Werner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
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9
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Bornman R, Acerini CL, Chevrier J, Rauch S, Crause M, Obida M, Eskenazi B. Maternal exposure to DDT, DDE, and pyrethroid insecticides for malaria vector control and hypospadias in the VHEMBE birth cohort study, Limpopo, South Africa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 845:157084. [PMID: 35798100 PMCID: PMC10565726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hypospadias is the ectopic opening of the urethra on the penis or scrotum. Exposure to estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic chemicals in utero may play an etiologic role. DDT and the pyrethroids cypermethrin and deltamethrin, are used to control malaria. DDT is estrogenic and its breakdown product DDE is anti-androgenic; cypermethrin and deltamethrin can also disrupt androgen pathways. We examined the relationship between maternal exposure to these insecticides during pregnancy and hypospadias among boys participating in the Venda Health Examination of Mothers, Babies and their Environment (VHEMBE) in Limpopo Province, South Africa. We measured peripartum levels of p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE in maternal serum and urinary pyrethroid metabolites. We conducted urogenital examination on 359 one-year-old boys. A total of 291 (81.0 %) had phimosis, which prevented full urogenital examination, leaving a final sample of 68 boys for determination of the presence of hypospadias. Diagnosis was based on concordance of two independent physicians. We identified hypospadias in 23 of the 68 boys (34 %). Maternal urinary concentrations of cis-DCCA and trans-DCCA metabolites of cypermethrin and other pyrethroids, were associated with an increased risk for hypospadias, but the other metabolite 3-PBA was not (adjusted relative risk per 10-fold increase = 1.58, 95 % CI 1.07-2.34; 1.61, 95 % CI 1.09-2.36; and 1.48, 95 % CI 0.78-2.78, respectively). No associations were found between p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, 3-PBA or cis-DBCA and hypospadias. We observed a high prevalence of hypospadias among boys without phymosis. Boys with higher prenatal exposure to pyrethroid insecticides were at higher risk of hypospadias. Our findings may have global implications given that pyrethroid insecticides are widely used for malaria control, in agriculture and for home use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riana Bornman
- School of Health Systems and Public Health and the University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Carlo L Acerini
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jonathan Chevrier
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stephen Rauch
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Madelein Crause
- School of Health Systems and Public Health and the University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Muvhulawa Obida
- School of Health Systems and Public Health and the University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Community Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
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10
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Desalegn AA, Collet B, Iszatt N, Stigum H, Jensen TK, Jonker L, Besselink H, van der Burg B, Eggesbø M. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity in human breast milk and cryptorchidism: A case-control study within the prospective Norwegian HUMIS cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113861. [PMID: 35820657 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiology of cryptorchidism remains poorly understood. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can impact estrogen signaling by interacting with aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether AhR activity in breast milk samples is associated with cryptorchidism. METHOD We conducted a case-control study based on 199 mother-child pairs (n = 91 cases/108 controls) selected from the Norwegian Human Milk Study (2002-2009). We defined cases for cryptorchidism based on maternal reports at 1-, 6-, 12-, and 24- months after birth. Chemically- and biologically stable AhR activity (pg 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalent (TEQ)/g lipid) was determined by DR- CALUX® assay in the mothers' milk collected at a median of 33 (10th-90th percentile: 18-57) days after delivery. We used multivariate logistic regression to compare AhR activity levels between cases and controls, and linear regression separately, to establish the relationship with the presence of 27 potential EDCs measured in breast milk and AhR activity. RESULTS The average estimated daily intake (EDI) of dioxin and (dioxin-like (dl)-compounds via breast milk is 33.7 ± 17.9 pg TEQ/kg bodyweight per day among Norwegian children. There were no significant differences in AhR activation in breast milk samples between cases with cryptorchidism and controls. Among the 27 chemicals measured in breast milk, AhR activity was (borderline) significantly associated with all dl-PCBs, three non-dioxin-like (ndl)-PCBs (PCB-74, PCB-180, PCB-194) and two organochlorine pesticides (OCPs; HCB, β-HCH). No associations between AhR activity and brominated flame retardants (PBDEs) or poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). CONCLUSION No association between AhR activity and cryptorchidism was found among Norwegian boys. The average EDI of dioxin and dl-compounds in exclusively breastfed Norwegian infants remains above the safety threshold and, therefore requires further reduction measures. Consistent with a possible role in the observed AhR activity, all dl-PCBs were associated with AhR activity whereas the association was null for either PBDEs or PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anteneh Assefa Desalegn
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bérénice Collet
- BioDetection Systems BV, Science Park 406, 1098XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nina Iszatt
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hein Stigum
- Department of Non-communicable Disease, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tina K Jensen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lydia Jonker
- BioDetection Systems BV, Science Park 406, 1098XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harrie Besselink
- BioDetection Systems BV, Science Park 406, 1098XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart van der Burg
- BioDetection Systems BV, Science Park 406, 1098XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Merete Eggesbø
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456, Oslo, Norway.
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11
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Tang X, Li D, Zhao T, Zhu S, Gao X, Zhou R, Deng F, Fu W, Jia W, Liu G. The inhibition of CFTR in the descended testis of SD rats with unilateral cryptorchidism induced by di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:77047-77056. [PMID: 35676569 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21134-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a kind of environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs), which has been confirmed to cause serious consequences, such as cryptorchidism. Patients with unilateral cryptorchidism still had oligospermia or infertility even if they received orchidopexy before puberty. Testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) attributes this kind of problems to the abnormal testicular development during the embryonic period, and considers that the environmental exposure factors during pregnancy play a major role. Therefore, for unilateral cryptorchidism, even if one testicle has dropped to scrotum, it may be exposed to these substances and cause damage. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conduction regulator (CFTR) is very important for the maturation of male reproductive system. Previously, cryptorchidism was thought to cause abnormal expression of heat sensitive protein CFTR in testis, but the expression of CFTR in healthy side (descended side) testis was not clear. In this study, we established SD rats with unilateral cryptorchidism by exposure to DEHP (500 mg/kg/day) during pregnancy, and detected the expression of CFTR and downstream signal NF-κB/COX-2/PGE2 in bilateral testis. Finally, we found that the expression of CFTR and downstream signal NF-κB/COX-2/PGE2 in the undescended testis was significantly abnormal, but the expression of them in the descended testis was also abnormal to some extent. Therefore, we speculate that in addition to high temperature will affect the expression of CFTR, there may be other factors that cause abnormal expression of CFTR induced by DEHP, and lead to abnormal male reproductive function eventually, but the specific mechanism needs to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangliang Tang
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Dian Li
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianxin Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Shibo Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaofeng Gao
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Fuming Deng
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Fu
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Jia
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Guochang Liu
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China.
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12
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Dall'Asta A, Stampalija T, Mecacci F, Ramirez Zegarra R, Sorrentino S, Minopoli M, Ottaviani C, Fantasia I, Barbieri M, Lisi F, Simeone S, Castellani R, Fichera A, Rizzo G, Prefumo F, Frusca T, Ghi T. Incidence, clinical features and perinatal outcome in anomalous fetuses with late-onset growth restriction: cohort study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2022; 60:632-639. [PMID: 35638182 PMCID: PMC9827976 DOI: 10.1002/uog.24961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the incidence, clinical features and perinatal outcome of late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) associated with genetic syndrome or aneuploidy, structural malformation or congenital infection. METHODS This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients who attended one of four tertiary maternity hospitals in Italy. We included consecutive singleton pregnancies between 32 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks' gestation with either fetal abdominal circumference (AC) or estimated fetal weight < 10th percentile for gestational age or a reduction in AC of > 50 percentiles from the measurement at an ultrasound scan performed between 18 and 32 weeks. The study group consisted of pregnancies with late-onset FGR and a genetic syndrome or aneuploidy, structural malformation or congenital infection (anomalous late-onset FGR). The presence of congenital anomalies was ascertained postnatally in neonates with abnormal findings on antenatal investigation or detected after birth. The control group consisted of pregnancies with structurally and genetically normal fetuses with late-onset FGR. Composite adverse perinatal outcome was defined as the presence of at least one of stillbirth, 5-min Apgar score < 7, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), need for respiratory support at birth, neonatal jaundice and neonatal hypoglycemia. The primary aims of the study were to assess the incidence and clinical features of anomalous late-onset FGR, and to compare the perinatal outcome of such cases with that of fetuses with non-anomalous late-onset FGR. RESULTS Overall, 1246 pregnancies complicated by late-onset FGR were included in the study, of which 120 (9.6%) were allocated to the anomalous late-onset FGR group. Of these, 11 (9.2%) had a genetic syndrome or aneuploidy, 105 (87.5%) had an isolated structural malformation, and four (3.3%) had a congenital infection. The most frequent structural defects associated with late-onset anomalous FGR were genitourinary malformations (28/105 (26.7%)) and limb malformation (21/105 (20.0%)). Compared with the non-anomalous late-onset FGR group, fetuses with anomalous late-onset FGR had an increased incidence of composite adverse perinatal outcome (35.9% vs 58.3%; P < 0.01). Newborns with anomalous, compared to those with non-anomalous, late-onset FGR showed a higher frequency of need for respiratory support at birth (25.8% vs 9.0%; P < 0.01), intubation (10.0% vs 1.1%; P < 0.01), NICU admission (43.3% vs 22.6%; P < 0.01) and longer hospital stay (median, 24 days (range, 4-250 days) vs 11 days (range, 2-59 days); P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Most pregnancies complicated by anomalous late-onset FGR have structural malformations rather than genetic abnormality or infection. Fetuses with anomalous late-onset FGR have an increased incidence of complications at birth and NICU admission and a longer hospital stay compared with fetuses with isolated late-onset FGR. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Dall'Asta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology UnitUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - T. Stampalija
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal DiagnosisInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
| | - F. Mecacci
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - R. Ramirez Zegarra
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology UnitUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Rechts der IsarTechnical University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - S. Sorrentino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology UnitUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - M. Minopoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology UnitUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - C. Ottaviani
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal DiagnosisInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
| | - I. Fantasia
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal DiagnosisInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
| | - M. Barbieri
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal DiagnosisInstitute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo GarofoloTriesteItaly
| | - F. Lisi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - S. Simeone
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - R. Castellani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Maternal and Child HealthUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - A. Fichera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Maternal and Child HealthUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - G. Rizzo
- Division of Maternal and Fetal MedicineUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRomeItaly
| | - F. Prefumo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Maternal and Child HealthUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - T. Frusca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology UnitUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - T. Ghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology UnitUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
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13
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iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis of diethylstilbestrol induced dysfunction of testicular gubernaculum development in mouse. Mol Cell Toxicol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-022-00228-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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R. R. LIMA T, P. SOUZA N, FERRAGUT CARDOSO AP, M. GOMIDE LM, G. NASCIMENTO E PONTES M, A. MIOT H, L. ARNOLD L, M. COHEN S, V. DE CAMARGO JL. Testicular alterations in cryptorchid/orchiopexic rats chronically exposed to acrylamide or di-butyl-phthalate. J Toxicol Pathol 2022; 35:159-170. [PMID: 35516837 PMCID: PMC9018398 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2021-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thania R. R. LIMA
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Center for Evaluation of Environmental Impact on Human Health (TOXICAM), Botucatu, 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathália P. SOUZA
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Center for Evaluation of Environmental Impact on Human Health (TOXICAM), Botucatu, 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana P. FERRAGUT CARDOSO
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Center for Evaluation of Environmental Impact on Human Health (TOXICAM), Botucatu, 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lígia Maria M. GOMIDE
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Center for Evaluation of Environmental Impact on Human Health (TOXICAM), Botucatu, 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Merielen G. NASCIMENTO E PONTES
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Center for Evaluation of Environmental Impact on Human Health (TOXICAM), Botucatu, 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hélio A. MIOT
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Dermatology and Radiotherapy, Botucatu, 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lora L. ARNOLD
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Omaha, 68105, NE, USA
| | - Samuel M. COHEN
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Omaha, 68105, NE, USA
| | - João Lauro V. DE CAMARGO
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Center for Evaluation of Environmental Impact on Human Health (TOXICAM), Botucatu, 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Swartz SJ, Morimoto LM, Whitehead TP, DeRouen MC, Ma X, Wang R, Wiemels JL, McGlynn KA, Gunier R, Metayer C. Proximity to endocrine-disrupting pesticides and risk of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) among adolescents: A population-based case-control study in California. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 239:113881. [PMID: 34839102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) is increasing steadily in the United States, particularly among Latinos. TGCT is thought to be initiated in utero and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, suspected contributors to TGCT pathogenesis, during this critical developmental period may contribute to the rise. OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between fetal exposure to agricultural endocrine-disrupting pesticides (EDPs) and TGCT risk among adolescents in a diverse population in California. METHODS We conducted a registry-based case-control study of TGCT. Cases, diagnosed between 1997 and 2011, were 15-19 years of age (n = 381). Controls were matched on birth year and race/ethnicity (n = 762). Quantities (kilograms) of 33 pesticides applied within 3 km and 1 km radii of each individual's address before birth were estimated using the Pesticide Use Reporting database. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and population attributable risk (PAR) were calculated for each EDP (using log-2 transformed values). Risk models considered race/ethnicity, birth year, and neighborhood socioeconomic status. RESULTS A doubling of nearby acephate applications (3 km and 1 km radii) and malathion applications (1 km radius) was associated with increased risks of TGCT among Latinos only (OR = 1.09; 95% CI:1.01-1.17; 1.30; 95% CI:1.08-1.57, and 1.19; 95% CI:1.01-1.39, respectively), whereas application of carbaryl within a 3 km radius increased TGCT risk in non-Latinos only (OR = 1.14, 95% CI:1.01-1.28). We estimate that acephate was associated with approximately 10% of the TGCT PAR, malathion with 3% and carbaryl with 1%. CONCLUSIONS TGCT among adolescents in California was associated with prenatal residential proximity to acephate and malathion among Latinos, and with carbaryl among non-Latinos. These results suggest that the rise in TGCT risk among Latinos may be associated with exposure to these pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Swartz
- Joint Medical Program, University of California, Berkeley/San Francisco, Berkeley, CA, USA; School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Libby M Morimoto
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Todd P Whitehead
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mindy C DeRouen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph L Wiemels
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert Gunier
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Metayer
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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16
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Alavi SMH, Barzegar-Fallah S, Rahdar P, Ahmadi MM, Yavari M, Hatef A, Golshan M, Linhart O. A Review on Environmental Contaminants-Related Fertility Threat in Male Fishes: Effects and Possible Mechanisms of Action Learned from Wildlife and Laboratory Studies. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2817. [PMID: 34679838 PMCID: PMC8532744 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing global rates of diminished fertility in males has been suggested to be associated with exposure to environmental contaminants (ECs). The aquatic environments are the final repository of ECs. As the reproductive system is conserved in vertebrates, studies on the effects of ECs on fertility endpoints in fishes provide us with valuable information to establish biomarkers in risk assessment of ECs, and to understand the ECs-related fertility threat. The aim of the present review was to evaluate associations between ECs and fertility determinants to better understand ECs-related male fertility threat in male fishes. Wildlife studies show that the reproductive system has been affected in fishes sampled from the polluted aquatic environment. The laboratory studies show the potency of ECs including natural and synthetic hormones, alkylphenols, bisphenols, plasticizers, pesticides, pharmaceutical, alkylating, and organotin agents to affect fertility determinants, resulting in diminished fertility at environmentally relevant concentrations. Both wildlife and laboratory studies reveal that ECs adverse effects on male fertility are associated with a decrease in sperm production, damage to sperm morphology, alternations in sperm genome, and decrease in sperm motility kinetics. The efficiency of ECs to affect sperm quality and male fertility highly depends on the concentration of the contaminants and the duration of exposure. Our review highlights that the number of contaminants examined over fertility tests are much lower than the number of contaminants detected in our environment. The ECs effects on fertility are largely unknown when fishes are exposed to the contaminants at early developmental stages. The review suggests the urgent need to examine ECs effects on male fertility when a fish is exposed at different developmental stages in a single or combination protocol. The ECs effects on the sperm genome are largely unknown to understand ECs-related inheritance of reproductive disorders transmitted to the progeny. To elucidate modes of action of ECs on sperm motility, it is needed to study functional morphology of the motility apparatus and to investigate ECs-disrupted motility signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayyed Mohammad Hadi Alavi
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran P.O. Box 14155-6655, Iran; (S.B.-F.); (P.R.); (M.M.A.); (M.Y.)
| | - Sepideh Barzegar-Fallah
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran P.O. Box 14155-6655, Iran; (S.B.-F.); (P.R.); (M.M.A.); (M.Y.)
| | - Parastoo Rahdar
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran P.O. Box 14155-6655, Iran; (S.B.-F.); (P.R.); (M.M.A.); (M.Y.)
| | - Mohammad Mahdi Ahmadi
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran P.O. Box 14155-6655, Iran; (S.B.-F.); (P.R.); (M.M.A.); (M.Y.)
| | - Mina Yavari
- School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran P.O. Box 14155-6655, Iran; (S.B.-F.); (P.R.); (M.M.A.); (M.Y.)
| | - Azadeh Hatef
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada;
| | - Mahdi Golshan
- Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran P.O. Box 15745-133, Iran;
| | - Otomar Linhart
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic;
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17
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Pakkasjärvi N, Hölttä V, Heikkilä J, Taskinen S. Posterior urethral valves and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in two FINNISH cohorts. J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:514.e1-514.e5. [PMID: 34158248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Posterior Urethral Valve (PUV) is a persistent membrane of the urethra, which causes obstruction in the urogenital tract in boys. To our knowledge, no comprehensive reports have been published on whether PUV is associated to neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we analyzed a cohort of PUV patients for neurodevelopmental disorders and verified findings in an older cohort. METHODS In a register based study, we reviewed the hospital registries for patients treated for PUV during 1992-2013 to identify those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Primary outcome measure was any neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures were specific disorders: ASD; ADHD, intellectual disability, learning disabilities. Birth weight and gestational age were recorded, serum creatinine levels at specific timepoints were noted. We then investigated these variables to see any correlations to neurodevelopmental disorders. We replicated the strategy for verification in an older cohort of PUV-patients, who had been treated in our institute during 1970-1991. RESULTS We identified 87 patients treated for PUV of which thirteen (15%) had a verified diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder. 2.3% of PUV patients fulfilled criteria of mild intellectual disability (F70.0/F79.0), 9% had ADHD/ADD-spectrum diagnoses (F90.0/F90.9) and 2.3% had learning disabilities (F83/F81.3). 5.7% of patients presented with difficulties in social interactions (F93.89, F94.8). Five patients presented with more than one neurodevelopmental diagnosis. We confirmed these findings in the older cohort of patients, where a verified neurodevelopmental diagnosis was detected in 14% of patients. We identified no statistically significant associations to gestational age, birth weight or creatinine levels of PUV-patients with neurodevelopmental diagnoses as compared to the PUV-patients not diagnosed for neurodevelopmental disorders. Intellectual disability/mental retardation was more prevalent in our material and this association was statistically significant. DISCUSSION We show, that the prevalence of intellectual disability among PUV patients exceeds the cumulative prevalence in Finland in both cohorts analyzed here. 15% of PUV-patients presented with a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder. To our knowledge, this is the first study attempting to outline neurodevelopmental disorders among boys with PUV. This study has limitations. It is register based and only diagnoses made at an institute within our hospital district are considered. The PUV-patients may be under closer surveillance than age-matched healthy children, which may lead to an overrepresentation of cases. The patient number is small and the small subsets of patients within each cohort hamper any further statistical analysis. The neurodevelopmental impacts of pediatric general anesthesia remain elusive and may have corollaries which must be kept in mind when interpretating our results. Patients with PUV require close follow-up in a multi-disciplinary manner, not forgetting neurodevelopmental aspects. Attention to intellectual disability is mandatory. Any suspicion of a developmental delay in a patient with PUV warrants further investigation and corresponding interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Pakkasjärvi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, New Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Stenbäckinkatu 9, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Veera Hölttä
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, New Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Stenbäckinkatu 9, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Heikkilä
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hyvinkää Hospital, Sairaalakatu 1, 05850 Hyvinkää, Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland
| | - Seppo Taskinen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, New Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Stenbäckinkatu 9, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
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The G-Protein-Coupled Membrane Estrogen Receptor Is Present in Horse Cryptorchid Testes and Mediates Downstream Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137131. [PMID: 34281183 PMCID: PMC8269005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism in horses is a commonly occurring malformation. The molecular basis of this pathology is not fully known. In addition, the origins of high intratesticular estrogen levels in horses remain obscure. In order to investigate the role of the G-protein-coupled membrane estrogen receptor (GPER) and establish histological and biochemical cryptorchid testis status, healthy and cryptorchid horse testes were subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis, histochemical staining for total protein (with naphthol blue black; NBB), acid content (with toluidine blue O; TBO), and polysaccharide content (with periodic acid-Schiff; PAS). The expression of GPER was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. GPER-mediated intracellular cAMP and calcium (Ca2+) signaling were measured immunoenzymatically or colorimetrically. Our data revealed changes in the distribution of polysaccharide content but not the protein and acid content in the cryptorchid testis. Polysaccharides seemed to be partially translocated from the interstitial compartment to the seminiferous tubule compartment. Moreover, the markedly decreased expression of GPER and GPER downstream molecules, cAMP and Ca2+, suggests their potential role in testis pathology. Increased estrogen levels in cryptorchid conditions may be linked to disturbed GPER signaling. We postulate that GPER is a prominent key player in testis development and function and may be used as a new biomarker of horse testis in health and disease.
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Cicirelli V, Aiudi GG, Carbonara S, Caira M, Lacalandra GM. Case of Anorchia in a Mixed-Breed Dog. Top Companion Anim Med 2021; 45:100554. [PMID: 34192562 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Anorchia is a rare and often poorly understood disorder of sexual development. In the present case report, we used a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose a case of anorchia in a 30-month old dog. The diagnostic process began with gathering the dog medical history followed by a clinical visit with the patient, which included a general wellness examination as well as an examination of the genital system. As suggested in the relevant literature, the dog underwent an ultrasound and then computed tomography (CT) of the genital system, which confirmed the diagnosis of testicular agenesis. Genetic testing confirmed the male XY karyotype. Hormone testing also supported the diagnosis: testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were below their reference ranges, and luteinizing hormone (LH) was above 1 ng/mL. Following the diagnostic procedures suggested in the relevant literature, the present study confirms anorchia in the dog and describes a case of testicular agenesis in the canine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cicirelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Giulio G Aiudi
- IAMB Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Michele Caira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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20
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Abstract
Background: Anogenital distance (AGD) in both humans and animals is a known reflection of fetal endocrine effect on genital virilization and the related abnormalities, including cryptorchidism and hypospadias. However, we introduce here and investigate scrotal base distance (SBD) as a sensitive genital anthropometric biomarker in human infants with cryptorchidism and hypospadias, which are considered early manifestations of testicular dysgenesis syndrome. We aim to assess SBD in patients with cryptorchidism or hypospadias against healthy subjects. Material and methods: Patients with hypospadias (n = 61, age 17.4 ± 6.3 months) or cryptorchidism (n = 51, age 11.4 ± 4.8 months) were enrolled for assessment of SBD, AGD, and penile length; and compared with a cohort of 102 full-term healthy boys for standard ritual circumcision by measuring age-specific standard deviation scores. Results: Patients having hypospadias had lower mean SBD, AGD, and penile length standard deviation scores than the control group (p < 0.01). These values in patients with cryptorchidism were longer than mean values in boys with hypospadias (p < 0.01) and shorter than mean values in the control group. Conclusions: We showed that SBD, AGD, and penile length were lower in patients with cryptorchidism or hypospadias compared to normative data measured from a control group of healthy boys for ritual circumcision. These results enforce the use of SBD as an objective anthropometric measurement and a viable biomarker to assess the effects of fetal endocrine imbalance on male external genitalia development.
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21
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Messina M, Mejia SB, Cassidy A, Duncan A, Kurzer M, Nagato C, Ronis M, Rowland I, Sievenpiper J, Barnes S. Neither soyfoods nor isoflavones warrant classification as endocrine disruptors: a technical review of the observational and clinical data. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:5824-5885. [PMID: 33775173 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1895054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Soybeans are a rich source of isoflavones, which are classified as phytoestrogens. Despite numerous proposed benefits, isoflavones are often classified as endocrine disruptors, based primarily on animal studies. However, there are ample human data regarding the health effects of isoflavones. We conducted a technical review, systematically searching Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (from inception through January 2021). We included clinical studies, observational studies, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) that examined the relationship between soy and/or isoflavone intake and endocrine-related endpoints. 417 reports (229 observational studies, 157 clinical studies and 32 SRMAs) met our eligibility criteria. The available evidence indicates that isoflavone intake does not adversely affect thyroid function. Adverse effects are also not seen on breast or endometrial tissue or estrogen levels in women, or testosterone or estrogen levels, or sperm or semen parameters in men. Although menstrual cycle length may be slightly increased, ovulation is not prevented. Limited insight could be gained about possible impacts of in utero isoflavone exposure, but the existing data are reassuring. Adverse effects of isoflavone intake were not identified in children, but limited research has been conducted. After extensive review, the evidence does not support classifying isoflavones as endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Messina
- Department of Nutrition, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Sonia Blanco Mejia
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aedin Cassidy
- Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Alison Duncan
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mindy Kurzer
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chisato Nagato
- Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Martin Ronis
- Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, USA
| | - Ian Rowland
- Human Nutrition, University of Reading, Reading, England, UK
| | | | - Stephen Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama, Alabama, USA
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22
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Ferragut Cardoso AP, Gomide LMM, Souza NP, de Jesus CMN, Arnold LL, Cohen SM, de Camargo JLV, Nascimento e Pontes MG. Time response of rat testicular alterations induced by cryptorchidism and orchiopexy. Int J Exp Pathol 2021; 102:57-69. [PMID: 33502821 PMCID: PMC7839953 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism is one of the main risk factors for infertility and testicular cancer. Orchiopexy surgery corrects cryptorchidism effects. Different models of cryptorchidism developed in the rat include surgery. We assessed testicular alterations in rats submitted to surgical cryptorchidism and examined their potential for reversibility at different time points in order to verify time dependency effect(s) on the recovery of the undescended testes. Cryptorchidism was induced in 3-week-old rats. Animals were euthanized 3, 6 or 11 weeks after surgery to evaluate the morphological progression of cryptorchidism-induced germinative epithelial alterations. Other groups underwent orchiopexy 3, 5 or 9 weeks after surgical cryptorchidism, before or after puberty. Animals were euthanized 3 or 8 weeks after orchiopexy. Controls underwent sham surgery at the same time points as the surgical groups. Cryptorchid testes showed decreased weight, germinative epithelial degeneration, apoptosis and vacuolation, corresponding to impairment of spermatogenesis and of Sertoli cells. Some tubules has a Sertoli cell-only pattern and atrophy. The intensity of damage was related to the duration of cryptorchidism. After orchiopexy, spermatogenesis completely recovered only when testicular relocation occurred before puberty and the interval for recovery was extended. These results indicate that age, sexual maturity and extension of germ cell damage were relevant for producing germ cell restoration and normal spermatogenesis. We provide original observations on the time dependency of testicular alterations induced by cryptorchidism and their restoration using morphologic, morphometric and immunohistochemical approaches. It may be useful to study germ cell impairment, progression and recovery in different experimental settings, including exposure to exogenous chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Ferragut Cardoso
- Center for the Evaluation of the Environmental Impact on Humans Health (TOXICAM)Department of PathologyBotucatu Medical SchoolSão Paulo State University (UNESP)BotucatuBrazil
- Present address:
Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKYUSA
| | - Lígia M. M. Gomide
- Center for the Evaluation of the Environmental Impact on Humans Health (TOXICAM)Department of PathologyBotucatu Medical SchoolSão Paulo State University (UNESP)BotucatuBrazil
- Present address:
Southwestern University Center of São PauloItapetiningaBrazil
| | - Nathalia P. Souza
- Center for the Evaluation of the Environmental Impact on Humans Health (TOXICAM)Department of PathologyBotucatu Medical SchoolSão Paulo State University (UNESP)BotucatuBrazil
| | | | - Lora L. Arnold
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Samuel M. Cohen
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Havlik‐Wall Professor of OncologyDepartment of Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA‘Sertoli cells
| | - João Lauro V. de Camargo
- Center for the Evaluation of the Environmental Impact on Humans Health (TOXICAM)Department of PathologyBotucatu Medical SchoolSão Paulo State University (UNESP)BotucatuBrazil
| | - Merielen G. Nascimento e Pontes
- Center for the Evaluation of the Environmental Impact on Humans Health (TOXICAM)Department of PathologyBotucatu Medical SchoolSão Paulo State University (UNESP)BotucatuBrazil
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Pizent A. Developmental toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Challenges and future directions. ARHIV ZA FARMACIJU 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/arhfarm71-34457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to a mixture of various endocrine disruptors (EDCs) may have a substantial impact on postnatal health of her offspring(s) and increase the risk for health disorders and diseases in adulthood. Research efforts to better understand the health risk associated with endocrine disruptor exposures in early life have increased in recent decades. This paper provides a short overview of the current challenges that researchers continue to face in selecting appropriate epidemiologic methods and study designs to identify endocrine disruptors and evaluate their adverse health effects during this critical developmental window. Major challenges involve the selection of a representative biomarker that reflects the foetal internal dose of the biologically active chemical or its metabolite(s) that may be associated with adverse health effects with regard to variable level and duration of exposure and the latency between exposure and disorder/disease manifestation. Future studies should pay more attention to identifying factors that contribute to interindividual variability in susceptibility to various EDCs and other toxicants.
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24
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Rouget F, Bihannic A, Cordier S, Multigner L, Meyer-Monath M, Mercier F, Pladys P, Garlantezec R. Petroleum and Chlorinated Solvents in Meconium and the Risk of Hypospadias: A Pilot Study. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:640064. [PMID: 34150682 PMCID: PMC8206475 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.640064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hypospadias is a male congenital malformation that occurs in ~2 of 1,000 births. The association between hypospadias and fetal exposure to environmental chemicals has been studied, but the results are inconsistent. Although several petroleum and chlorinated solvents are suspected to have teratogenic effects, their role in the occurrence of hypospadias has been little studied and never using biomarkers of exposure. We aimed to evaluate the association between fetal exposure to petroleum and chlorinated solvents measured in meconium and the occurrence of hypospadias. Methods: We conducted a pilot case-control study in the maternity of the University Hospital of Rennes (France). Eleven cases of hypospadias and 46 controls were recruited between October 2012 and January 2014. Data from hospital records and maternal self-reported questionnaires, including socio-demographic characteristics and occupational and non-occupational exposure to chemicals, were collected. Meconium samples were collected using a standardized protocol. Levels of petroleum solvents (toluene, benzene, ethylbenzene, and p, m, and o xylene), certain metabolites (mandelic acid, hippuric acid, methylhippuric acid, S-phenylmercapturic acid, S-benzylmercapturic acid, and phenylglyoxylic acid), and two chlorinated solvents (trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene) were measured in meconium by gas and liquid chromatography, both coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Associations between the concentration of each chemical and the occurrence of hypospadias were analyzed using exact logistic regressions adjusted for maternal age, educational level, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and alcohol, and tobacco consumption during pregnancy. Results are presented with odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Quantification rates for petroleum and chlorinated solvents or metabolites ranged from 2.2% (for methylhippuric acid) to 77.1% (for trichloroethylene) of the meconium samples. We found a significant association between the quantification of phenylglyoxylic acid (metabolite of styrene and ethylbenzene) in the meconium and a higher risk of hypospadias (OR = 14.2, 95% CI [2.5-138.7]). The risk of hypospadias was non-significantly elevated for most of the other solvents and metabolites. Conclusion: This exploratory study, on a limited number of cases, suggests an association between petroleum solvents and hypospadias. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results and identify the determinants for the presence of these solvents in meconium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Rouget
- CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France.,Brittany Registry of Congenital Anomalies, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Adèle Bihannic
- Brittany Registry of Congenital Anomalies, CHU Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Sylvaine Cordier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Luc Multigner
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | | | - Fabien Mercier
- LERES, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Patrick Pladys
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, LTSI-UMR 1099, Rennes, France
| | - Ronan Garlantezec
- CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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25
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Selvi I, Ozturk E, Yikilmaz TN, Sarikaya S, Basar H. Effects of testicular dysgenesis syndrome components on testicular germ cell tumor prognosis and oncological outcomes. Int Braz J Urol 2020; 46:725-740. [PMID: 32648412 PMCID: PMC7822361 DOI: 10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2019.0387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether components of Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS) affect testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) prognosis and oncological outcomes. According to the hypothesis called TDS; undescended testis, hypospadias, testicular cancer and spermatogenic disorders share the same risk factors and have a combined fetal origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the stages and oncological outcomes of 69 patients who underwent radical orchiectomy between January 2010 and December 2014 due to TGCT in our department. The presence of undescended testis, hypospadias and semen parameters disorders were recorded according to anamnesis of patients. RESULTS Among 69 patients with TGCT, only 16 (23.1%) had TDS. Significantly higher rate of TDS (36.1% vs. 9.1%) was observed at the advanced stages of TGCT(p=0.008). In the TDS group, the rates of local recurrence (50% vs. 11.3%, p< 0.001), distant metastasis (93.6% vs. 3.8%, p< 0.001) and cancer-spesific mortality (87.5% vs. 3.8%, p< 0.001) were found significantly higher than those without TDS. The predicted time for recurrence-free survival (13.70±5.13 vs. 100.96±2.83 months, p< 0.001) metastasis-free survival (13.12±4.21 vs. 102.79±2.21 months, p< 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (13.68±5.38 vs. 102.80±2.19 months, p< 0.001) were also statistically lower in this group. CONCLUSIONS According to our preliminary results, there is an apparent relationship between TDS and tumor prognosis. Even if the components of TDS alone did not contain poor prognostic features for TGCT, the presence of TDS was found as the most important independent predictive factor for oncological outcomes in both seminomas and nonseminomas as well as all patients with TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Selvi
- Department of Urology, Karabük University Training and Research Hospital, Karabük, Turkey
| | - Erdem Ozturk
- Department of Urology, Health Science University Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Taha Numan Yikilmaz
- Department of Urology, Health Science University Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Sarikaya
- Department of Urology, Health Science University Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Halil Basar
- Department of Urology, Health Science University Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Kumar M, Sarma DK, Shubham S, Kumawat M, Verma V, Prakash A, Tiwari R. Environmental Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure: Role in Non-Communicable Diseases. Front Public Health 2020; 8:553850. [PMID: 33072697 PMCID: PMC7541969 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.553850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The exponential growth of pollutant discharges into the environment due to increasing industrial and agricultural activities is a rising threat for human health and a biggest concern for environmental health globally. Several synthetic chemicals, categorized as potential environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are evident to affect the health of not only livestock and wildlife but also humankind. In recent years, human exposure to environmental EDCs has received increased awareness due to their association with altered human health as documented by several epidemiological and experimental studies. EDCs are associated with deleterious effects on male and female reproductive health; causes diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, thyroid homeostasis and increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. Sewage effluents are a major source of several EDCs, which eventually reach large water bodies and potentially contaminate the drinking water supply. Similarly, water storage material such as different types of plastics also leaches out EDCs in drinking Water. Domestic wastewater containing pharmaceutical ingredients, metals, pesticides and personal care product additives also influences endocrine activity. These EDCs act via various receptors through a variety of known and unknown mechanisms including epigenetic modification. They differ from classic toxins in several ways such as low-dose effect, non-monotonic dose and trans-generational effects. This review aims to highlight the hidden burden of EDCs on human health and discusses the non-classical toxic properties of EDCs in an attempt to understand the magnitude of the exposome on human health. Present data on the environmental EDCs advocate that there may be associations between human exposure to EDCs and several undesirable health outcomes that warrants further human bio-monitoring of EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar
- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhopal, India
| | - Devojit Kumar Sarma
- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhopal, India
| | - Swasti Shubham
- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhopal, India
| | - Manoj Kumawat
- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhopal, India
| | - Vinod Verma
- Department of Stem Cell Research Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Anil Prakash
- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhopal, India
| | - Rajnarayan Tiwari
- National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Bhopal, India
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Hlisníková H, Petrovičová I, Kolena B, Šidlovská M, Sirotkin A. Effects and Mechanisms of Phthalates' Action on Reproductive Processes and Reproductive Health: A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6811. [PMID: 32961939 PMCID: PMC7559247 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The production of plastic products, which requires phthalate plasticizers, has resulted in the problems for human health, especially that of reproductive health. Phthalate exposure can induce reproductive disorders at various regulatory levels. The aim of this review was to compile the evidence concerning the association between phthalates and reproductive diseases, phthalates-induced reproductive disorders, and their possible endocrine and intracellular mechanisms. Phthalates may induce alterations in puberty, the development of testicular dysgenesis syndrome, cancer, and fertility disorders in both males and females. At the hormonal level, phthalates can modify the release of hypothalamic, pituitary, and peripheral hormones. At the intracellular level, phthalates can interfere with nuclear receptors, membrane receptors, intracellular signaling pathways, and modulate gene expression associated with reproduction. To understand and to treat the adverse effects of phthalates on human health, it is essential to expand the current knowledge concerning their mechanism of action in the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrieta Hlisníková
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia; (I.P.); (B.K.); (M.Š.); (A.S.)
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28
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Barlas N, Göktekin E, Karabulut G. Influence of in utero di- n-hexyl phthalate and di-cyclohexyl phthalate exposure on the endocrine glands and T3, T4, and TSH hormone levels of male and female rats: Postnatal outcomes. Toxicol Ind Health 2020; 36:399-416. [PMID: 32602421 DOI: 10.1177/0748233720931698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of di-n-hexyl phthalate (DHP) and di-cyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) on endocrine organs in rats. Oil control, 20-, 100-, and 500 mg/kg dose groups were selected and administered to pregnant rats on gestational days 6-19 by oral gavage. The neonatal stages of rats continued until postnatal day 20 and the- juvenile stages of rats continued until postnatal day of 32. The rats were allowed to mature until the neonatal and juvenile stages and there after, they were divided into four groups corresponding to the treatment levels. Body and organ weights were recorded, serum was collected, and thyroid, pancreas, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland were removed. There was a decrease in body weights in the 20- and 500mg/kg DHP and in the 20-mg/kg DCHP dose groups in neonatal male rats. In contrast, for female rats, there was an increase in body weights in the 100-mg/kg DCHP dose group and there was a decrease in body weights in the 500-mg/kg DHP dose group. Body weights were increased at 20 and 500 mg/kg in the DHP-exposed juvenile male rats. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were increased in neonatal male rats, while they were increased in the 100-mg/kg DHP group of neonatal and juvenile female rats. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels were increased at the high dose of DHP for neonatal male rats and at the low and high dose levels of DCHP for female rats. Serum thyroxine (T4) levels were increased in neonatal rats for DHP. Also, some histopathological changes were observed in the thyroid, pancreas, adrenal, and pituitary gland. In conclusion, it was shown that DHP and DCHP caused negative effects on T3, T4, and TSH hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurhayat Barlas
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, 198375Hacettepe University, Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emre Göktekin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, 198375Hacettepe University, Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gözde Karabulut
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, 52956Dumlupınar University, Kütahya, Turkey
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29
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Sheinberg R, Siegel EL, Keidar R, Mandel D, Lubetzky R, Kohn E, Livneh A, Tovbin J, Betser M, Moskovich M, Marom R, Ovental A, Daniel S, Factor-Litvak P, Berkovitch M, Levy A. Associations between intrauterine exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on neonatal ano-genital distance. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:67-75. [PMID: 32526315 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread environmental contaminants. PCBs have endocrine disrupting properties which raises concerns regarding their effect on the developing fetus. This study aimed to examine the association between prenatal exposure to PCBs and anogenital distance (AGD) in newborns. Serum concentrations of PCB congeners -118, -138, -153 and -180 were measured in 175 pregnant women presenting to the delivery room. AGD was measured in their newborns. Regression models were used to estimate associations between maternal PCB exposure and infant anogenital measurements, controlling for possible confounding variables. Mean maternal serum concentrations were 2.95 ± 2.18 ng/g, 4.62 ± 3.54 ng/g, 7.67 ± 6.42 ng/g and 5.10 ± 3.91 ng/g for congeners -118, -138, -153 and -180, respectively. Higher maternal concentrations of PCBs were associated with reduced AGD measures in male infants. Higher maternal concentrations of PCB-138 and PCB-153 were associated with reduced ano-scrotal distances and higher maternal concentrations of all four PCB congeners were associated with reduced ano-penile distances. No significant associations were found between any PCB congener and any AGD measure in female newborns. This study demonstrates that intrauterine exposure to PCBs may be associated with reduced AGD in male newborns. More research is needed to reveal the implications for adult reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revital Sheinberg
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
| | - Eva Laura Siegel
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Rimona Keidar
- Department of Neonatology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Dror Mandel
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronit Lubetzky
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Elkana Kohn
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ayelet Livneh
- Department of Neonatology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Josef Tovbin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Moshe Betser
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Miki Moskovich
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ronella Marom
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Amit Ovental
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Daniel
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Matitiahu Berkovitch
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Amalia Levy
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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30
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Duliban M, Gorowska-Wojtowicz E, Tworzydlo W, Rak A, Brzoskwinia M, Krakowska I, Wolski JK, Kotula-Balak M, Płachno BJ, Bilinska B. Interstitial Leydig Cell Tumorigenesis-Leptin and Adiponectin Signaling in Relation to Aromatase Expression in the Human Testis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103649. [PMID: 32455738 PMCID: PMC7279359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although epidemiological studies from the last years report an increase in the incidences of Leydig cell tumors (previously thought to be a rare disease), the biochemical characteristics of that tumor important for understanding its etiology, diagnosis, and therapy still remains not completely characterized. Our prior studies reported G-protein coupled estrogen receptor signaling and estrogen level disturbances in Leydig cell tumors. In addition, we found that expressions of multi-level-acting lipid balance- and steroidogenesis–controlling proteins including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor are altered in this tumor. In order to get deeper into the other molecular mechanisms that regulate lipid homeostasis in the Leydig cell tumor, here we investigate the presence and expression of newly-described hormones responsible for lipid homeostasis balancing (leptin and adiponectin), together with expression of estrogen synthase (aromatase). Samples of Leydig cell tumors (n = 20) were obtained from patients (31–45 years old) and used for light and transmission electron microscopic, western blotting, and immunohistochemical analyses. In addition, body mass index (BMI) was calculated. In tumor mass, abundant lipid accumulation in Leydig cells and various alterations of Leydig cell shape, as well as the presence of adipocyte-like cells, were observed. Marked lipid content and various lipid droplet size, especially in obese patients, may indicate alterations in lipid homeostasis, lipid processing, and steroidogenic organelle function in response to interstitial tissue pathological changes. We revealed significantly increased expression of leptin, adiponectin and their receptors, as well as aromatase in Leydig cell tumors in comparison to control. The majority of patients (n = 13) were overweight as indicated by their BMI. Moreover, a significant increase in expression of phospholipase C (PLC), and kinases Raf, ERK which are part of adipokine transductional pathways, was demonstrated. These data expand our previous findings suggesting that in human Leydig cell tumors, estrogen level and signaling, together with lipid status, are related to each other. Increased BMI may contribute to certain biochemical characteristics and function of the Leydig cell in infertile patients with a tumor. In addition, altered adipokine-estrogen microenvironment can have an effect on proliferation, growth, and metastasis of tumor cells. We report here various targets (receptors, enzymes, hormones) controlling lipid balance and estrogen action in Leydig cell tumors indicating their possible usefulness for diagnostics and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Duliban
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (M.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Ewelina Gorowska-Wojtowicz
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (M.B.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence: (E.G.-W.); (M.K.-B.)
| | - Waclaw Tworzydlo
- Developmental Biology and Invertebrate Morphology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Malgorzata Brzoskwinia
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (M.B.); (B.B.)
| | - Izabella Krakowska
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Jan K. Wolski
- nOvum Fertility Clinic, Bociania 13, 02-807 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Malgorzata Kotula-Balak
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
- Correspondence: (E.G.-W.); (M.K.-B.)
| | - Bartosz J. Płachno
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, Institute of Botany, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Barbara Bilinska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (M.D.); (M.B.); (B.B.)
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31
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van Duursen MBM, Boberg J, Christiansen S, Connolly L, Damdimopoulou P, Filis P, Fowler PA, Gadella BM, Holte J, Jääger K, Johansson HKL, Li T, Mazaud-Guittot S, Parent AS, Salumets A, Soto AM, Svingen T, Velthut-Meikas A, Bay Wedebye E, Xie Y, van den Berg M. Safeguarding Female Reproductive Health against Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals-The FREIA Project. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3215. [PMID: 32370092 PMCID: PMC7246859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently available test methods are not well-suited for the identification of chemicals that disturb hormonal processes involved in female reproductive development and function. This renders women's reproductive health at increasing risk globally, which, coupled with increasing incidence rates of reproductive disorders, is of great concern. A woman's reproductive health is largely established during embryonic and fetal development and subsequently matures during puberty. The endocrine system influences development, maturation, and function of the female reproductive system, thereby making appropriate hormone levels imperative for correct functioning of reproductive processes. It is concerning that the effects of human-made chemicals on the endocrine system and female reproductive health are poorly addressed in regulatory chemical safety assessment, partly because adequate test methods are lacking. Our EU-funded project FREIA aims to address this need by increasing understanding of how endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can impact female reproductive health. We will use this information to provide better test methods that enable fit-for-purpose chemical regulation and then share our knowledge, promote a sustainable society, and improve the reproductive health of women globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majorie B. M. van Duursen
- Department Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Boberg
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Lisa Connolly
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; (L.C.); (Y.X.)
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB23 8ZD, UK; (P.F.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Paul A. Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB23 8ZD, UK; (P.F.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Bart M. Gadella
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (B.M.G.); (M.v.d.B.)
| | - Jan Holte
- Carl von Linné Clinic, Uppsala Science Park, S-751 83 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Kersti Jääger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu and Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Teaduspargi 13, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.J.); (A.S.)
| | - Hanna K. L. Johansson
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Tianyi Li
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.D.); (T.L.)
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)—UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France;
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA-Institute, University of Liège, Belgium.1, Avenue de l’hôpital, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu and Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Teaduspargi 13, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (K.J.); (A.S.)
| | - Ana M. Soto
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 0211, USA;
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Agne Velthut-Meikas
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Science, Tallinn University of Technology, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia;
| | - Eva Bay Wedebye
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.B.); (S.C.); (H.K.L.J.); (T.S.); (E.B.W.)
| | - Yuling Xie
- The Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, Northern Ireland, UK; (L.C.); (Y.X.)
| | - Martin van den Berg
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; (B.M.G.); (M.v.d.B.)
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van der Straaten S, Springer A, Zecic A, Hebenstreit D, Tonnhofer U, Gawlik A, Baumert M, Szeliga K, Debulpaep S, Desloovere A, Tack L, Smets K, Wasniewska M, Corica D, Calafiore M, Ljubicic ML, Busch AS, Juul A, Nordenström A, Sigurdsson J, Flück CE, Haamberg T, Graf S, Hannema SE, Wolffenbuttel KP, Hiort O, Ahmed SF, Cools M. The External Genitalia Score (EGS): A European Multicenter Validation Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5609091. [PMID: 31665438 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Standardized description of external genitalia is needed in the assessment of children with atypical genitalia. OBJECTIVES To validate the External Genitalia Score (EGS), to present reference values for preterm and term babies up to 24 months and correlate obtained scores with anogenital distances (AGDs). DESIGN, SETTING A European multicenter (n = 8) validation study was conducted from July 2016 to July 2018. PATIENTS AND METHODS EGS is based on the external masculinization score but uses a gradual scale from female to male (range, 0-12) and terminology appropriate for both sexes. The reliability of EGS and AGDs was determined by the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Cross-sectional data were obtained in 686 term babies (0-24 months) and 181 preterm babies, and 111 babies with atypical genitalia. RESULTS The ICC of EGS in typical and atypical genitalia is excellent and good, respectively. Median EGS (10th to 90th centile) in males < 28 weeks gestation is 10 (8.6-11.5); in males 28-32 weeks 11.5 (9.2-12); in males 33-36 weeks 11.5 (10.5-12) and in full-term males 12 (10.5-12). In all female babies, EGS is 0 (0-0). The mean (SD) lower/upper AGD ratio (AGDl/u) is 0.45 (0.1), with significant difference between AGDl/u in males 0.49 (0.1) and females 0.39 (0.1) and intermediate values in differences of sex development (DSDs) 0.43 (0.1). The AGDl/u correlates with EGS in males with typical genitalia and in atypical genitalia. CONCLUSIONS EGS is a reliable and valid tool to describe external genitalia in premature and term babies up to 24 months. EGS correlates with AGDl/u in males. It facilitates standardized assessment, clinical decision-making and multicenter research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia van der Straaten
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alexander Springer
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandra Zecic
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Neonatology, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Ursula Tonnhofer
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aneta Gawlik
- Medical University of Silesia, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology, Katowice, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Baumert
- Medical University of Silesia, Department of Neonatology, Katowice, Poland
| | - Kamila Szeliga
- Medical University of Silesia, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology, Katowice, Poland
| | - Sara Debulpaep
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An Desloovere
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lloyd Tack
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Smets
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Neonatology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Malgorzata Wasniewska
- University Hospital of Messina, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Corica
- University Hospital of Messina, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, Messina, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Calafiore
- University Hospital of Messina, Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, Messina, Italy
| | - Marie Lindhardt Ljubicic
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexander Siegfried Busch
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jon Sigurdsson
- Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Department of Women's and Children's Health Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christa E Flück
- Bern University Children's Hospital Inselspital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Haamberg
- Bern University Children's Hospital Inselspital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Graf
- Bern University Children's Hospital Inselspital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism and Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabine E Hannema
- Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Paediatrics, RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Katja P Wolffenbuttel
- Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Olaf Hiort
- University of Lübeck, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics, Lübeck, Germany
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Martine Cools
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Ghent University, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent, Belgium
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Hart RJ. The Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A on Male Reproductive Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:320. [PMID: 32547491 PMCID: PMC7272684 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a recognized xenoestrogen, in that it possesses oestrogenic and anti-androgenic properties. These endocrine-disrupting effects of BPA at the estrogen receptor (ER) occur despite the very low affinity of BPA for the ERβ, which is 10,000 times lower than that of 17-β estradiol, and despite the European regulatory authorities stating that BPA is safe, at usual exposure concentrations, the use of BPA in baby drink bottles was banned in 2011. There exists conflicting evidence from human epidemiological studies as to its influence on adult male reproductive function, although animal data is more convincing. This mini-review will report on the limited epidemiological data from human studies relating early life exposure to BPA on adult male reproductive function. A long term follow-up study from Western Australia using a birth cohort, the Raine Study, demonstrated no adverse associations of antenatal exposure to BPA, and potentially a positive association with antenatal BPA exposure with sperm concentration and motility at 20 years of age, although recent scientific reports suggest traditional measures of BPA exposure may underestimate exposure levels, which makes data interpretation potentially flawed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J. Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Roger J. Hart
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34
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Fertility after the Operation of Cryptorchism in Childhood. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2019-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cryptorchism is a congenital anomaly of male genitalia, and is defined as a disorder of lowering testicles into the scrotum. In our study, the quality of sperm and fertility of men who were operated from unilateral or bilateral cryptorchism in childhood were analyzed. According to the age in which they were operated, patients were classified into different time groups, subjected to clinical examination and sperm analysis. A normal sperm count was found: 36.9% of the total number of patients operated from unilateral to bilateral cryptorchism. The highest percentage of normal sperm counts was 73.97%: the data which was found in the group that was operated from one-sided cryptorchism to the end of the second year of life. Regardless of the age of the cryptorchism operation, it is possible to expect a disorder of spermatogenesis.
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35
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Aoun F, Slaoui A, Naoum E, Hassan T, Albisinni S, Azzo JM, Kallas-Chemaly A, Assenmacher G, Peltier A, Roumeguère T. Testicular microlithiasis: Systematic review and Clinical guidelines. Prog Urol 2019; 29:465-473. [DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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36
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The effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on fetal and adult rat testis. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 90:68-76. [PMID: 31412280 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a widely dispersed synthetic chemical, which accumulates in living organisms and has been connected with male reproductive disorders. To monitor the effects of PFOA, fetal rat testes or seminiferous tubule segments (stage VII-VIII) of adult rats were cultured in 0-100 μg/ml PFOA for 24 h. Afterwards, cAMP, progesterone, testosterone and StAR protein levels were measured from the fetal testes culture. Measurements were combined with immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, TUNEL and flow cytometric analysis to monitor cell death in somatic and germ cells. This study shows that the levels of cAMP, progesterone, testosterone and expression of StAR decreased significantly in PFOA 50 and 100 μg/ml. PFOA affected cell populations significantly by decreasing the amount of diploid, proliferating, meiotic I and G2/M-phase cells in adult rat testis. However, PFOA did not affect fetal, proliferating or adult rat Sertoli cells but an increased tendency of apoptosis in fetal Leydig cells was observed.
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37
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Findings of male genital anomalies in a Turkish population with Autism Spectrum Disorders. ANADOLU KLINIĞI TIP BILIMLERI DERGISI 2019. [DOI: 10.21673/anadoluklin.460738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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38
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Hua XG, Hu R, Hu CY, Li FL, Jiang W, Zhang XJ. Associations between hypospadias, cryptorchidism and anogenital distance: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrologia 2018; 50:e13152. [PMID: 30251425 DOI: 10.1111/and.13152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypospadias and cryptorchidism are potential manifestations of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) at birth. Anogenital distance (AGD) has been presumed as an indicator related to endocrine disruptors proposed as one of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying male reproductive disorders. In humans, recent studies have correlated AGD in boys to testicular anomalies. However, the associations between hypospadias, cryptorchidism and AGD remain inconsistent and have not been combined. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess gradations in the severity of the endocrine disruption in cryptorchidism or hypospadias by using AGD. A total of 2,119 boys from five birth cohort studies and two cross-sectional studies were subjected to meta-analysis. Random-effect model was used to calculate the standardised mean difference (SMD) of AGD. Our results reveal that boys with hypospadias or cryptorchidism have shorter AGD ([SMD, -2.63; 95% CI, -4.65 to -0.62] and [SMD, -0.69; 95% CI, -1.36 to -0.02]) respectively. There was no indication of a publication bias either from the result of Egger's test or Begg's test for hypospadias and cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Guo Hua
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Hu
- School of Health Services Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cheng-Yang Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Feng-Li Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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39
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Lymperi S, Giwercman A. Endocrine disruptors and testicular function. Metabolism 2018; 86:79-90. [PMID: 29605435 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite concerns of the scientific community regarding the adverse effects of human exposure to exogenous man-made chemical substances or mixtures that interfere with normal hormonal balance, the so called "endocrine disruptors (EDs)", their production has been increased during the last few decades. EDs' extensive use has been implicated in the increasing incidence of male reproductive disorders including poor semen quality, testicular malignancies and congenital developmental defects such as hypospadias and cryptorchidism. Several animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to EDs during fetal, neonatal and adult life has deleterious consequences on male reproductive system; however, the evidence on humans remains ambiguous. The complexity of their mode of action, the differential effect according to the developmental stage that exposure occurs, the latency from exposure and the influence of the genetic background in the manifestation of their toxic effects are all responsible factors for the contradictory outcomes. Furthermore, the heterogeneity in the published human studies has hampered agreement in the field. Interventional studies to establish causality would be desirable, but unfortunately the nature of the field excludes this possibility. Therefore, future studies based on standardized guidelines are necessary, in order to estimate human health risks and implement policies to limit public exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Lymperi
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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A Rare Case of Human Diphallia Associated with Hypospadias. Case Rep Urol 2018; 2018:8293036. [PMID: 30009078 PMCID: PMC6020512 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8293036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diphallia or penile duplication is a rare congenital variant with an estimated frequency of 1 per 5 to 6 million live births. The extent of duplication varies widely and typically occurs with other malformations including urogenital, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal anomalies. Here we present a case of human diphallia that was detected during routine dissection of an 84-year-old cadaver. Upon thorough examination, this case was characterized as a complete bifid penis which was accompanied by hypospadias with no other anatomical abnormalities detected. To gain insights into the etiology of this case, we analyzed DNA procured from the body for putative genetic variants using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. Our results support clinical observations consistent with human diphallia being a polygenic syndrome and identify new genetic variants that might underlie its etiology.
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41
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Regulation of masculinization: androgen signalling for external genitalia development. Nat Rev Urol 2018; 15:358-368. [DOI: 10.1038/s41585-018-0008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Schieve LA, Shapira SK. Invited Commentary: Male Reproductive System Congenital Malformations and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Am J Epidemiol 2018; 187:664-667. [PMID: 29452336 PMCID: PMC5884740 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent developmental disorder. Studies indicate that while ASD etiology has a genetic component, the risk is polygenic, with gene-environment interactions being likely. The prenatal period is a critical exposure window for nongenetic risk factors. Previous studies have found positive associations between congenital malformations (all types) and ASD; a few also found specific associations between genitourinary system malformations and ASD; and one study found an association between hypospadias and ASD. In the accompanying article, Rotem et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(4):656-663) describe how they conducted a comprehensive analysis focusing on the shared risk of ASD with hypospadias or cryptorchidism, using existing data from a large Israeli health services system, which afforded several advantages because of the large sample size and low attrition of the patient population. The authors conducted a careful analysis, including sensitivity analyses, to account for risk factor and case misclassifications that might have occurred had they relied solely on preexisting diagnostic codes to define exposures and outcome. They observed positive associations between both hypospadias and cryptorchidism and ASD that were independent of numerous sociodemographic and pregnancy health factors. This study advances our understanding of ASD etiology and illustrates how existing data might be used to assess some ASD risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. Schieve
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (Laura A. Schieve, Stuart K. Shapira)
| | - Stuart K. Shapira
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia (Laura A. Schieve, Stuart K. Shapira)
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Rotem RS, Chodick G, Davidovitch M, Hauser R, Coull BA, Weisskopf MG. Congenital Abnormalities of the Male Reproductive System and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Am J Epidemiol 2018; 187:656-663. [PMID: 29452340 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens have an extensive influence on brain development in regions of the brain that are relevant for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet their etiological involvement remains unclear. Hypospadias (abnormal positioning of the urethral opening) and cryptorchidism (undescended testes) are 2 relatively common male birth defects that are strongly associated with prenatal androgen deficiencies. Having either disorder is a proxy indicator of atypical gestational androgen exposure, yet the association between these disorders and autism has not been extensively studied. We analyzed male singleton live births (n = 224,598) occurring from January 1, 1999, through December 31, 2013, in a large Israeli health-care organization. Boys with autism, cryptorchidism, and hypospadias were identified via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes, with further verification of autism case status by review of medical records. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, the odds ratio for ASD among boys with either condition was 1.62 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44, 1.82). The odds ratio for boys with cryptorchidism only was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.34, 1.78), and that for boys with hypospadias only was 1.65 (95% CI: 1.38, 1.98). ASD risk was not elevated among unaffected brothers of hypospadias or cryptorchidism cases, despite familial aggregation of all 3 conditions, providing some indication for the possibility of pregnancy-specific risk factors driving the observed associations. Results suggest that in-utero hypoandrogenicity could play a role in ASD etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran S Rotem
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gabriel Chodick
- Maccabi Institute for Research and Innovation, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Ylönen O, Jyrkkiö S, Pukkala E, Syvänen K, Boström PJ. Time trends and occupational variation in the incidence of testicular cancer in the Nordic countries. BJU Int 2018; 122:384-393. [PMID: 29460991 DOI: 10.1111/bju.14148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the trends and occupational variation in the incidence of testicular cancer in the Nordic countries utilising national cancer registries, NORDCAN (NORDCAN project/database presents the incidence, mortality, prevalence and survival from >50 cancers in the Nordic countries) and NOCCA (Nordic Occupational Cancer) databases. PATIENTS AND METHODS We obtained the incidence data of testicular cancer for 5-year periods from 1960-1964 to 2000-2014 and for 5-year age-groups from the NORDCAN database. Morphological data on incident cases of seminoma and non-seminoma were obtained from national cancer registries. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASR) were calculated per 100 000 person-years (World Standard). Regression analysis was used to evaluate the annual change in the incidence of testicular cancer in each of the Nordic countries. The risk of testicular cancer in different professions was described based on NOCCA information and expressed as standardised incidence ratios (SIRs). RESULTS During 2010-2014 the ASR for testicular cancer varied from 11.3 in Norway to 5.8 in Finland. Until 1998, the incidence was highest in Denmark. There has not been an increase in Denmark and Iceland since the 1990s, whilst the incidence is still strongly increasing in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. There were no remarkable changes in the ratio of seminoma and non-seminoma incidences during the past 50 years. There was no increase in the incidences in children and those of pension age. The highest significant excess risks of testicular seminoma were found in physicians (SIR 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.99), artistic workers (SIR 1.47, 95% CI 1.06-1.99) and religious workers etc. (SIR 1.33, 95% CI 1.14-1.56). The lowest SIRs of testicular seminoma were seen amongst cooks and stewards (SIR 0.56, 95% CI 0.29-0.98), and forestry workers (SIR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.86). The occupational category of administrators was the only one with a significantly elevated SIR for testicular non-seminoma (SIR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04-1.42). The only SIRs significantly <1.0 were seen amongst engine operators (SIR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41-0.84) and public safety workers (SIR 0.67, 95% CI 0.43-0.99). CONCLUSIONS There have always been differences in the incidence of testicular cancer between the Nordic countries. There is also some divergence in the incidences in different age groups and in the trends of the incidence. The effect of occupation-related factors on incidence of testicular cancer is only moderate. Our study describes the differences, but provides no explanation for this variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Outi Ylönen
- South-Karelian Central Hospital, University Hospital of Turku, Lappeenranta, Finland
| | - Sirkku Jyrkkiö
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eero Pukkala
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Finnish Cancer Registry, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Syvänen
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Peter J Boström
- Department of Urology, University Hospital of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Xing JS, Bai ZM. Is testicular dysgenesis syndrome a genetic, endocrine, or environmental disease, or an unexplained reproductive disorder? Life Sci 2018; 194:120-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ohsako S, Aiba T, Miyado M, Fukami M, Ogata T, Hayashi Y, Mizuno K, Kojima Y. Expression of Xenobiotic Biomarkers CYP1 Family in Preputial Tissue of Patients with Hypospadias and Phimosis and Its Association with DNA Methylation Level of SRD5A2 Minimal Promoter. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:240-247. [PMID: 29080015 PMCID: PMC5807475 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0466-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies have suggested that the incidence of male reproductive organ malformations, including hypospadias or cryptorchidism, has increased due to fetal-stage exposure to environmental pollutants. However, the association of chemical exposure with the expression of target regulatory genes in the tissues of patients has not yet been reported. Because experimental approaches or clinical trials in human studies are limited, especially those using fetal and/or infants, it is difficult to obtain clear physiological evidence of mechanisms underlying male reproductive malformations. Thus, the lack of physiological evidence makes this issue controversial. We analyzed preputial tissues from patients with hypospadias (n = 23) and phimosis (n = 16). The atypical CYP1 family genes, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, are potential biomarkers of environmental chemical exposure. We then compared the expression levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 between hypospadias and phimosis samples by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. The mRNA expression levels of SRD5A2 and AR also were measured, because the androgen-related genes involved in the onset of disorders of male reproductive system. A significantly higher CYP1B1 expression level and a lower AR expression level were observed in the hypospadias groups than in the phimosis group. Positive correlations (P < 0.001) between the mRNA expression levels of the CYP1 family and SRD5A2 were found in patients with hypospadias but not in those with phimosis. Moreover, the methylation levels of the four genes were determined by bisulfite genomic sequencing. Although the SRD5A2 promoter region showed moderate methylation, no methylation was detected in CYP1A1, CYP1B1, or AR. There was no significant difference in SRD5A2 promoter methylation level between hypospadias and phimosis patients. Negative correlations were found between the methylation level of SRD5A2, especially at the - 221 Sp1 site, and the CYP1 family mRNA expression levels (CYP1A1, p = 0.002; CYP1B1, p = 0.007) in hypospadias patients, but not in phimosis patients. The significant positive association of mRNA expression level and the negative association of methylation level of the SRD5A2 gene with the mRNA expression levels of CYP1 family genes in the preputial tissue seem to indicate the chemical exposure of patients with hypospadias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiichiroh Ohsako
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Toshiki Aiba
- Laboratory of Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Mami Miyado
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Ogata
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hayashi
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mizuno
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kojima
- Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
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Thibeault AAH, Sanderson JT, Vaillancourt C. Co-culture of H295R Adrenocortical Carcinoma and BeWo Choriocarcinoma Cells to Study Feto-placental Interactions: Focus on Estrogen Biosynthesis. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1710:295-304. [PMID: 29197012 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7498-6_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens are produced in large amounts during pregnancy, as a result of a tightly regulated cooperation between the maternal and fetal adrenal cortex, which produce androgen precursors, and the placental villous trophoblast, which transforms these precursors into estrogens. These estrogens play an important role in proper placental function, in adaptation of the mother to pregnancy, as well as in adequate fetal development. Disruption of estrogen production is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes and fetal malformation or altered fetal programming. Pregnant women may be exposed to endocrine disruptors from environmental sources or medications, and it is crucial to study the effects of such compounds on feto-placental steroidogenesis. The H295R/BeWo co-culture model offers the opportunity to study these interactions, by making it possible to evaluate the effects of chemical exposures on androgen and estrogen biosynthesis, as well as on various other aspects of feto-placental communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrée-Anne Hudon Thibeault
- INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, 531, Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada, H7V 1B7.,BioMed Research Centre, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, Canada, H3C 3P8.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, Canada, H3C 3P8
| | - J Thomas Sanderson
- INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, 531, Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada, H7V 1B7.
| | - Cathy Vaillancourt
- INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier, 531, Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada, H7V 1B7. .,BioMed Research Centre, Laval, QC, Canada. .,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, Canada, H3C 3P8.
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48
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Hart RJ, Doherty DA, Keelan JA, Minaee NS, Thorstensen EB, Dickinson JE, Pennell CE, Newnham JP, McLachlan R, Norman RJ, Handelsman DJ. The impact of antenatal Bisphenol A exposure on male reproductive function at 20-22 years of age. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 36:340-347. [PMID: 29291929 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous chemical suspected to possess oestrogenic hormonal activities. Male population studies suggest a negative impact on testicular function. As Sertoli cell proliferation occurs during fetal or early postnatal life, it is speculated that oestrogenic environmental exposures may influence mature testicular function. Among 705 Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study men aged 20-22 years, 404 underwent testicular ultrasound examination (149 had maternal serum available), and/or 365 provided semen (136 had maternal serum) and/or 609 serum samples for sex steroids, gonadotrophins and inhibin B analysis (244 had maternal serum). Maternal serum collected at 18 and 34 weeks' gestation was pooled and assayed for concentrations of total BPA (free plus conjugated) as an estimate of antenatal exposure. Testicular volume was calculated by ultrasonography, and semen analysis performed. Serum LH, FSH and inhibin B were measured by immunoassay; testosterone, oestradiol, oestrone andBPA were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. BPA levels were detectable in most (89%) maternal serum samples. After adjustment for maternal smoking, abstinence and varicocele, sperm concentration and motility were significantly correlated to maternal serum BPA (r = 0.18; P = 0.04 for both). No other associations of maternal serum BPA with testicular function were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Dorota A Doherty
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Women and Infants Research Foundation, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jeffrey A Keelan
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Women and Infants Research Foundation, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Novia S Minaee
- Women and Infants Research Foundation, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Jan E Dickinson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Craig E Pennell
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Women and Infants Research Foundation, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Women and Infants Research Foundation, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Robert McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robert J Norman
- Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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49
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Kilcoyne KR, Mitchell RT. Assessing the impact of in-utero exposures: potential effects of paracetamol on male reproductive development. Arch Dis Child 2017; 102:1169-1175. [PMID: 28588045 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-311374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Human male reproductive disorders (cryptorchidism, hypospadias, testicular cancer and low sperm counts) are common and some may be increasing in incidence worldwide. These associated disorders can arise from subnormal testosterone production during fetal life. This has resulted in a focus on in-utero environmental influences that may result in reproductive effects on the offspring in later life. Over recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the scientific literature describing associations between in-utero environmental exposures (eg, industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals) and subsequent reproductive outcomes in male offspring. This includes studies investigating a potential role for in-utero analgesic exposure(s) on the fetal testis; however, providing definitive evidence of such effects presents numerous challenges. In this review, we describe an approach to assessing the potential clinical relevance of in-utero (and postnatal) environmental exposures on subsequent male reproductive function using exposure to the analgesic paracetamol as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen R Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK.,Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
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50
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Sepponen K, Lundin K, Knuus K, Väyrynen P, Raivio T, Tapanainen JS, Tuuri T. The Role of Sequential BMP Signaling in Directing Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Bipotential Gonadal Cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:4303-4314. [PMID: 28938435 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-01469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Human gonads arise as a pair of epithelial ridges on the surface of intermediate mesoderm (IM)-derived mesonephros. Toxic environmental factors and mutations in various genes are known to disturb normal gonadal development, but because of a lack of suitable in vitro models, detailed studies characterizing the molecular basis of the observed defects have not been performed. OBJECTIVE To establish an in vitro method for studying differentiation of bipotential gonadal progenitors by using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and to investigate the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in gonadal differentiation. DESIGN We tested 17 protocols using activin A, CHIR-99021, and varying durations of BMP-7 and the BMP inhibitor dorsomorphin. Activation of activin A, WNT, and BMP pathways was optimized to induce differentiation. SETTING Academic research laboratory. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Cell differentiation, gene expression, and flow cytometry. RESULTS The two most efficient protocols consistently upregulated IM markers LHX1, PAX2, and OSR1 at days 2 to 4 and bipotential gonadal markers EMX2, GATA4, WT1, and LHX9 at day 8 of culture. The outcome depended on the combination of the duration, concentration, and type of BMP activation and the length of WNT signaling. Adjusting any of the parameters substantially affected the requirements for other parameters. CONCLUSIONS We have established a reproducible protocol for directed differentiation of hESCs into bipotential gonadal cells. The protocol can be used to model early gonadal development in humans and allows further differentiation to mature gonadal somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Sepponen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Karolina Lundin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Katri Knuus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Pia Väyrynen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Juha S Tapanainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Oulu, University of Oulu, Medical Research Center Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
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