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Dhaibar HA, Patadia H, Mansuri T, Shah R, Khatri L, Makwana H, Master S, Robin P. Hexachlorobenzene, a pollutant in hypothyroidism and reproductive aberrations: a perceptive transgenerational study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:11077-11089. [PMID: 33108645 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11278-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), a widespread environmental pollutant, contributes to endocrine disruption resulting in hypothyroidism. We investigated the effect of chronic exposure of HCB to explore the functional interconnection between hypothyroidism and infertility. All observations were made through the F1 and F2 generations. Thyroidectomy was also performed to evaluate the contribution of the thyroid gland in affecting ovarian dysfunction and reproductive aberrations. We confirmed that the preconception exposure of HCB leads to hypothyroidism which was reflected by an increase in the body weight, alteration in the thyroid hormones, and alteration of the lipid profile. Hypothyroid female rats exhibited a poor reproductive profile with altered steroidogenic pathways, altered estrus cyclicity, reduced litter size, and stunted growth. The external supplementation of thyroxine in thyroidectomized animals rescues the reproductive aberrations confirming the protective role of the thyroid gland in reproductive biology. All results highlight the jeopardizing functional connection of the thyroid and ovary due to HCB, leading to serious consequences on upcoming generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemangini A Dhaibar
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | | | - Tabassum Mansuri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India
| | - Ritu Shah
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India
| | - Laxmichand Khatri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India
| | - Hiral Makwana
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India
| | - Samip Master
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Pushpa Robin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390002, India.
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Fathoming the link between anthropogenic chemical contamination and thyroid cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 150:102950. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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Sun W, Jia Y, Ding X, Dai L, Liu C, Wang J, Zhao G, Zhou H, Yu L. Combined effects of pentachlorophenol and its byproduct hexachlorobenzene on endocrine and reproduction in zebrafish. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 220:216-226. [PMID: 30583213 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.12.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its byproduct hexachlorobenze (HCB) are two co-existing persistent environmental chemicals, but their combined toxicity remains unclear. In this study, adult zebrafish were exposed to 5 (low dose) and 25 μg·L-1 (high dose) of PCP, HCB or their combination for 21 days, and the impact on endocrine and reproduction was investigated. Results showed that combined exposure to 25 μg·L-1 PCP and 25 μg· L-1 HCB significantly increased the plasma estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels, altered the expressions of genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-liver (HPGL) axis, inhibited gonadal development, and eventually lead to decreased egg production of F0 zebrafish as well as inhibited development of F1 eggs/larvae. Compared to the combined exposure of high doses, significantly lower levels of plasma E2 and T were observed for either the high PCP or high HCB alone exposure, indicating a synergistic effect of the two chemicals on endocrine disruption after combination. Furthermore, the high PCP alone exposure inhibited the gonadal development in both the males and females, while the HCB alone exposure did not. Comparison of exposure effects indicated a greater decrease of mature gametes levels and egg production in the high combined group when compared to the high HCB alone group, but no significant difference was observed between the high combined group and the high PCP alone group. Taken together, the results suggested that combined exposure to PCP and HCB may synergistically affect endocrine of zebrafish, and result in reproduction impairments, with PCP being the primary contributor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Sun
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yali Jia
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xisheng Ding
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Lili Dai
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Efficient and Health Production of Fisheries in Hunan Province, Hunan Changde, 415000, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, China
| | - Jianghua Wang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, China
| | - Gaofeng Zhao
- China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Huaidong Zhou
- China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Liqin Yu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, China.
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Gomes J, Roche G. The Role of Estrogens and Estrogenic Metabolites and Male Reproductive Health Disorders. IMPLICATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES OF ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTION IN POLAR ENVIRONMENTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-12315-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Lam T, Williams PL, Lee MM, Korrick SA, Birnbaum LS, Burns JS, Sergeyev O, Revich B, Altshul LM, Patterson DG, Hauser R. Prepubertal Serum Concentrations of Organochlorine Pesticides and Age at Sexual Maturity in Russian Boys. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:1216-21. [PMID: 26009253 PMCID: PMC4629743 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1409022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few human studies have evaluated the impact of childhood exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCP) on pubertal development. OBJECTIVE We evaluated associations of serum OCP concentrations [hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (βHCH), and p,p-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p´-DDE)] with age at attainment of sexual maturity among boys. METHODS From 2003 through 2005, 350 8- to 9-year-old boys from Chapaevsk, Russia, with measured OCPs were enrolled and followed annually for 8 years. We used multivariable interval-censored models to evaluate associations of OCPs (quartiles) with three physician-assessed measures of sexual maturity: Tanner stage 5 for genitalia growth, Tanner stage 5 for pubic hair growth, or testicular volume (TV) ≥ 20 mL in either testis. RESULTS In adjusted models, boys with higher HCB concentrations achieved sexual maturity reflected by TV ≥ 20 mL a mean of 3.1 months (95% CI: -1.7, 7.8), 5.3 months (95% CI: 0.6, 10.1), and 5.0 months (95% CI: 0.2, 9.8) later for quartiles Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, compared with Q1 (p trend = 0.04). Tanner stage 5 for genitalia growth was attained a mean of 2.2 months (95% CI: -3.1, 7.5), 5.7 months (95% CI: 0.4, 11.0), and 3.7 months (95% CI: -1.7, 9.1) later for quartiles Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, of βHCH compared with Q1 (p trend = 0.09). Tanner stage 5 for pubic hair growth occurred 6-9 months later on average for boys in the highest versus lowest quartile for HCB (p trend < 0.001), βHCH (trend p = 0.01), and p,p´-DDE (p trend = 0.04). No associations were observed between p,p´-DDE and Tanner stage 5 for genitalia growth or TV ≥ 20 mL. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Higher prepubertal serum HCB and βHCH concentrations were associated with a later age at attainment of sexual maturity. Only the highest quartile of serum p,p´-DDE was associated with later pubic hair maturation. CITATION Lam T, Williams PL, Lee MM, Korrick SA, Birnbaum LS, Burns JS, Sergeyev O, Revich B, Altshul LM, Patterson DG Jr, Hauser R. 2015. Prepubertal serum concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and age at sexual maturity in Russian boys. Environ Health Perspect 123:1216-1221; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Lam
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Association between Several Persistent Organic Pollutants and Thyroid Hormone Levels in Cord Blood Serum and Bloodspot of the Newborn Infants of Korea. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125213. [PMID: 25965908 PMCID: PMC4429016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Current knowledge on adverse endocrine disruption effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) among newborn infants is limited and often controversial. To investigate the associations between prenatal exposure to major POPs and thyroid hormone levels among newborn infants, both cord serum or maternal serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were compared with five thyroid hormones in cord serum of newborn infants as well as TSH in bloodspot collected at 2 day after birth (n=104). Since cord serum thyroid hormones could be affected by those of mothers, thyroid hormone concentrations of the matching mothers at delivery were adjusted. In cord serum, BDE-47, -99, and Σchlordane (CHD) showed significant positive associations with cord or bloodspot TSH. At the same time, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and hexachlorbenzene (HCB) showed negative associations with total T3 and total T4 in cord serum, respectively. Maternal exposure to β-hexachlorhexane (β-HCH), ΣCHD, ΣDDT, or p,p'-DDE were also associated with neonatal thyroid hormones. Although the sample size is small and the thyroid hormone levels of the subjects were within the reference range, our observation supports thyroid disrupting potential of several POPs among newborn infants, at the levels occurring in the general population. Considering the importance of thyroid hormones during gestation and early life stages, health implication of thyroid hormone effects by low level POPs exposure deserves further follow up investigations.
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Lam T, Williams PL, Lee MM, Korrick SA, Birnbaum LS, Burns JS, Sergeyev O, Revich B, Altshul LM, Patterson DG, Turner WE, Hauser R. Prepubertal organochlorine pesticide concentrations and age of pubertal onset among Russian boys. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 73:135-42. [PMID: 25118086 PMCID: PMC4194160 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 06/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In animal studies, organochlorine pesticide (OCP) exposure alters pubertal development; however, epidemiological data are limited and inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the associations of serum OCP concentrations [hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE)] with male pubertal onset. METHODS In Chapaevsk, Russia, a town environmentally contaminated with OCPs, 350 8-9 year old boys with measured OCPs were enrolled during 2003-2005 and were followed annually for eight years. We evaluated three measures of pubertal onset: testicular volume (TV)>3 mL in either testis, or stage 2 or greater for genitalia (G2+), or pubic hair (P2+). We used multivariable interval-censored models to evaluate associations of OCPs (quartiles) with physician-assessed pubertal onset. RESULTS In adjusted models, boys with higher HCB concentrations had later mean ages of TV>3 mL and P2+ (but not G2+). Mean age at attaining TV>3 mL was delayed 3.6 (95% CI: -2.6, 9.7), 7.9 (95% CI: 1.7, 14.0), and 4.7 months (95% CI: -1.4, 10.9) for HCB Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, compared to Q1 (trend p: 0.06). Boys with higher HCB concentrations reached P2+ 0.1 months earlier (95% CI: -5.8, 5.6) for Q2, 4.7 months later (95% CI: -1.0, 10.3) for Q3 and 4.6 months later (95% CI: -1.1, 10.3) for Q4 compared to Q1 (trend p: 0.04). There were no associations of serum β-HCH and p,p'-DDE concentrations with age of pubertal onset. CONCLUSION Higher prepubertal serum HCB concentrations were associated with later age of gonadarche and pubarche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Lam
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Quintiles, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary M Lee
- Pediatric Endocrine Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Susan A Korrick
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linda S Birnbaum
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jane S Burns
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oleg Sergeyev
- Samara State Medical University, Department of Physical Education and Health, Samara, Russia; Chapaevsk Medical Association, Chapaevsk, Samara Region, Russia
| | - Boris Revich
- Institute for Forecasting, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Larisa M Altshul
- Exposure, Epidemiology, and Risk Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Environmental Health and Engineering, Inc., Needham, MA, USA
| | - Donald G Patterson
- EnviroSolutions Consulting, Inc., Auburn, GA, USA; Axys Analytical Solutions, Sidney, BC, Canada; Exponent, Inc., Maynard, MA, USA
| | - Wayman E Turner
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Boas M, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Main KM. Thyroid effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 355:240-8. [PMID: 21939731 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 421] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 05/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, many studies of thyroid-disrupting effects of environmental chemicals have been published. Of special concern is the exposure of pregnant women and infants, as thyroid disruption of the developing organism may have deleterious effects on neurological outcome. Chemicals may exert thyroid effects through a variety of mechanisms of action, and some animal experiments and in vitro studies have focused on elucidating the mode of action of specific chemical compounds. Long-term human studies on effects of environmental chemicals on thyroid related outcomes such as growth and development are still lacking. The human exposure scenario with life long exposure to a vast mixture of chemicals in low doses and the large physiological variation in thyroid hormone levels between individuals render human studies very difficult. However, there is now reasonably firm evidence that PCBs have thyroid-disrupting effects, and there is emerging evidence that also phthalates, bisphenol A, brominated flame retardants and perfluorinated chemicals may have thyroid disrupting properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malene Boas
- Department of Growth and Reproduction GR, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Differential accumulation of HCBz and PeCBz in porcine ovarian follicles and their opposing actions on steroid secretion and CYP11, CYP17, 17β-HSD and CYP19 protein expression. A tissue culture approach. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 31:494-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Dhooge W, Den Hond E, Koppen G, Bruckers L, Nelen V, Van De Mieroop E, Bilau M, Croes K, Baeyens W, Schoeters G, Van Larebeke N. Internal exposure to pollutants and body size in Flemish adolescents and adults: associations and dose-response relationships. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 36:330-337. [PMID: 20181395 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Flanders is densely populated with much industry and intensive farming. Body size of 14- to 15-year old adolescents and of adults aged 50-65 was studied in relation to internal exposure to pollutants. 1679 adolescents (887 boys and 792 girls), 775 men and 808 women were selected as a random sample of the population. Concentrations of pollutants in blood or urine were measured in accordance with quality control/quality assurance procedures. Self-assessment questionnaires provided information on personal and life-style factors. Height and weight of subjects were measured. Confounding factors and significant covariates were taken into account. For boys and girls, height and body mass index (BMI) showed a negative association with urinary concentration of cadmium and BMI also with serum concentration of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and with the sum of serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 138, 153, and 180 (marker PCBs), whereas BMI showed a positive association with serum concentration of PCB 118. For boys, height showed a negative association with urinary concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and positive associations with serum concentrations of HCB and PCB 118. For adults no significant associations between internal exposure and height were observed. For men, BMI showed negative associations with urinary cadmium concentration and with serum levels of marker PCBs and positive associations with serum levels of HCB, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), PCB 118 and the dioxin fraction of dioxin-like activity. For women, BMI showed a negative association with urinary cadmium concentration, with blood lead concentration and with the concentration of marker PCBs in serum, and a positive association with serum concentrations of HCB, p,p'-DDE and PCB 118. Associations between biological effects and internal exposures were, in terms of the regression coefficient, often stronger at exposures below the median. Environmental exposures to pollutants resulting in "normal" levels of internal exposure were associated with quite substantial differences in body mass index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem Dhooge
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Environmental Toxicology, Flemish Institute of Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- Environmental Toxicology, Flemish Institute of Technological Research, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Maaike Bilau
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kim Croes
- Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (ANCH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (ANCH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Environmental Toxicology, Flemish Institute of Technological Research, Mol, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Van Larebeke
- Study Centre for Carcinogenesis and Primary Prevention of Cancer, Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Schell LM, Gallo MV, Denham M, Ravenscroft J, DeCaprio AP, Carpenter DO. Relationship of thyroid hormone levels to levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, lead, p,p'- DDE, and other toxicants in Akwesasne Mohawk youth. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:806-13. [PMID: 18560538 PMCID: PMC2430238 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2007] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well documented that acute exposure to high levels of persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p'-dichlorophenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), can affect human health including thyroid function. Chronic exposure to multiple toxicants is common but difficult to analyze, and most prior studies have focused on adults or newborns, creating a gap in our understanding of multitoxicant effects among adolescents. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether levels of PCBs, p,p'-DDE, HCB, mirex, lead, and mercury reflecting past chronic exposure are associated with alterations in levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T(3)), total thyroxine (TT(4)), and free thyroxine (FT(4)) among older children and adolescents. METHODS The sample consists of youth from the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation (n=232) who reside in proximity to several industries that have contaminated the local environment. We used multiple regression analysis to examine the effect of PCB groupings, p,p'-DDE, HCB, lead, and mercury on thyroid hormones after adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and controlling for all other toxicants. RESULTS Exposure to PCBs affects the thyroid hormone profile in adolescents. The group of persistent PCBs was positively associated with TSH but inversely related to FT(4). Nonpersistent PCBs were significantly and negatively related to FT(4) only. HCB was negatively associated with T(4), and lead was positively associated with T(3). Breast-fed adolescents had higher levels of persistent PCBs and p,p'-DDE but not of nonpersistent PCBs or any other toxicant when compared with non-breast-fed adolescents. Though having lower levels of persistent PCBs and p,p'-DDE, non-breast-fed adolescents exhibited significant relationships between persistent PCBs and TSH and FT(4), but breast-fed adolescents did not. It appears that PCBs from breast milk obscure the relationship between prenatal PCB exposure and thyroid function by adding random variation in PCB levels. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a reduction in thyroid function in adolescents in relation to their current serum levels of PCBs. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that pre-natal exposure to PCBs alters thyroid function in a long-lasting manner but does not exclude the possibility that postnatal exposure is influential also.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence M Schell
- Department of Anthropology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York 12222, USA.
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Bitri L, Dhaouadi N, Ouertani L, Maurel D, Ben Saad M. Toxicité de l'hexachlorobenzène chez Meriones unguiculatus : effets sur la thyroïde et le foie. C R Biol 2007; 330:410-8. [PMID: 17531791 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2007.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2007] [Revised: 02/21/2007] [Accepted: 03/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The effect of in vivo administered hexachlorobenzene (HCB) on liver and thyroid was studied on Meriones unguiculatus. HCB (1.6, 4, and 16 mg/kg of body weight) has been administered orally to meriones for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, the body weight of the animals did not show significant change. However, the higher dose of HCB treatment led to a pronounced hepatic hypertrophy comparatively to controls. Histological observations revealed many cytomorphological alterations. Cellular necrosis, periportal, and centrolobular vein congestion and cytoplasmic vacuolisation were noted and correlated with the administered doses of HCB. The higher dose of HCB induced modifications in the activities of hepatic transaminases and on thyroid hormones levels: ALAT activity level was more pronounced in males (170+/-24.7 U/l vs. 52.66+/-8.29 U/l in controls) than in females (120+/-12.47 U/l vs. 56+/-5 U/l in controls). However, ASAT activity increased significantly only in females (259+/-29 U/l vs. 244.66+/-18 U/l in controls). Plasma total triiodothyronine (TT3) and total thyroxine (TT4) levels seemed to be sex-dependent in intoxicated animals, since TT4 decreased significantly in males (21.95+/-7.46 nmol/l vs. 40.59+/-1.08 nmol/l in controls) and TT3 in females (1.42+/-0.11 nmol/l vs. 3.96+/-0.48 nmol/l in controls).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotfi Bitri
- Laboratoire de physiologie animale, département des sciences biologiques, UR Physiologie environnementale et biorythmes, faculté des sciences de Tunis, Tunisie.
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Lelli SM, Ceballos NR, Mazzetti MB, Aldonatti CA, San Martín de Viale LC. Hexachlorobenzene as hormonal disruptor--studies about glucocorticoids: their hepatic receptors, adrenal synthesis and plasma levels in relation to impaired gluconeogenesis. Biochem Pharmacol 2006; 73:873-9. [PMID: 17182006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2006.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2006] [Revised: 11/08/2006] [Accepted: 11/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In Wistar rats, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) depresses the gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate-carboxykinase (PEPCK). In the liver, glucocorticoids (GC) normally regulate the glucose synthesis by acting on PEPCK. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate, in a time-course study, the effects of HCB on plasma GC, its adrenal synthesis and stimulation, and the kinetic parameters of its hepatic receptors (GR) in relation to the gluconeogenic blockage produced by HCB. Plasma corticosterone (CORT) concentration, urinary porphyrins and hepatic PEPCK were determined after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of HCB-treatment. The effect of HCB on kinetic parameters of GR was studied in adrenalectomized porphyric rats after 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Additionally, adrenal CORT synthesis in the same weeks was measured with or without ACTH. Results show that plasma CORT in intoxicated animals dropped significantly after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment (23% and 58%, respectively), and then remained constant until the 8th week. HCB also promoted a reduction in the number of hepatic GR (50-55%) without modifying affinity. After 8 weeks, when porphyria was well established (40-50-fold increase in urinary porphyrins), a reduction (52%) in hepatic GR number, as well as a decrease in PEPCK activity (56%) were observed. Moreover, CORT biosynthesis in adrenals from intoxicated animals significantly decreased (60%) without changes in ACTH effect. Briefly, this paper shows that HCB causes a disruption in GC and GR. This disturbance could contribute to the negative effect on glucose synthesis through PEPCK regulation, thus modulating porphyria. These results enhance the knowledge about the hormonal disruption produced by chlorinated xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Lelli
- Laboratorio de Disturbios Metabólicos por Xenobióticos, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on contaminants in the food chain [CONTAM] related to Hexachlorobenzene as undesirable substance in animal feed. EFSA J 2006. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2006.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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15
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Hadjab S, Maurel D, Cazals Y, Siaud P. Hexachlorobenzene, a dioxin-like compound, disrupts auditory function in rat. Hear Res 2004; 191:125-34. [PMID: 15109712 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2003.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2003] [Accepted: 12/29/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a dioxin-like compound widely distributed in the environment. In this study, we investigated the effects of HCB on the cochlea. Conscious free-moving rats were given HCB per os daily for 4 weeks at doses of 0.16, 4 or 16 mg/kg in olive oil, whereas the control group received olive oil only. The effects of HCB were evaluated at various time intervals, by measuring auditory nerve acoustic thresholds and plasma thyroid hormone concentration by radioimmunoassay. Histological evaluation involved surface preparation and scanning electron microscopy observations of cochlear hair cells. At a dose of 0.16 mg/kg, HCB induced no loss of acoustic sensitivity, whereas at 4 mg/kg, it induced cochlear sensitivity deficits at the mid-frequencies (2-16 kHz) with complete recovery once treatment was stopped. At a dose of 16 mg/kg, permanent threshold shifts were observed at all frequencies tested (from 1 to 32 kHz). Morphological studies showed no cochlear hair cell loss or alteration of stereocilia. HCB treatment reduced circulating thyroxine concentrations. Thyroidectomy had no effect on cochlear sensitivity in control animals. Thus, HCB is a potent oto-toxicant, and its ototoxicity may be independent of its thyroidal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saida Hadjab
- Laboratoire d'Otologie Neuro-Otologie, EMI 9902 INSERM, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, Université de la Méditerranée, Boulevard Pierre Dramard, 13916 Marseille Cedex 20, France
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16
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Bloom MS, Weiner JM, Vena JE, Beehler GP. Exploring associations between serum levels of select organochlorines and thyroxine in a sample of New York state sportsmen: the New York State Angler Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2003; 93:52-66. [PMID: 12865048 DOI: 10.1016/s0013-9351(02)00085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This preliminary study investigated associations between environmental organochlorine compounds and thyroid function in a sample of 66 sportsmen selected from among participants in the New York State Angler Cohort Study. A cross-sectional design was employed with the primary goal of the analysis being the generation of specific testable hypotheses. Blood samples were analyzed for compounds based on a priori identified literature-cited evidence of thyroid disruption. These included hexachlorobenzene and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 19, 28, 47, 118, 153, 169, 180, 183, and 187. Time of sample collection, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins, age, body mass index, and cigarette smoking were considered for each participant. Potential associations between organochlorine compounds and serum total thyroxine, controlling for potential confounders, were examined using multivariable linear regression models. The models reported consisted of all variates being entered ("full" model, R2=0.380, P=0.136) and stepwise selection of variates ("reduced" models, alpha=0.15) using the criterion of maximum partial correlation at each step. Several procedures were considered to address contaminant data below the limit of detection in the reduced models with no change in selected predictors. Hexachlorobenzene (beta=-0.113) and age (beta=0.007) were selected as predictors of serum T4 in the reduced models (R2=0.083, P=0.065). Power analysis suggested that by doubling the sample size the existing results would be statistically significant with a type I error of 0.05 and a power of 0.80. These findings are important in the design of a new specific study of thyroid function and environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Bloom
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 3435 Main St., Farber Hall Rm. #270, Buffalo, NY 14214-3000, USA.
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17
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Sala M, Sunyer J, Herrero C, To-Figueras J, Grimalt J. Association between serum concentrations of hexachlorobenzene and polychlorobiphenyls with thyroid hormone and liver enzymes in a sample of the general population. Occup Environ Med 2001; 58:172-7. [PMID: 11171930 PMCID: PMC1740109 DOI: 10.1136/oem.58.3.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a highly lipophilic organochlorine compound of widespread environmental occurrence, that accumulates in the biological system. It affects the porphyrine metabolism, thyroid hormones, and the liver function in animals. Although HCB is one of the most common organochlorine compound in humans, little investigation on its health effects has been done. Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) are also widespread toxic environmental contaminants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of serum HCB and PCB concentrations with thyroid hormone status and liver enzymes in human. METHODS Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total and free thyroxine (T4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were measured as biological markers of thyroid and liver function in a rural population sample older than 14 years (n=192, except for TSH with n=608) highly exposed to HCB. Serum concentrations of HCB were measured by gas chromatography coupled to electron capture detection. RESULTS After adjustment for confounding variables, there was a significant negative association between serum HCB concentrations and total T4 (a decrease of 0.32 microg/dl per each unit, ln ng/ml, of increase of HCB) and a positive association with GGT (a relative increase of 10 % per each ln unit of increase of HCB), although most subjects (92%) were within the normal range for both T4 and GGT. These associations were not modified after adjustment for total lipid content or for other organochlorine compounds. The association of T4 and GGT with PCB was smaller although significant. No association was found with the other biochemical markers. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the internal dose of HCB of this population may reflect a subtle metabolic effect on thyroid function and an enzymatic induction activity. Further studies are needed to evaluate the health impact of these effects in more susceptible populations, such as infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sala
- Environmental and Respiratory Research Unit, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, C/ Doctor Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Alvarez L, Randi A, Alvarez P, Piroli G, Chamson-Reig A, Lux-Lantos V, Kleiman de Pisarev D. Reproductive effects of hexachlorobenzene in female rats. J Appl Toxicol 2000; 20:81-7. [PMID: 10641019 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1263(200001/02)20:1<81::aid-jat629>3.0.co;2-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbon widely distributed in the environment. In animal testing, HCB has been shown to be a reproductive toxin. Previous investigations of the effects of HCB on ovarian function have yielded equivocal results. Thus, the effects of chronic administration of HCB (1 g kg(-1) body wt.) on the ovary and pituitary hormone levels, hepatic and uterine oestradiol receptors, ovarian histopathological changes and oestrus cycle characteristics were investigated in spontaneously cycling rats. Our data demonstrate that HCB treatment, under the conditions of the present study, reduced circulating levels of oestradiol and prolactin without differences in serum concentrations of progesterone. Follicle-stimulating hormone serum levels were elevated. Hexachlorobenzene treatment resulted in irregularity of cycles, characterized mainly as prolonged periods of oestrus with a reduced number of ova recovered. In addition, HCB administration resulted in significantly decreased uterine nuclear oestrogen receptor levels. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes of the ovarian follicles and germinal epithelium and increased numbers of atresic follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Alvarez
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Sala M, Sunyer J, Otero R, Santiago-Silva M, Ozalla D, Herrero C, To-Figueras J, Kogevinas M, Anto JM, Camps C, Grimalt J. Health effects of chronic high exposure to hexachlorobenzene in a general population sample. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 1999; 54:102-9. [PMID: 10094287 DOI: 10.1080/00039899909602243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Hexachlorobenzene, an organochlorine compound that accumulates in humans, is widespread throughout the environment. In this study, we describe the health status of inhabitants of a rural village that surrounds an electrochemical factory characterized by high levels of hexachlorobenzene in the air. During 1994, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 1 800 inhabitants in the south of Catalonia, Spain, who were older than 14 y of age. We obtained information on lifestyles and occupational and medical histories via questionnaire. Self-reported health outcomes were validated against clinical records and cancer registry data. Serum levels of hexachlorobenzene were very high in males who worked in the electrochemical factory (geometric mean = 54.6 ng/ml in randomized participants). Levels were lower among subjects who had never worked in the electrochemical factory (females, 14.9 ng/ml; males, 9.0 ng/ml). Levels of other organochlorine compounds (i.e., beta-hexachlorocy-clohexane, 2,2-bis[p-chlorophenyl]-1,1-dichloroethylene) were in the same range found in other communities. Perceived health, prevalence of self-reported common chronic conditions, and porphyria cutanea tarda, thyroid pathology, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and reproductive outcomes were within the ranges observed in other studies. Employment in the plant, however, was associated with having any of the a priori selected health outcomes that were potentially related to exposure to hexachlorobenzene (odds ratio for cancer prevalence = 1.9; 95% confidence interval = 0.5, 7.6). Our population of workers and nonworkers had the highest levels of hexachlorobenzene ever described. The results suggest that exposure to hexachlorobenzene did not affect the general health status of the this population, but it was associated with specific health effects of the most highly exposed subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sala
- Respiratory and Environmental Health Research Unit, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain
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Foster WG. Agents perturbateurs du système endocrinien et développement de l’appareil reproducteur chez le foetus et chez l’enfant : y a-t-il lieu de s’inquiéter? Canadian Journal of Public Health 1998. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03405094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Lilienthal H, Benthe C, Heinzow B, Winneke G. Impairment of schedule-controlled behavior by pre- and postnatal exposure to hexachlorobenzene in rats. Arch Toxicol 1996; 70:174-81. [PMID: 8825674 DOI: 10.1007/s002040050257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is still frequently found at elevated levels in human adipose tissue and breast milk. As intoxication with HCB causes neurological disturbance in human beings, the purpose of the present study was to examine neurobehavioral functions in rats after pre- and postnatal exposure. Female rats were fed diets with 0, 4, 8, or 16 mg HCB/kg diet. Exposure started 90 days prior to mating and was continued throughout mating, gestation, and lactation. Thereafter, the offspring were given the same diets as their respective mothers. HCB levels were determined in the brain, the liver, and in the adipose tissue from virgin rats, dams, and the offspring. Concentrations on a lipid basis were found to decline in the order adipose > liver > brain. The exposure levels chosen did not cause gross toxic effects in dams or offspring. There were dose-related increases in liver-to-body-weight ratios in exposed dams, but not in unmated females treated alike. Behavioral testing was conducted in the offspring. Examination of open-field activity on PND 21, and of active avoidance learning on PND 90 failed to reveal significant differences between groups. Training of operant behavior started at the age of 150 days in the offspring from the control, the 8-mg group, and the 16-mg group. Animals were trained on a fixed interval schedule of 1 min (FI-1). On this schedule, responses were reinforced by a food pellet every time 1 min had elapsed after the preceding reinforcement. There were dose-dependent reductions in the post-reinforcement pause, e.g. the time between each reinforcement and the first reaction emitted after it. In addition, the index of curvature, which describes the efficiency of performance on the FI-1 schedule, was decreased in a dose-dependent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Lilienthal
- Medical Institute of Environmental Hygiene, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Foster WG, Mertineit C, Yagminas A, McMahon A, Lecavalier P. The effects of hexachlorobenzene on circulating levels of adrenal steroids in the ovariectomized rat. JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY 1995; 10:129-35. [PMID: 7473603 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.2570100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), is a global pollutant that resists degradation and possesses a propensity to bioaccumulate. However, the effect of HCB on adrenal function remains largely unknown. Thus, circulating levels of adrenal steroids in HCB-exposed (0.0, 1.0, 10.0, or 100.0 mg/kg/day--for 30 days by gavage) adult ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 32) were investigated. A terminal blood sample was collected for HCB residue analysis, and levels of circulating progesterone (P4), corticosterone (CS), and aldosterone (ALD) were quantified. Mean serum CS levels were significantly (P = 0.02) reduced by HCB exposure, starting with the lowest dose group (1.0 mg/kg/day for 30 days), whereas no differences in mean serum P4 and ALD levels were observed. Since it has been argued that the rodent possesses the ability to produce small amounts of cortisol and that levels of this glucocorticoid are altered in pathological states, serum cortisol (C) levels were also measured. Circulating levels of C were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the highest dose group compared with controls. The presence of C in serum was confirmed by reverse-phase HPLC. These data suggest that even at the lowest dose studied, HCB exposure induces alterations in steroidogenesis of cells of the adrenal cortex inner zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- W G Foster
- Reproductive Toxicology Section, Department of Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
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