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Bodelon C, Gierach GL, Hatch EE, Riseberg E, Hutchinson A, Yeager M, Sandler DP, Taylor JA, Hoover RN, Xu Z, Titus L, Palmer JR, Troisi R. In utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol and blood DNA methylation in adult women: Results from a meta-analysis of two cohort studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:115990. [PMID: 37149030 PMCID: PMC10442904 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115990] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) is associated with several adverse health outcomes. Animal studies have shown associations between prenatal DES exposure and DNA methylation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore blood DNA methylation in women exposed and unexposed to DES in utero. METHODS Sixty women (40 exposed and 20 unexposed) in the National Cancer Institute's Combined DES Cohort Study and 199 women (99 exposed and 100 unexposed women) in the Sister Study Cohort were included in this analysis. Within each study, robust linear regression models were used to assess associations between DES exposure and blood DNA methylation. Study-specific associations were combined using fixed-effect meta-analysis with inverse variance weights. Our analysis focused on CpG sites located within nine candidate genes identified in animal models. We further explored whether in utero DES exposure was associated with age acceleration. RESULTS Blood DNA methylation levels at 10 CpG sites in six of the nine candidate genes were statistically significantly associated with prenatal DES exposure (P < 0.05) in this meta-analysis. Genes included EGF, EMB, EGFR, WNT11, FOS, and TGFB1, which are related to cell proliferation and differentiation. The most statistically significant CpG site was cg19830739 in gene EGF, and it was associated with lower methylation levels in women prenatally exposed to DES compared with those not exposed (P < 0.0001; false discovery rate<0.05). The association between prenatal DES exposure in utero and age acceleration was not statistically significant (P = 0.07 for meta-analyzed results). CONCLUSIONS There are few opportunities to investigate the effects of prenatal DES exposure. These findings suggest that in utero DES exposure may be associated with differential blood DNA methylation levels, which could mediate the increased risk of several adverse health outcomes observed in exposed women. Our findings need further evaluation using larger data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Bodelon
- Integrative Tumor Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Gretchen L Gierach
- Integrative Tumor Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Riseberg
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amy Hutchinson
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Meredith Yeager
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jack A Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Epigenetic and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Robert N Hoover
- Trans-Divisional Research Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Linda Titus
- Public Health, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Julie R Palmer
- Slone Epidemiology Center and Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Troisi
- Trans-Divisional Research Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Li H, Peng H, Hong W, Wei Y, Tian H, Huang X, Jia L, Zheng J, Duan T, He Q, Wang K. Human Placental Endothelial Cell and Trophoblast Heterogeneity and Differentiation Revealed by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010087. [PMID: 36611882 PMCID: PMC9818681 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is an important organ for fetal and maternal health during pregnancy and impacts offspring health late in life. Defects in placental vasculature and trophoblast have been identified in several pregnancy complications. Thus, the detailed molecular profile and heterogeneity of endothelial cells and trophoblasts in placentas will aid us in better understanding placental behaviors and improving pregnancy outcomes. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to profile the transcriptomics of human placental villous tissues from eleven patients with normal pregnancies in the first and second trimesters (6-16 weeks of gestation). RESULTS The transcriptomic landscape of 52,179 single cells was obtained, and the cells were classified as trophoblasts, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, erythroid cells, Hofbauer cells, and macrophages. Our analysis further revealed the three subtypes of placental endothelial cells, with distinct metabolic signatures and transcription factor regulatory networks. We also determined the transcriptomic features of the trophoblast subpopulations and characterized two distinct populations of progenitor cells in cytotrophoblasts, which were capable of differentiating to extravillous trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided a high-resolution molecular profile of the human placenta between 6 and 16 weeks of gestation. Our data revealed the placental cell complexity and demonstrated the transcriptional networks and signaling involved in placental endothelial and trophoblast differentiation during early pregnancy, which will be a resource for future studies of the human placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Yingying Wei
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Haojun Tian
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Linyan Jia
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Tao Duan
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Qizhi He
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
- Correspondence: (Q.H.); (K.W.)
| | - Kai Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
- Correspondence: (Q.H.); (K.W.)
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3
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Yang Q, Ciebiera M, Bariani MV, Ali M, Elkafas H, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Fibroids: Developmental Origin, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:678-719. [PMID: 34741454 PMCID: PMC9277653 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal neoplasms of the myometrium, representing the most common tumors in women worldwide. To date, no long-term or noninvasive treatment option exists for hormone-dependent uterine fibroids, due to the limited knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of uterine fibroids. This paper comprehensively summarizes the recent research advances on uterine fibroids, focusing on risk factors, development origin, pathogenetic mechanisms, and treatment options. Additionally, we describe the current treatment interventions for uterine fibroids. Finally, future perspectives on uterine fibroids studies are summarized. Deeper mechanistic insights into tumor etiology and the complexity of uterine fibroids can contribute to the progress of newer targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Qiwei Yang, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, M167, Billings, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Michal Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, ul. Cegłowska 80, 01-809, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hoda Elkafas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority, formerly National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Cairo 35521, Egypt
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Correspondence: Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, N112, Peck Pavilion, Chicago, IL 60637. USA.
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Elsayed DH, Helmy SA, Dessouki AA, El-Nahla AM, Abdelrazek HMA, El-Hak HNG. Influence of genistein and diadizine on regularity of estrous cycle in cyclic female Wistar rat: interaction with estradiol receptors and vascular endothelial growth factor. Open Vet J 2022; 12:639-648. [PMID: 36589405 PMCID: PMC9789761 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2022.v12.i5.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Isoflavones are estrogenic compounds that exist in soy, clover, and peanuts. They are selective estrogen receptor modulators. Aim The study was planned to explain the interactions of isoflavones with estrogen receptors alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions in ovarian and uterine tissues during different stages of the estrous cycle of regular cyclic female Wistar rats. Methods Thirty-two regular cyclic females were divided equally into control group: fed casein-based diet and isoflavones group: fed casein-based diet and gavaged 50 mg/kg/day soy isoflavones extract 40%. The regularity of estrus cycles was monitored. Final body weight (FBW), weight gain (BWG), and ovarian and uterine weights were estimated. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry for ERα, Erβ, and VEGF in ovarian and uterine tissues were performed. Results All females (100%, n = 16) in control group showed regularity in estrous cycle compared to 62.5% (n = 10) in isoflavones group. Estrus and diestrus phases revealed prolongation and shortening in isoflavones rats than control, respectively. Nonsignificant variation was noted in the duration of the whole cycle of both groups. FBW and BWG significantly decreased however, ovarian and uterine weights increased significantly in all estrous phases of isoflavones group than control. Histopathology demonstrated an increase in number of follicles/ovaries besides, hyperplasia and proliferation of luminal epithelium with hydropic degeneration in the isoflavones group. Also, uterine connective tissue stroma showed edema in the isoflavones group during all estrous phases. Immunostaining percentages of ERα, Erβ, and VEGF protein expression were significantly elevated in the isoflavones group during all estrous phases. Conclusion Isoflavones induced irregularity of the estrous cycle that was encountered by increased and altered ERα, Erβ, and VEGF expressions in ovarian and uterine tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa H. Elsayed
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt,Corresponding Author: Doaa H. Elsayed. Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - Seham A. Helmy
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia,Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Amina A. Dessouki
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Amal M. El-Nahla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Heba M. A. Abdelrazek
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Bodke VV, Burdette JE. Advancements in Microfluidic Systems for the Study of Female Reproductive Biology. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6225875. [PMID: 33852726 PMCID: PMC8571709 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract is a highly complex physiological system that consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. An enhanced understanding of the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms of the tract will allow for the development of more effective assisted reproductive technologies, therapeutics, and screening strategies for female specific disorders. Traditional 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional static culture systems may not always reflect the cellular and physical contexts or physicochemical microenvironment necessary to understand the dynamic exchange that is crucial for the functioning of the reproductive system. Microfluidic systems present a unique opportunity to study the female reproductive tract, as these systems recapitulate the multicellular architecture, contacts between different tissues, and microenvironmental cues that largely influence cell structure, function, behavior, and growth. This review discusses examples, challenges, and benefits of using microfluidic systems to model ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium, and placenta. Additionally, this review also briefly discusses the use of these systems in studying the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and diseases such as ovarian cancer, preeclampsia, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedant V Bodke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago 60607, USA
- Correspondence: Joanna E. Burdette, PhD, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA.
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6
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Nanjappa MK, Medrano TI, Mesa AM, Ortega MT, Caldo PD, Mao J, Kinkade JA, Levin ER, Rosenfeld CS, Cooke PS. Mice lacking membrane estrogen receptor 1 are protected from reproductive pathologies resulting from developmental estrogen exposure†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:392-404. [PMID: 31141131 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Both membrane and nuclear fractions of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mediate 17β-estradiol (E2) actions. Mice expressing nuclear (n)ESR1 but lacking membrane (m)ESR1 (nuclear-only estrogen receptor 1 [NOER] mice) show reduced E2 responsivity and reproductive abnormalities culminating in adult male and female infertility. Using this model, we investigated whether reproductive pathologies caused by the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) are mitigated by mESR1 ablation. Homozygous and heterozygous wild-type (WT and HET, respectively) and NOER male and female mice were subcutaneously injected with DES (1 mg/kg body weight [BW]) or vehicle daily from postnatal day (PND) 1-5. Uterine histology was assessed in select DES-treated females at PND 5, whereas others were ovariectomized at PND 60 and treated with E2 (10 μg/kg BW) or vehicle 2 weeks later. Neonatal DES exposure resulted in ovary-independent epithelial proliferation in the vagina and uterus of WT but not NOER females. Neonatal DES treatment also induced ovary-independent adult expression of classical E2-induced transcripts (e.g., lactoferrin [Ltf] and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 [Ezh2]) in WT but not NOER mice. At PND 90, DES-treated WT and HET males showed smaller testes and a high incidence of bacterial pyogranulomatous inflammation encompassing the testes, epididymis and occasionally the ductus deferens with spread to lumbar lymph nodes; such changes were largely absent in NOER males. Results indicate that male and female NOER mice are protected from deleterious effects of neonatal DES, and thus mESR1 signaling is required for adult manifestation of DES-induced reproductive pathologies in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Theresa I Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ana M Mesa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Madison T Ortega
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul D Caldo
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jiude Mao
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jessica A Kinkade
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Ellis R Levin
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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7
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Rattan S, Flaws JA. The epigenetic impacts of endocrine disruptors on female reproduction across generations†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:635-644. [PMID: 31077281 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans and animals are repeatedly exposed to endocrine disruptors, many of which are ubiquitous in the environment. Endocrine disruptors interfere with hormone action; thus, causing non-monotonic dose responses that are atypical of standard toxicant exposures. The female reproductive system is particularly susceptible to the effects of endocrine disruptors. Likewise, exposures to endocrine disruptors during developmental periods are particularly concerning because programming during development can be adversely impacted by hormone level changes. Subsequently, developing reproductive tissues can be predisposed to diseases in adulthood and these diseases can be passed down to future generations. The mechanisms of action by which endocrine disruptors cause disease transmission to future generations are thought to include epigenetic modifications. This review highlights the effects of endocrine disruptors on the female reproductive system, with an emphasis on the multi- and transgenerational epigenetic effects of these exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saniya Rattan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
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8
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Wang JM, Xu R, Di QN, Fu HW, Xu Q. Determination of urinary carnitine levels as a potential indicator of uterine fibroids caused by nonylphenol exposure. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2020; 1152:122248. [PMID: 32590215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that uterine fibroids are associated with nonylphenol (NP) exposure, and the changes of carnitines in critical reproductive tissues and body fluids could be used to indicate the female reproductive toxicity caused by NP exposure. In this work, on the basis of further clarifying the correlation between NP exposure level and uterine fibroids, the possibility of the urinary carnitine levels as a potential indicator of uterine fibroids caused by NP exposure was discussed. The urine samples were collected from 84 female volunteers: the control group of 34 healthy women without gynecological disease and 50 uterine fibroids patients, respectively. Methods were respectively established for the determination of NP and eight carnitines in human urine samples by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that the NP level of uterine fibroids group was significantly higher than that of control group (P = 0.002), indicating that NP exposure was an important environmental factor in the occurrence of uterine fibroids. It was further found that in urine samples of the uterine fibroids group, the levels of L-Carnitine (C0), L-Acetyl-carnitine (C2), L-Octanoyl-carnitine (C8), Tetradecanoyl-carnitine (C14), Oleoyl-carnitine (C18:1) and Linoleoyl-carnitine (C18:2) had obviously increased compared with those in the control group (P < 0.001; < 0.001; < 0.001; = 0.003; < 0.001; = 0.010). The concentrations of L-Hexanoyl-carnitine (C6) and L-Palmitoyl-carnitine (C16) in the uterine fibroids group were also higher than those in the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The results suggested that the changes in urinary carnitine levels might be a potential indicator to help to warn of the risk of uterine fibroids caused by NP exposure at the early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Run Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qian-Nan Di
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hao-Wei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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9
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Suen AA, Jefferson WN, Wood CE, Williams CJ. SIX1 Regulates Aberrant Endometrial Epithelial Cell Differentiation and Cancer Latency Following Developmental Estrogenic Chemical Exposure. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:2369-2382. [PMID: 31597742 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Early-life exposure to estrogenic chemicals can increase cancer risk, likely by disrupting normal patterns of cellular differentiation. Female mice exposed neonatally to the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) develop metaplastic and neoplastic uterine changes as adults. Abnormal endometrial glands express the oncofetal protein sine oculis homeobox 1 (SIX1) and contain cells with basal [cytokeratin (CK)14+/18-] and poorly differentiated features (CK14+/18+), strongly associating SIX1 with aberrant differentiation and cancer. Here, we tested whether SIX1 expression is necessary for abnormal endometrial differentiation and DES-induced carcinogenesis by using Pgr-cre to generate conditional knockout mice lacking uterine Six1 (Six1 d/d). Interestingly, corn oil (CO) vehicle-treated Six1 d/d mice develop focal endometrial glandular dysplasia and features of carcinoma in situ as compared with CO wild-type Six1 (Six1 +/+) mice. Furthermore, Six1 d/d mice neonatally exposed to DES had a 42% higher incidence of endometrial cancer relative to DES Six1 +/+ mice. Although DES Six1 d/d mice had >10-fold fewer CK14+/18- basal cells within the uterine horns as compared with DES Six1 +/+ mice, the appearance of CK14+/18+ cells remained a feature of neoplastic lesions. These findings suggest that SIX1 is required for normal endometrial epithelial differentiation, CK14+/18+ cells act as a cancer progenitor population, and SIX1 delays DES-induced endometrial carcinogenesis by promoting basal differentiation of CK14+/18+ cells. In human endometrial biopsies, 35% of malignancies showed CK14+/18+ expression, which positively correlated with tumor stage and grade and was not present in normal endometrium. IMPLICATIONS: Aberrant epithelial differentiation is a key feature in both the DES mouse model of endometrial cancer and human endometrial cancer. The association of CK14+/18+ cells with human endometrial cancer provides a novel cancer biomarker and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa A Suen
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. .,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant in the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Wendy N Jefferson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Charles E Wood
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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10
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Jefferson WN, Kinyamu HK, Wang T, Miranda AX, Padilla-Banks E, Suen AA, Williams CJ. Widespread enhancer activation via ERα mediates estrogen response in vivo during uterine development. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:5487-5503. [PMID: 29648668 PMCID: PMC6009594 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known regarding how steroid hormone exposures impact the epigenetic landscape in a living organism. Here, we took a global approach to understanding how exposure to the estrogenic chemical, diethylstilbestrol (DES), affects the neonatal mouse uterine epigenome. Integration of RNA- and ChIP-sequencing data demonstrated that ∼80% of DES-altered genes had higher H3K4me1/H3K27ac signal in close proximity. Active enhancers, of which ∼3% were super-enhancers, had a high density of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) binding sites and were correlated with alterations in nearby gene expression. Conditional uterine deletion of ERα, but not the pioneer transcription factors FOXA2 or FOXO1, prevented the majority of DES-mediated changes in gene expression and H3K27ac signal at target enhancers. An ERα dependent super-enhancer was located at the Padi gene locus and a topological connection to the Padi1 TSS was documented using 3C-PCR. Chromosome looping at this site was independent of ERα and DES exposure, indicating that the interaction is established prior to ligand signaling. However, enrichment of H3K27ac and transcriptional activation at this locus was both DES and ERα-dependent. These data suggest that DES alters uterine development and consequently adult reproductive function by modifying the enhancer landscape at ERα binding sites near estrogen-regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy N Jefferson
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - H Karimi Kinyamu
- Epigenetics & Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Adam X Miranda
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Elizabeth Padilla-Banks
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Alisa A Suen
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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11
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DNA methylation and transcriptome aberrations mediated by ERα in mouse seminal vesicles following developmental DES exposure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E4189-E4198. [PMID: 29666266 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1719010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Early transient developmental exposure to an endocrine active compound, diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, causes late-stage effects in the reproductive tract of adult mice. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) plays a role in mediating these developmental effects. However, the developmental mechanism is not well known in male tissues. Here, we present genome-wide transcriptome and DNA methylation profiling of the seminal vesicles (SVs) during normal development and after DES exposure. ERα mediates aberrations of the mRNA transcriptome in SVs of adult mice following neonatal DES exposure. This developmental exposure impacts differential diseases between male (SVs) and female (uterus) tissues when mice reach adulthood due to most DES-altered genes that appear to be tissue specific during mouse development. Certain estrogen-responsive gene changes in SVs are cell-type specific. DNA methylation dynamically changes during development in the SVs of wild-type (WT) and ERα-knockout (αERKO) mice, which increases both the loss and gain of differentially methylated regions (DMRs). There are more gains of DMRs in αERKO compared with WT. Interestingly, the methylation changes between the two genotypes are in different genomic loci. Additionally, the expression levels of a subset of DES-altered genes are associated with their DNA methylation status following developmental DES exposure. Taken together, these findings provide an important basis for understanding the molecular and cellular mechanism of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as DES, during development in the male mouse tissues. This unique evidence contributes to our understanding of developmental actions of EDCs in human health.
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12
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Whirledge SD, Kisanga EP, Oakley RH, Cidlowski JA. Neonatal Genistein Exposure and Glucocorticoid Signaling in the Adult Mouse Uterus. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:047002. [PMID: 29624291 PMCID: PMC6071733 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female reproductive tract development is sensitive to the endocrine-disrupting potential of environmental estrogens. Early-life exposure to the dietary phytoestrogen genistein impairs fertility and persistently alters the transcriptome in the oviduct and uterus of rodents. Glucocorticoid signaling, which has recently been shown to be essential for normal fertility in the female mouse uterus, is antagonized by genistein. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to determine whether early-life exposure to genistein disrupts glucocorticoid signaling in the mouse uterus, which may contribute to infertility. METHODS Female C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to either 50 mg/kg per day genistein, 10 μg/kg per day estradiol, or vehicle (corn oil) on postnatal days 1-5 (PND1-5), and then treated with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex: 1 mg/kg) or vehicle (saline) on PND5, at weaning on PND21, or as adults on PND56 following adrenalectomy and ovariectomy to evaluate glucocorticoid responsiveness. Uteri were isolated following treatment for gene expression or chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Neonatal exposure to genistein altered the uterine transcriptome of adult mice and caused substantial changes to the transcriptional response to glucocorticoids. Although expression of the glucocorticoid receptor was not affected, genistein exposure disrupted glucocorticoid receptor recruitment to specific regulatory sites in target genes. Many genes involved in chromatin remodeling were dysregulated in genistein-exposed mice, suggesting that epigenetic reprograming may contribute to the altered glucocorticoid response of the uterus following early-life exposure to genistein. These changes affected the biological activity of glucocorticoids within the uterus, as glucocorticoids antagonized the proliferative effects of estradiol in the uterus of control mice but not genistein-exposed mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that disruption of glucocorticoid signaling due to early-life exposure to environmental estrogens may in part render the uterus unable to support implantation. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1575.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon D Whirledge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Edwina P Kisanga
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert H Oakley
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - John A Cidlowski
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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13
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Jarić I, Živanović J, Miler M, Ajdžanović V, Blagojević D, Ristić N, Milošević V, Nestorović N. Genistein and daidzein treatments differently affect uterine homeostasis in the ovary-intact middle-aged rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 339:73-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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14
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Tudurí E, Marroqui L, Dos Santos RS, Quesada I, Fuentes E, Alonso-Magdalena P. Timing of Exposure and Bisphenol-A: Implications for Diabetes Development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:648. [PMID: 30429829 PMCID: PMC6220716 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one of the most widespread endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). It is used as the base compound in the production of polycarbonate and other plastics present in many consumer products. It is also used as a building block in epoxy can coating and the thermal paper of cash register receipts. Humans are consistently exposed to BPA and, in consequence, this compound has been detected in the majority of individuals examined. Over the last decade, an enlarging body of evidence has provided a strong support for the role of BPA in the etiology of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Timing of exposure to EDCs results crucial since it has important implications on the resulting adverse effects. It is now well established that the developing organisms are particularly sensitive to environmental influences. Exposure to EDCs during early life may result in permanent adverse consequences, which increases the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes in adult life. In addition to that, developmental abnormalities can be transmitted from one generation to the next, thus affecting future generations. More recently, it has been proposed that gestational environment may also program long-term susceptibility to metabolic disorders in the mother. In the present review, we will comment and discuss the contributing role of BPA in the etiology of diabetes. We will address the metabolic consequences of BPA exposure at different stages of life and comment on the final phenotype observed in different whole-animal models of study.
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15
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Al Jishi T, Sergi C. Current perspective of diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in mothers and offspring. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 71:71-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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16
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Helle J, Keiler AM, Zierau O, Dörfelt P, Vollmer G, Lehmann L, Chittur SV, Tenniswood M, Welsh J, Kretzschmar G. Effects of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist 3-methylcholanthrene on the 17β-estradiol regulated mRNA transcriptome of the rat uterus. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 171:133-143. [PMID: 28285017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are products of incomplete combustion of organic compounds, abundant in exhaust fumes and cigarette smoke. They act by binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) which induces expression of phase 1 and phase 2 enzymes in the liver. PAH induced AHR activation may also lead to adverse effects by modulating other pathways, for example estrogen receptor (ER) signaling in the female reproductive tract. We have investigated the effects of the PAH 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) on 17β-estradiol (E2) dependent signaling in the uterus of ovariectomized rats to characterize the cross talk between AHR and ER on an mRNA transcriptome wide scale. A standard three day uterotrophic assay was performed in young adult Lewis rats. Treatment induced effects were analyzed using histology, immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis by microarray and qPCR. 3-MC shows broad E2 antagonistic effects on uterine mRNA transcription of the vast majority of E2 regulated genes, significantly altering prostaglandin biosynthesis, complement activation, coagulation pathways and other inflammatory response pathways. The regulation of ER expression in the uterus, but not the regulation of E2 metabolism in the liver, was identified as a potentially important factor in mediating this general antiestrogenic effect. The regulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis by E2 is important for inflammation-like events during pregnancy including the initiation of birth. Our results suggest that adverse effects of PAHs on prostaglandin related pathways are likely caused by the interference with E2 signaling, specifically by inhibiting the E2 mediated downregulation of PGF2α. Characterization of the generalized antagonistic effect of 3-MC on E2 dependent signaling in the rat uterus thus contributes to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of the toxicity of PAHs in female reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Helle
- Institute of Zoology, Molecular Cell Physiology and Endocrinology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annekathrin M Keiler
- Institute of Zoology, Molecular Cell Physiology and Endocrinology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Zierau
- Institute of Zoology, Molecular Cell Physiology and Endocrinology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peggy Dörfelt
- Institute of Zoology, Molecular Cell Physiology and Endocrinology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Günter Vollmer
- Institute of Zoology, Molecular Cell Physiology and Endocrinology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Leane Lehmann
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sridar V Chittur
- Cancer Research Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, NY 12144-2345, United States
| | - Martin Tenniswood
- Cancer Research Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, NY 12144-2345, United States
| | - JoEllen Welsh
- Cancer Research Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, NY 12144-2345, United States
| | - Georg Kretzschmar
- Institute of Zoology, Molecular Cell Physiology and Endocrinology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany.
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17
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Rattan S, Zhou C, Chiang C, Mahalingam S, Brehm E, Flaws JA. Exposure to endocrine disruptors during adulthood: consequences for female fertility. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:R109-R129. [PMID: 28356401 PMCID: PMC5479690 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are ubiquitous chemicals that exhibit endocrine disrupting properties in both humans and animals. Female reproduction is an important process, which is regulated by hormones and is susceptible to the effects of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Disruptions in female reproductive functions by endocrine disrupting chemicals may result in subfertility, infertility, improper hormone production, estrous and menstrual cycle abnormalities, anovulation, and early reproductive senescence. This review summarizes the effects of a variety of synthetic endocrine disrupting chemicals on fertility during adult life. The chemicals covered in this review are pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and triazines), heavy metals (arsenic, lead, and mercury), diethylstilbesterol, plasticizer alternatives (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and bisphenol A alternatives), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, nonylphenol, polychlorinated biphenyls, triclosan, and parabens. This review focuses on the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, and uterus because together they regulate normal female fertility and the onset of reproductive senescence. The literature shows that several endocrine disrupting chemicals have endocrine disrupting abilities in females during adult life, causing fertility abnormalities in both humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saniya Rattan
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Changqing Zhou
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Catheryne Chiang
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Sharada Mahalingam
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Emily Brehm
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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18
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Luzi C, Brisdelli F, Iorio R, Bozzi A, Carnicelli V, Di Giulio A, Lizzi AR. Apoptotic effects of bovine apo-lactoferrin on HeLa tumor cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2017; 35:33-41. [PMID: 28052347 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf), a cationic iron-binding glycoprotein of 80 kDa present in body secretions, is known as a compound with marked antimicrobial activity. In the present study, the apoptotic effect of iron-free bovine lactoferrin (apo-bLf) on human epithelial cancer (HeLa) cells was examined in association with reactive oxygen species and glutathione (GSH) levels. Apoptotic effect of iron-free bovine lactoferrin inhibited the growth of HeLa cells after 48 hours of treatment while the diferric-bLf was ineffective in the concentration range tested (from 1 to 12.5 μM). Western blot analysis showed that key apoptotic regulators including Bax, Bcl-2, Sirt1, Mcl-1, and PARP-1 were modulated by 1.25 μM of apo-bLf. In the same cell line, apo-bLf induced apoptosis together with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, caspase activation, and a significant drop of NAD+ . In addition, apo-bLf-treated HeLa cells showed a marked increase of reactive oxygen species level and a significant GSH depletion. On the whole, apo-bLf triggered apoptosis of HeLa cells upon oxygen radicals burst and GSH decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Luzi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Brisdelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberto Iorio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Argante Bozzi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Veronica Carnicelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Giulio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Lizzi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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19
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Lu H, Li G, Zhou C, Jin W, Qian X, Wang Z, Pan H, Jin H, Wang X. Regulation and role of post-translational modifications of enhancer of zeste homologue 2 in cancer development. Am J Cancer Res 2016; 6:2737-2754. [PMID: 28042497 PMCID: PMC5199751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are critical molecular events which alter protein conformation after their synthesis and diversity protein properties by modulating their stability, localization, interacting partners or the activity of their substrates, consequently exerting pivotal roles in regulating the functions of many important eukaryotic proteins. It has been well acknowledged that PTMs are of great importance in a broad range of biological processes such as gene regulation, cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, tissue development, diseases, tumor progression and drug resistance. As the core and contributing catalytic subunit of Polycomb repressive complex 2(PRC2), Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a master epigenetic regulator, often serving as a highly conserved histone methyltransferase (HMTase) to induce histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and repress gene transcription and expression. Dysregulated EZH2 expression is frequently associated with cancer development and poor prognosis in a wide variety of cancers. Considered its essential role in carcinogenesis, EZH2 is a potential candidate for cancer targeted therapy. Remarkably, mounting evidence highlights that EZH2 expression, activity and stability can be regulated by PTMs including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation and GlcNAcylation aside from its well-validated modifications in transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms underlying EZH2 PTMs and whether other types of PTMs orchestrate in EZH2 remain largely unclear. In this review, we summarize current advances in the understanding of EZH2 regulation by PTMs and their associated biological functions during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqi Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Provincial Key Lab of Biotherapy in Zhejiang, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guangliang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer HospitalHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenyi Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoling Qian
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Provincial Key Lab of Biotherapy in Zhejiang, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Provincial Key Lab of Biotherapy in Zhejiang, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongchuan Jin
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Provincial Key Lab of Biotherapy in Zhejiang, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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20
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Katz TA, Yang Q, Treviño LS, Walker CL, Al-Hendy A. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and uterine fibroids. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:967-77. [PMID: 27553264 PMCID: PMC5051569 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most frequent gynecologic tumor, affecting 70% to 80% of women over their lifetime. Although these tumors are benign, they can cause significant morbidity and may require invasive treatments such as myomectomy and hysterectomy. Many risk factors for these tumors have been identified, including environmental exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as genistein and diethylstilbestrol. Uterine development may be a particularly sensitive window to environmental exposures, as some perinatal EDC exposures have been shown to increase tumorigenesis in both rodent models and human epidemiologic studies. The mechanisms by which EDC exposures may increase tumorigenesis are still being elucidated, but epigenetic reprogramming of the developing uterus is an emerging hypothesis. Given the remarkably high incidence of uterine fibroids and their significant impact on women's health, understanding more about how prenatal exposures to EDCs (and other environmental agents) may increase fibroid risk could be key to developing prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany A Katz
- Health Science Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Lindsey S Treviño
- Health Science Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Cheryl Lyn Walker
- Health Science Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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21
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In Vivo Screening Using Transgenic Zebrafish Embryos Reveals New Effects of HDAC Inhibitors Trichostatin A and Valproic Acid on Organogenesis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149497. [PMID: 26900852 PMCID: PMC4763017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on reproduction are well known, whereas their developmental effects are much less characterized. However, exposure to endocrine disruptors during organogenesis may lead to deleterious and permanent problems later in life. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) transgenic lines expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) in specific organs and tissues are powerful tools to uncover developmental defects elicited by EDCs. Here, we used seven transgenic lines to visualize in vivo whether a series of EDCs and other pharmaceutical compounds can alter organogenesis in zebrafish. We used transgenic lines expressing GFP in pancreas, liver, blood vessels, inner ear, nervous system, pharyngeal tooth and pectoral fins. This screen revealed that four of the tested chemicals have detectable effects on different organs, which shows that the range of effects elicited by EDCs is wider than anticipated. The endocrine disruptor tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), as well as the three drugs diclofenac, trichostatin A (TSA) and valproic acid (VPA) induced abnormalities in the embryonic vascular system of zebrafish. Moreover, TSA and VPA induced specific alterations during the development of pancreas, an observation that was confirmed by in situ hybridization with specific markers. Developmental delays were also induced by TSA and VPA in the liver and in pharyngeal teeth, resulting in smaller organ size. Our results show that EDCs can induce a large range of developmental alterations during embryogenesis of zebrafish and establish GFP transgenic lines as powerful tools to screen for EDCs effects in vivo.
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22
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Harlid S, Xu Z, Panduri V, D’Aloisio AA, DeRoo LA, Sandler DP, Taylor JA. In utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol and blood DNA methylation in women ages 40-59 years from the sister study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118757. [PMID: 25751399 PMCID: PMC4353728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) has been associated with increased risk of adverse health outcomes such as fertility problems and vaginal as well as breast cancer. Animal studies have linked prenatal DES exposure to lasting DNA methylation changes. We investigated genome-wide DNA methylation and in utero DES exposure in a sample of non-Hispanic white women aged 40-59 years from the Sister Study, a large United States cohort study of women with a family history of breast cancer. Using questionnaire information from women and their mothers, we selected 100 women whose mothers reported taking DES while pregnant and 100 control women whose mothers had not taken DES. DNA methylation in blood was measured at 485,577 CpG sites using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Associations between CpG methylation and DES exposure status were analyzed using robust linear regression with adjustment for blood cell composition and multiple comparisons. Although four CpGs had p<105, after accounting for multiple comparisons using the false discovery rate (FDR), none reached genome-wide significance. In conclusion, adult women exposed to DES in utero had no evidence of large persistent changes in blood DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Harlid
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
- Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Zongli Xu
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Vijayalakshmi Panduri
- Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Aimee A. D’Aloisio
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. DeRoo
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jack A. Taylor
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
- Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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23
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Milesi MM, Alarcón R, Ramos JG, Muñoz-de-Toro M, Luque EH, Varayoud J. Neonatal exposure to low doses of endosulfan induces implantation failure and disrupts uterine functional differentiation at the pre-implantation period in rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 401:248-59. [PMID: 25486513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether neonatal exposure to low doses of endosulfan affects fertility and uterine functional differentiation at pre-implantation in rats. Newborn female rats received the vehicle, 0.2 µg/kg/d of diethylstilbestrol (DES), 6 µg/kg/d of endosulfan (Endo6) or 600 µg/kg/d of endosulfan (Endo600) on postnatal days (PND) 1, 3, 5, and 7. On PND90, the rats were mated to evaluate their reproductive performance on gestational day (GD) 19 and their ovarian steroid serum levels, endometrial proliferation and implantation-associated proteins on GD5. DES and endosulfan decreased the pregnancy rate and the number of implantation sites. On GD5, DES and endosulfan did not change the serum levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P); the endometrial proliferation decreased, which was associated with silencing of Hoxa10 in the Endo600-treated rats. Both doses of endosulfan increased the progesterone receptor (PR) expression, whereas the higher dose led additionally to an increase in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). In the Endo600-treated rats, the down-regulation of Hoxa10 was associated with a deregulation of the steroid receptor coregulators. Alterations in endometrial proliferation and the endocrine pathway of Hoxa10/steroid receptors/coregulators might be the mechanism of endosulfan-induced implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- María M Milesi
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ramiro Alarcón
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mónica Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Hendry WJ, Hariri HY, Alwis ID, Gunewardena SS, Hendry IR. Altered gene expression patterns during the initiation and promotion stages of neonatally diethylstilbestrol-induced hyperplasia/dysplasia/neoplasia in the hamster uterus. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 50:68-86. [PMID: 25242112 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal treatment of hamsters with diethylstilbestrol (DES) induces uterine hyperplasia/dysplasia/neoplasia (endometrial adenocarcinoma) in adult animals. We subsequently determined that the neonatal DES exposure event directly and permanently disrupts the developing hamster uterus (initiation stage) so that it responds abnormally when it is stimulated with estrogen in adulthood (promotion stage). To identify candidate molecular elements involved in progression of the disruption/neoplastic process, we performed: (1) immunoblot analyses and (2) microarray profiling (Affymetrix Gene Chip System) on sets of uterine protein and RNA extracts, respectively, and (3) immunohistochemical analysis on uterine sections; all from both initiation stage and promotion stage groups of animals. Here we report that: (1) progression of the neonatal DES-induced hyperplasia/dysplasia/neoplasia phenomenon in the hamster uterus involves a wide spectrum of specific gene expression alterations and (2) the gene products involved and their manner of altered expression differ dramatically during the initiation vs. promotion stages of the phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Hendry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260-0026, United States.
| | - Hussam Y Hariri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260-0026, United States
| | - Imala D Alwis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260-0026, United States
| | - Sumedha S Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States; Bioinformatics Core, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States
| | - Isabel R Hendry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260-0026, United States
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25
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Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol and long-term impact on the breast and reproductive tract in humans and mice. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2014; 3:73-82. [PMID: 25101917 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174411000754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The term 'developmental origins of health and disease' (DOHaD) originally referred to delayed effects of altered maternal factors (e.g. smoking or poor nutrition) on the developing offspring, but it now also encompasses early life exposure to environmental chemicals, which can cause an unhealthy prenatal environment that endangers the fetus and increases its susceptibility to disease later in life. Prenatal exposure to the pharmaceutical diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a well-known DOHaD example as it was associated in the 1970s with vaginal cancer in daughters who were exposed to this potent synthetic estrogen before birth. Subsequently, numerous long-term effects have been described in breast and reproductive tissues of DES-exposed humans and experimental animals. Data reviewed suggest that the prenatal DES-exposed population should continue to be monitored for potential-increased disease risks as they age. Knowledge of sensitive developmental periods, and the mechanisms of DES-induced toxicities, provides useful information in predicting potential adverse effects of other environmental estrogens.
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Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) are ubiquitous and persistent compounds that have the capacity to interfere with normal endocrine homoeostasis. The female reproductive tract is exquisitely sensitive to the action of sex steroids, and oestrogens play a key role in normal reproductive function. Malignancies of the female reproductive tract are the fourth most common cancer in women, with endometrial cancer accounting for most cases. Established risk factors for development of endometrial cancer include high BMI and exposure to oestrogens or synthetic compounds such as tamoxifen. Studies on cell and animal models have provided evidence that many EDC can bind oestrogen receptors and highlighted early life exposure as a window of risk for adverse lifelong effects on the reproductive system. The most robust evidence for a link between early life exposure to EDC and adverse reproductive health has come from studies on women who were exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol. Demonstration that EDC can alter expression of members of the HOX gene cluster highlights one pathway that might be vulnerable to their actions. In summary, evidence for a direct link between EDC exposure and cancers of the reproductive system is currently incomplete. It will be challenging to attribute causality to any single EDC when exposure and development of malignancy may be separated by many years and influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet (a source of phytoestrogens) and adiposity. This review considers some of the evidence collected to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Gibson
- Queen's Medical Research Institute, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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27
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Franssen D, Ioannou YS, Alvarez-real A, Gerard A, Mueller JK, Heger S, Bourguignon JP, Parent AS. Pubertal timing after neonatal diethylstilbestrol exposure in female rats: neuroendocrine vs peripheral effects and additive role of prenatal food restriction. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 44:63-72. [PMID: 24316331 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effects of neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) on pubertal timing in female rats. We examined associated neuroendocrine changes and effects of prenatal food restriction. Age at vaginal opening was advanced after exposure to 10 μg/kg/d of DES and delayed after 1 μg/kg/d (subcutaneous injections). Using this lower dose, pulsatile GnRH secretion was slower at 25 days of age. Both doses reduced KiSS1 mRNA levels at 15 days of age. Using functional Kisspeptin promoter assay, 1 or 10 μM DES reduced or increased KISS1 transcription, respectively. Leptin stimulatory effect on GnRH secretion in vitro (15 days of age) was reduced after prenatal food restriction and neonatal DES exposure (higher dose), both effects being cumulative. Thus, alterations in pubertal timing by DES neonatally are not unequivocally toward precocity, the level of exposure being critical. We provide evidence of neuroendocrine disruption and interaction with prenatal food availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Franssen
- Development Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, CHU Sart-Timan, B4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Yiannis S Ioannou
- Development Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, CHU Sart-Timan, B4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Alexandra Alvarez-real
- Development Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, CHU Sart-Timan, B4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Arlette Gerard
- Development Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, CHU Sart-Timan, B4000 Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Sabine Heger
- Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Hanover, Germany
| | - Jean-Pierre Bourguignon
- Development Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, CHU Sart-Timan, B4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Development Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, CHU Sart-Timan, B4000 Liege, Belgium.
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Bosquiazzo VL, Vigezzi L, Muñoz-de-Toro M, Luque EH. Perinatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol alters the functional differentiation of the adult rat uterus. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 138:1-9. [PMID: 23454116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The exposure to endocrine disrupters and female reproductive tract disorders has not been totally clarified. The present study assessed the long-term effect of perinatal (gestation+lactation) exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the rat uterus and the effect of estrogen replacement therapy. DES (5μg/kg bw/day) was administered in the drinking water from gestational day 9 until weaning and we studied the uterus of young adult (PND90) and adult (PND360) females. To investigate whether perinatal exposure to DES modified the uterine response to a long-lasting estrogen treatment, 12-month-old rats exposed to DES were ovariectomized and treated with 17β-estradiol for 3 months (PND460). In young adult rats (PND90), the DES treatment decreased both the proliferation of glandular epithelial cells and the percentage of glandular perimeter occupied by α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells. The other tissue compartments remained unchanged. Cell apoptosis was not altered in DES-exposed females. In control adult rats (PND360), there were some morphologically abnormal uterine glands. In adult rats exposed to DES, the incidence of glands with cellular anomalies increased. In response to estrogens (PND460), the incidence of cystic glands increased in the DES group. We observed glands with daughter glands and conglomerates of glands only on PND460 and in response to estrogen replacement therapy, independently of DES exposure. The p63 isoforms were expressed without changes on PND460. Estrogen receptors α and β showed no changes, while the progesterone receptor decreased in the subepithelial stroma of DES-exposed animals with estrogen treatment. The long-lasting effects of perinatal exposure to DES included the induction of abnormalities in uterine tissues of aged female rats and an altered response of the adult uterus to estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica L Bosquiazzo
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Tumores Hormonodependientes, School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
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29
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Jefferson WN, Chevalier DM, Phelps JY, Cantor AM, Padilla-Banks E, Newbold RR, Archer TK, Kinyamu HK, Williams CJ. Persistently altered epigenetic marks in the mouse uterus after neonatal estrogen exposure. Mol Endocrinol 2013; 27:1666-77. [PMID: 24002655 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) causes permanent alterations in female reproductive tract gene expression, infertility, and uterine cancer in mice. To determine whether epigenetic mechanisms could explain these phenotypes, we first tested whether DES altered uterine expression of chromatin-modifying proteins. DES treatment significantly reduced expression of methylcytosine dioxygenase TET oncogene family, member 1 (TET1) on postnatal day 5; this decrease was correlated with a subtle decrease in DNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in adults. There were also significant reductions in histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), histone lysine acetyltransferase 2A (KAT2A), and histone deacetylases HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3. Uterine chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to analyze the locus-specific association of modified histones with 2 genes, lactoferrin (Ltf) and sine oculis homeobox 1 (Six1), which are permanently upregulated in adults after neonatal DES treatment. Three histone modifications associated with active transcription, histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac), H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), and H4 lysine 5 acetylation (H4K5ac) were enriched at specific Ltf promoter regions after DES treatment, but this enrichment was not maintained in adults. H3K9ac, H4K5ac, and H3K4me3 were enriched at Six1 exon 1 immediately after neonatal DES treatment. As adults, DES-treated mice had greater differences in H4K5ac and H3K4me3 occupancy at Six1 exon 1 and new differences in these histone marks at an upstream region. These findings indicate that neonatal DES exposure temporarily alters expression of multiple chromatin-modifying proteins and persistently alters epigenetic marks in the adult uterus at the Six1 locus, suggesting a mechanism for developmental exposures leading to altered reproductive function and increased cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy N Jefferson
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, PO Box 12233, MD E4-05, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.
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30
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Reed CE, Fenton SE. Exposure to diethylstilbestrol during sensitive life stages: a legacy of heritable health effects. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART C, EMBRYO TODAY : REVIEWS 2013; 99:134-46. [PMID: 23897597 PMCID: PMC3817964 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a potent estrogen mimic that was predominantly used from the 1940s to the 1970s by pregnant women in hopes of preventing miscarriage. Decades later, DES is known to enhance breast cancer risk in exposed women and cause a variety of birth-related adverse outcomes in their daughters such as spontaneous abortion, second trimester pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Additionally, children exposed to DES in utero suffer from sub/infertility and cancer of reproductive tissues. DES is a pinnacle compound that demonstrates the fetal basis of adult disease. The mechanisms of cancer and endocrine disruption induced by DES are not fully understood. Future studies should focus on common target tissue pathways affected and the health of the DES grandchildren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey E. Reed
- National Toxicology Program (NTP) Laboratories Branch, Division of the NTP, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Suzanne E. Fenton
- National Toxicology Program (NTP) Laboratories Branch, Division of the NTP, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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31
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Lim R, Lappas M, Riley C, Borregaard N, Moller HJ, Ahmed N, Rice GE. Investigation of human cationic antimicrobial protein-18 (hCAP-18), lactoferrin and CD163 as potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2013; 6:5. [PMID: 23339669 PMCID: PMC3557177 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-6-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUND Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of gynaecological cancer morbidity and mortality in women. Early stage ovarian cancer is usually asymptomatic, therefore, is often first diagnosed when it is widely disseminated. Currently available diagnostics lack the requisite sensitivity and specificity to be implemented as community-based screening tests. The identification of additional biomarkers may improve the diagnostic efficiency of multivariate index assays. The aims of this study were to characterise and compare the ovarian tissue immunohistochemical localisation and plasma concentrations of three putative ovarian cancer biomarkers: human cationic antimicrobial protein-18 (hCAP-18); lactoferrin; and CD163 in normal healthy women and women with ovarian cancer. METHODS In this case-control cohort study, ovarian tissue and blood samples were obtained from 164 women (73 controls, including 28 women with benign pelvic masses; 91 cancer, including 21 women with borderline tumours). Localisation of each antigen within the ovary was assessed by immunohistochemistry and serum concentrations determined by ELISA assays. RESULTS Immunoreactive (ir) hCAP-18 and lactoferrin were identified in epithelial cells, while CD163 was predominately localised in stromal cells. Tissue ir CD163 increased significantly (P<0.05) with disease grade. Median plasma concentrations of soluble (s)CD163 were significantly greater in the cases (3220 ng/ml) than in controls (2488 ng/ml) (P< 0.01). Median plasma concentrations of hCAP-18 and lactoferrin were not significantly different between cases and controls. The classification efficiency of each biomarker (as determined by the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve; AUC) was: 0.67± 0.04; 0.62 ± 0.08 and 0.51 ± 0.07 for sCD163, hCAP-18 and lactoferrin, respectively. When the 3 biomarkers were modelled using stochastic gradient boosted logistic regression, the AUC increased to 0.95 ± 0.03. CONCLUSIONS The data obtained in this study establishes the localisation and concentrations of CD163, hCAP-18, and lactoferrin in ovarian tumours and peripheral blood. Individually, the 3 biomarkers display only modest diagnostic efficiency as assessed by AUC. When combined in a multivariate index assay, however, diagnostic efficiency increases significantly. As such, the utility of the biomarker panel, as an aid in the diagnosis of cancer in symptomatic women, is worthy of further investigation in a larger phase 2 biomarker trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratana Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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32
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Walker VR, Jefferson WN, Couse JF, Korach KS. Estrogen receptor-α mediates diethylstilbestrol-induced feminization of the seminal vesicle in male mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:560-565. [PMID: 22275727 PMCID: PMC3339448 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1103678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that perinatal exposure to the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) leads to feminization of the seminal vesicle (SV) in male mice, as illustrated by tissue hyperplasia, ectopic expression of the major estrogen-inducible uterine secretory protein lactoferrin (LF), and reduced expression of SV secretory protein IV (SVS IV). OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to evaluate the role of the estrogen receptor (ER) in this action by using ER-knockout (ERKO) mice. METHODS Wild-type (WT), ERα-null (αERKO), and ERβ-null (βERKO) male mice were treated with either vehicle or DES (2 μg/day) on neonatal days 1-5. These mice were divided into two groups: In the first group, intact mice were sacrificed at 10 weeks of age; in the second group, mice were castrated at 10 weeks of age, allowed to recover for 10 days, treated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or placebo, and sacrificed 2 weeks later. Body weights and SV weights were recorded, and mRNA expression levels of Ltf (lactoferrin), Svs4, and androgen receptor (Ar) were assessed. RESULTS In DES-treated intact mice, SV weights were reduced in WT and βERKO mice but not in αERKO mice. DES-treated WT and βERKO males, but not αERKO males, exhibited ectopic expression of LF in the SV. DES treatment resulted in decreased SVS IV protein and mRNA expression in WT males, but no effect was seen in αERKO mice. In addition, DES-treated βERKO mice exhibited reduced Svs4 mRNA expression but maintained control levels of SVS IV protein. In DES-treated castrated mice, DHT implants restored SV weights to normal levels in αERKO mice but not in WT mice, suggesting full androgen responsiveness in αERKO mice. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that DES-induced SV toxicity and feminization are primarily mediated by ERα; however, some aspects of androgen response may require the action of ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickie R Walker
- Receptor Biology Section, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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Vähäkangas K. Chemical exposure as etiology in developmental origin of adult onset human cancer. Front Pharmacol 2011; 2:62. [PMID: 22203803 PMCID: PMC3241136 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2011.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical exposures are in principle preventable causes of cancer. People are exposed to chemicals already during fetal period and the possibility of disturbances in human development by chemical compounds leading to cancer later in life has been proven by diethylstilbestrol. The mechanisms most probably include epigenetic modifications of promoter regions of key genes. The world-wide increases in cancer incidence and concurrent increase in the number and quantity of chemicals in the environment raises concerns about a link between these two. Developmental origin and related mechanisms in chemically induced human cancer are worth pursuing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Vähäkangas
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern FinlandKuopio, Finland
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In utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) or bisphenol-A (BPA) increases EZH2 expression in the mammary gland: an epigenetic mechanism linking endocrine disruptors to breast cancer. Discov Oncol 2011; 1:146-55. [PMID: 21761357 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-010-0015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and bisphenol-A (BPA) are estrogen-like endocrine-disrupting chemicals that induce persistent epigenetic changes in the developing uterus. However, DES exposure in utero is also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in adult women. Similarly, fetal exposure to BPA induces neoplastic changes in mammary tissue of mice. We hypothesized that epigenetic alterations would precede the increased risk of breast neoplasia after in utero exposure to endocrine disruptors. Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase that has been linked to breast cancer risk and epigenetic regulation of tumorigenesis. We examined the effect of BPA and DES on EZH2 expression and function in MCF-7 cells and in mammary glands of mice exposed in utero. DES and BPA treatment approximated human exposure. EZH2 functional activity was assessed by measuring histone H3 trimethylation. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with DES or BPA led to a 3- and 2-fold increase in EZH2 mRNA expression, respectively (p < 0.05) as well as increased EZH2 protein expression. Mice exposed to DES in utero showed a >2-fold increase in EZH2 expression in adult mammary tissue compared with controls (p < 0.05). EZH2 protein was elevated in mammary tissue of mice exposed to DES or BPA. Histone H3 trimethylation was increased in MCF-7 cells treated with BPA or DES. Similarly, mice exposed to BPA or DES in utero showed increased mammary histone H3 trimethylation. Developmental programming of EZH2 is a novel mechanism by which in utero exposure to endocrine disruptors leads to epigenetic regulation of the mammary gland.
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Schug TT, Janesick A, Blumberg B, Heindel JJ. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and disease susceptibility. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 127:204-15. [PMID: 21899826 PMCID: PMC3220783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 693] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Environmental chemicals have significant impacts on biological systems. Chemical exposures during early stages of development can disrupt normal patterns of development and thus dramatically alter disease susceptibility later in life. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with the body's endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic and immune effects in humans. A wide range of substances, both natural and man-made, are thought to cause endocrine disruption, including pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and components of plastics such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. EDCs are found in many everyday products--including plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, food additives, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. EDCs interfere with the synthesis, secretion, transport, activity, or elimination of natural hormones. This interference can block or mimic hormone action, causing a wide range of effects. This review focuses on the mechanisms and modes of action by which EDCs alter hormone signaling. It also includes brief overviews of select disease endpoints associated with endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaddeus T Schug
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Cellular, Organ and Systems Pathobiology Branch, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Cao L, Zhou Y, Li X, Yi H. The relationship of haplotype in lactotransferrin and its expression levels in Chinese Han ovarian cancer. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2011; 43:884-90. [PMID: 21937479 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmr089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal DNA sequence polymorphisms may contribute to individuality, confer risk for diseases, and most commonly are used as genetic markers in association study. The iron-binding protein lactoferrin inhibits bacterial growth by sequestering essential iron and also exhibits antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities. The gene coding for lactotransferrin (LTF) is polymorphic, with the occurrence of several common alleles in the general population. This genetically determined variation can affect LTF functions. In this study, we determined the distribution of LTF gene polymorphisms (rs1126477, rs1126478, rs2073495, and rs9110) in the Chinese Han population and investigated whether these polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of ovarian carcinoma in the Chinese. It was found that the rs1126477 was correlated significantly with ovarian cancer. The frequency of A allele of rs1126477 was significantly higher in 700 ovarian cancer patients compared with that in the control group of 700 cases (P< 0.01, χ(2)= 6.79). The frequency of AA genotype was significantly higher in ovarian cancer patients compared with that in the control group (P< 0.05, χ(2)= 6.49). AA genotype is the risk factor of ovarian cancer. The odds ratio (OR) was 2.24 and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.08-4.59, respectively. The 'A-G-C-C' haplotype constructed with rs1126477, rs1126478, rs2073495, and rs9110 was the risk factor to be ovarian cancer. The expression of LTF gene was lower in individuals with 'A-G-C-C' haplotype compared with that in individuals without 'A-G-C-C' haplotype. These findings suggested that rs1126477 could play important roles in ovarian carcinoma physiological processes in the Chinese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqin Cao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xiangya Hosptial, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
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37
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Zhou Y, Wang W, Zheng D, Peng S, Xiong W, Ma J, Zeng Z, Wu M, Zhou M, Xiang J, Xiang B, Li X, Li X, Li G. Risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with polymorphic lactotransferrin haplotypes. Med Oncol 2011; 29:1456-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-011-0079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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38
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Fenton SE, Reed C, Newbold RR. Perinatal environmental exposures affect mammary development, function, and cancer risk in adulthood. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2011; 52:455-79. [PMID: 22017681 PMCID: PMC3477544 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010611-134659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Puberty is an important transition that enables reproduction of mammalian species. Precocious puberty, specifically early thelarche (the appearance of breast "buds"), in girls of multiple ethnic backgrounds is a major health problem in the United States and other countries. The cause for a continued decrease in the age of breast development in girls is unknown, but environmental factors likely play a major role. Laboratory and epidemiological studies have identified several individual environmental factors that affect breast development, but further progress is needed. Current research needs include increased attention to and recording of prenatal and neonatal environmental exposures, testing of marketed chemicals for effects on the mammary gland, and understanding of the mammary gland-specific mechanisms that are altered by chemicals. Such research is required to halt the increasing trend toward puberty at earlier ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E. Fenton
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Casey Reed
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
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39
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Epigenetics and chemical safety assessment. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2010; 705:83-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2010.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Revised: 03/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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40
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Simmons CD, Pabona JM, Zeng Z, Velarde MC, Gaddy D, Simmen FA, Simmen RCM. Response of adult mouse uterus to early disruption of estrogen receptor-alpha signaling is influenced by Krüppel-like factor 9. J Endocrinol 2010; 205:147-57. [PMID: 20164373 PMCID: PMC2972657 DOI: 10.1677/joe-09-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Inappropriate early exposure of the hormone-responsive uterus to estrogenic compounds is associated with increased risk for adult reproductive diseases including endometrial cancers. While the dysregulation of estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1) signaling is well acknowledged to mediate early events in tumor initiation, mechanisms contributing to sustained ESR1 activity later in life and leading to induction of oncogenic pathways remain poorly understood. We had shown previously that the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) represses ESR1 expression and activity in Ishikawa endometrial glandular epithelial cells. We hypothesized that KLF9 functions as a tumor suppressor, and that loss of its expression enhances ESR1 signaling. Here, we evaluated the contribution of KLF9 to early perturbations in uterine ESR1 signaling pathways elicited by the administration of synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) to wild-type (WT) and Klf9 null (KO) mice on postnatal days (PNDs) 1-5. Uterine tissues collected at PND84 were subjected to histological, immunological, and molecular analyses. Compared with WT mice, KO mice demonstrated larger endometrial glands and lower endometrial gland numbers; DES exposure exacerbated these differences. Loss of KLF9 expression resulted in increased glandular ESR1 immunoreactivity with DES, without effects on serum estradiol levels. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses indicated altered expression of uterine genes commonly dysregulated in endometrial cancers (Akt1, Mmp9, Slpi, and Tgfbeta1) and of those involved in growth regulation (Fos, Myc, Tert, and Syk), with loss of Klf9, alone or in concert with DES. Our data support a molecular network between KLF9 and ESR1 in the uterus, and suggest that silencing of KLF9 may contribute to endometrial dysfunctions initiated by aberrant estrogen action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - R C M Simmen
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, 15 Children’s Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, USA
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41
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Bredfeldt TG, Greathouse KL, Safe SH, Hung MC, Bedford MT, Walker CL. Xenoestrogen-induced regulation of EZH2 and histone methylation via estrogen receptor signaling to PI3K/AKT. Mol Endocrinol 2010; 24:993-1006. [PMID: 20351197 DOI: 10.1210/me.2009-0438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although rapid, membrane-activated estrogen receptor (ER) signaling is no longer controversial, the biological function of this nongenomic signaling is not fully characterized. We found that rapid signaling from membrane-associated ER regulates the histone methyltransferase enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2). In response to both 17beta-estradiol (E2) and the xenoestrogen diethylstilbestrol, ER signaling via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B phosphorylates EZH2 at S21, reducing levels of trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 in hormone-responsive cells. During windows of uterine development that are susceptible to developmental reprogramming, activation of this ER signaling pathway by diethylstilbestrol resulted in phosphorylation of EZH2 and reduced levels of trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 in chromatin of the developing uterus. Furthermore, activation of nongenomic signaling reprogrammed the expression profile of estrogen-responsive genes in uterine myometrial cells, suggesting this as a potential mechanism for developmental reprogramming caused by early-life exposure to xenoestrogens. These data demonstrate that rapid ER signaling provides a direct linkage between xenoestrogen-induced nuclear hormone receptor signaling and modulation of the epigenetic machinery during tissue development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany G Bredfeldt
- Department of Carcinogenesis, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park Research Division, 1808 Park Road 1C, P.O. Box 389, Smithville, Texas 78957, USA
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42
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Jefferson WN, Doerge D, Padilla-Banks E, Woodling KA, Kissling GE, Newbold R. Oral exposure to genistin, the glycosylated form of genistein, during neonatal life adversely affects the female reproductive system. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:1883-1889. [PMID: 20049207 PMCID: PMC2799462 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0900923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 07/27/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental exposure to environmental estrogens is associated with adverse consequences later in life. Exposure to genistin (GIN), the glycosylated form of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) found in soy products, is of concern because approximately 20% of U.S. infants are fed soy formula. High circulating levels of GEN have been measured in the serum of these infants, indicating that GIN is readily absorbed, hydrolyzed, and circulated. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether orally administered GIN is estrogenic in neonatal mice and whether it causes adverse effects on the developing female reproductive tract. METHODS Female CD-1 mice were treated on postnatal days 1-5 with oral GIN (6.25, 12.5, 25, or 37.5 mg/kg/day; GEN-equivalent doses), oral GEN (25, 37.5, or 75 mg/kg/day), or subcutaneous GEN (12.5, 20, or 25 mg/kg/day). Estrogenic activity was measured on day 5 by determining uterine wet weight gain and induction of the estrogen-responsive gene lactoferrin. Vaginal opening, estrous cyclicity, fertility, and morphologic alterations in the ovary/reproductive tract were examined. RESULTS Oral GIN elicited an estrogenic response in the neonatal uterus, whereas the response to oral GEN was much weaker. Oral GIN altered ovarian differentiation (i.e., multioocyte follicles), delayed vaginal opening, caused abnormal estrous cycles, decreased fertility, and delayed parturition. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the idea that the dose of the physiologically active compound reaching the target tissue, rather than the administered dose or route, is most important in modeling chemical exposures. This is particularly true with young animals in which phase II metabolism capacity is underdeveloped relative to adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy N Jefferson
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
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43
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Ma L. Endocrine disruptors in female reproductive tract development and carcinogenesis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2009; 20:357-63. [PMID: 19709900 PMCID: PMC2774851 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2009.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Revised: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Growing concerns over endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their effects on human fetal development and adult health have promoted research into the underlying molecular mechanisms of endocrine disruption. Gene targeting technology has allowed insight into the genetic pathways governing reproductive tract development and how exposure to EDCs during a critical developmental window can alter reproductive tract development, potentially forming the basis for adult diseases. This review primarily uses diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a model agent for EDCs and discusses the recent progress elucidating how DES and other EDCs affect murine female reproductive tract development and cancer at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and Department of Developmental Biology Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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44
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Newbold RR, Padilla-Banks E, Jefferson WN. Environmental estrogens and obesity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 304:84-9. [PMID: 19433252 PMCID: PMC2682588 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 02/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Many chemicals in the environment, in particular those with estrogenic activity, can disrupt the programming of endocrine signaling pathways that are established during development and result in adverse consequences that may not be apparent until much later in life. Most recently, obesity and diabetes join the growing list of adverse consequences that have been associated with developmental exposure to environmental estrogens during critical stages of differentiation. These diseases are quickly becoming significant public health issues and are fast reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. In this review, we summarize the literature from experimental animal studies documenting an association of environmental estrogens and the development of obesity, and further describe an animal model of exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) that has proven useful in studying mechanisms involved in abnormal programming of various differentiating estrogen-target tissues. Other examples of environmental estrogens including the phytoestrogen genistein and the environmental contaminant Bisphenol A are also discussed. Together, these data suggest new targets (i.e., adipocyte differentiation and molecular mechanisms involved in weight homeostasis) for abnormal programming by estrogenic chemicals, and provide evidence that support the scientific hypothesis termed "the developmental origins of adult disease". The proposal of an association of environmental estrogens with obesity and diabetes expands the focus on the diseases from intervention/treatment to include prevention/avoidance of chemical modifiers especially during critical windows of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Retha R Newbold
- Developmental Endocrinology and Endocrine Disruptor Section, Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States.
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45
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Zhou T, Chou J, Watkins PB, Kaufmann WK. Toxicogenomics: transcription profiling for toxicology assessment. EXS 2009; 99:325-66. [PMID: 19157067 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8336-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxicogenomics, the application of transcription profiling to toxicology, has been widely used for elucidating the molecular and cellular actions of chemicals and other environmental stressors on biological systems, predicting toxicity before any functional damages, and classification of known or new toxicants based on signatures of gene expression. The success of a toxicogenomics study depends upon close collaboration among experts in different fields, including a toxicologist or biologist, a bioinformatician, statistician, physician and, sometimes, mathematician. This review is focused on toxicogenomics studies, including transcription profiling technology, experimental design, significant gene extraction, toxicological results interpretation, potential pathway identification, database input and the applications of toxicogenomics in various fields of toxicological study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zhou
- Center for Drug Safety Sciences, The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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46
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Zhou Y, Zeng Z, Zhang W, Xiong W, Wu M, Tan Y, Yi W, Xiao L, Li X, Huang C, Cao L, Tang K, Li X, Shen S, Li G. Lactotransferrin: a candidate tumor suppressor-Deficient expression in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma and inhibition of NPC cell proliferation by modulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Int J Cancer 2008; 123:2065-72. [PMID: 18697201 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.23727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lactotransferrin (LTF) has been shown to regulate tumorogenesis. However, little is known about the role of LTF in regulating the development of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of our study was to investigate whether LTF could regulate the development of NPC by characterizing the pattern of LTF expression in human NPC tissues using cDNA and tissue microarrays. Loss of LTF expression was observed in a significantly higher frequency of NPC tissues compared to that in nontumor nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues. While 61.25% of NPC tissues at the T1/T2 stage were positive for LTF expression, only 40.82% of NPC at the T3/T4 stage were stained by anti-LTF. Similarly, 41.58% of NPC with local lymph node metastasis displayed LTF expression, a value significantly lower than the 46.36% in primary tumors (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that LTF may negatively regulate the development and metastasis of NPC in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of or treatment with LTF inhibited the proliferation of NPC cells and promoted cell cycle arrest at the G(0)/G(1) phase in vitro. While LTF treatment downregulated expression of cyclin D1 and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb), expression of p21 and p27 in 5-8F NPC cells was enhanced. Moreover, LTF treatment modulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, but did not affect p53 and STAT3 expression in 5-8F NPC cells. Thus LTF is likely to be a candidate tumor suppressor and downregulates the development of NPC by inhibiting NPC proliferation through induction of cell cycle arrest and modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore, our findings provide new insights in understanding the mechanism(s) underlying the action of LTF in regulating the development of human NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, People's Republic of China
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Singh KP, Roy D. Allelic loss and mutations in a new ETRG-1 gene are early events in diethylstilbestrol-induced renal carcinogenesis in Syrian hamsters. Gene 2008; 408:18-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2007.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2007] [Revised: 10/14/2007] [Accepted: 10/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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48
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Kaludjerovic J, Ward WE. Diethylstilbesterol has gender-specific effects on weight gain and bone development in mice. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2008; 71:1032-1042. [PMID: 18569612 DOI: 10.1080/15287390801988947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal exposure to diethylstilbesterol (DES) in female mice programs estrogen-sensitive tissues, resulting in greater body weight gain and positive effects on bone architecture at adulthood. Using the CD-1 mouse model, the objective of the present study was to examine how short-term neonatal exposure to DES modulates weight gain as well as bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength, and bone microarchitecture in both males and females at adulthood. Male and female offspring (n = 8-12 pups/treatment/gender) were randomized to DES (2 mg/kg bw/d) or control (corn oil) from postnatal day 1 to 5 (subcutaneous injection, once daily) and sacrificed at 4 mo of age. Body weight was measured weekly, while bone mineral, strength, and microarchitecture were measured at 4 mo of age. DES treatment resulted in significantly higher body weight in females but lower weight in males at 4 mo of age. In DES-treated females, markedly higher BMD of lumbar vertebrae (LV1-LV3) was translated into significantly stronger LV2 that was more resistant to fracture; similar effects were observed at the femur midpoint. At the spine, males had a markedly lower BMD and peak load, suggesting an adverse effect. Microstructural analyses demonstrated that functional changes in femurs, i.e., peak load, were primarily due to modulation of cortical bone. In conclusion, neonatal exposure to DES exerted gender-specific effects on body weight gain and bone health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Kaludjerovic
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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