Microarray analysis of gene expression in mouse (strain 129) embryonic stem cells after typical synthetic musk exposure

Could the Musk Compound Tonalide Affect Physiological Functions and Act as an Endocrine Disruptor in Rainbow Trout?

In the present study, the effect of polycyclic musk compound tonalide (AHTN) in two concentrations was studied in male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792). A feeding trial was conducted with AHTN incorporated into feed granules. One concentration was environmentally relevant (854 µg/kg); the second one was 10× higher (8699 µg/kg). The fish were fed twice a day with the amount of feed at 1 % of their body weight. After an acclimatization period, the experimental phase in duration of six weeks followed. At the end of the experiment, fish were sampled and the biometrical data were recorded. Subsequently, hematological and biochemical tests, histopathological examination, analysis of oxidative stress markers and evaluation of endocrine disruption using plasma vitellogenin were performed. In conclusion, an increase of hematocrit for both AHTN concentrations was found, but no significant changes were observed in biochemical profile. Moreover, AHTN caused lipid peroxidation in caudal kidney tissue, which was confirmed by histopathological images. The long-lasting AHTN exposure could thus be harmful for maintaining homeostasis in the rainbow trout organism. However, the vitellogenin concentration seemed not to be affected by AHTN.

Ambient and household air pollution: complex triggers of disease

Concentrations of outdoor air pollution are on the rise, particularly due to rapid urbanization worldwide. Alternatively, poor ventilation, cigarette smoke, and other toxic chemicals contribute to rising concentrations of indoor air pollution. The World Health Organization recently reported that deaths attributable to indoor and outdoor air pollutant exposure are more than double what was originally documented. Epidemiological, clinical, and animal data have demonstrated a clear connection between rising concentrations of air pollution (both indoor and outdoor) and a host of adverse health effects. During the past five years, animal, clinical, and epidemiological studies have explored the adverse health effects associated with exposure to both indoor and outdoor air pollutants throughout the various stages of life. This review provides a summary of the detrimental effects of air pollution through examination of current animal, clinical, and epidemiological studies and exposure during three different periods: maternal (in utero), early life, and adulthood. Additionally, we recommend future lines of research while suggesting conceivable strategies to curb exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants.