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de Bruijn VMP, Rietjens IMCM. From hazard to risk prioritization: a case study to predict drug-induced cholestasis using physiologically based kinetic modeling. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:3077-3095. [PMID: 38755481 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03775-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Cholestasis is characterized by hepatic accumulation of bile acids. Clinical manifestation of cholestasis only occurs in a small proportion of exposed individuals. The present study aims to develop a new approach methodology (NAM) to predict drug-induced cholestasis as a result of drug-induced hepatic bile acid efflux inhibition and the resulting bile acid accumulation. To this end, hepatic concentrations of a panel of drugs were predicted by a generic physiologically based kinetic (PBK) drug model. Their effects on hepatic bile acid efflux were incorporated in a PBK model for bile acids. The predicted bile acid accumulation was used as a measure for a drug's cholestatic potency. The selected drugs were known to inhibit hepatic bile acid efflux in an assay with primary suspension-cultured hepatocytes and classified as common, rare, or no for cholestasis incidence. Common cholestasis drugs included were atorvastatin, chlorpromazine, cyclosporine, glimepiride, ketoconazole, and ritonavir. The cholestasis incidence of the drugs appeared not to be adequately predicted by their Ki for inhibition of hepatic bile acid efflux, but rather by the AUC of the PBK model predicted internal hepatic drug concentration at therapeutic dose level above this Ki. People with slower drug clearance, a larger bile acid pool, reduced bile salt export pump (BSEP) abundance, or given higher than therapeutic dose levels were predicted to be at higher risk to develop drug-induced cholestasis. The results provide a proof-of-principle of using a PBK-based NAM for cholestasis risk prioritization as a result of transporter inhibition and identification of individual risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivonne M C M Rietjens
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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2
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Serra L, Estienne A, Bongrani A, Ramé C, Caria G, Froger C, Jolivet C, Henriot A, Amalric L, Corbin E, Guérif F, Froment P, Dupont J. The epoxiconazole and tebuconazole fungicides impair granulosa cells functions partly through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling with contrasted effects in obese, normo-weight and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. Toxicol Rep 2024; 12:65-81. [PMID: 38259722 PMCID: PMC10801249 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.12.009] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), frequently associated to obesity, is the main reproductive disorder in women in age to procreate. Some evidence suggests that pesticides can result in alterations of the female reproductive system, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Here, we detected two fungicides, Tebuconazole (Tb) and Epoxiconazole (Epox) in the soils and waters of French area. Our hypothesis is that these two triazoles could be associated to the etiology of PCOS. We used the human KGN cell line and primary human granulosa cells (hGCs) from different group of patients: normal weight non PCOS (NW), normal weight PCOS (PCOS NW), obese (obese) and obese PCOS (PCOS obese). We exposed in vitro these cells to Tb and Epox from 0 up to 10 mM for 24 and 48 h and analysed cell viability and steroidogenesis. In hGCs NW, cell viability was reduced from 12.5 µM for Tb and 75 µM for Epox. In hGCs NW, Epox decreased progesterone (Pg) and estradiol (E2) secretions and inhibited STAR, HSD3B and CYP19A1 mRNA expressions from 25 µM and increased AHR mRNA expression from 75 µM. Tb exposure also reduced steroid secretion and STAR and CYP19A1 mRNA expressions and increased AHR mRNA expression but at cytotoxic concentrations. Silencing of AHR in KGN cells reduced inhibitory effects of Tb and Epox on steroid secretion. Tb and Epox exposure decreased more steroid secretion in hGCs from obese, PCOS NW and PCOS obese groups than in NW group. Moreover, we found a higher gene expression of AHR within these three groups. Taken together, both Epox and Tb reduced steroidogenesis in hGCs through partly AHR and Tb was more cytotoxic than Epox. These triazoles alter more strongly PCOS and/or obese hGCs suggesting that human with reproductive disorders are more sensitive to triazoles exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loise Serra
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Anthony Estienne
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Alice Bongrani
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Christelle Ramé
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Giovanni Caria
- INRAE, Laboratoire d'Analyses des Sols, 273, rue de Cambrai, 62000 Arras, France
| | - Claire Froger
- INRAE Orléans - US 1106, Unité INFOSOL, Orléans, France
| | | | - Abel Henriot
- Division Laboratoires, BRGM, 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, 45060 Orleans Cedex 2, France
| | - Laurence Amalric
- Division Laboratoires, BRGM, 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, 45060 Orleans Cedex 2, France
| | - Emilie Corbin
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Fabrice Guérif
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, CHRU de Tours, F-37044 Tours, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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3
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Kadic A, Oles P, Fischer BC, Reetz AE, Sylla BS, Feiertag K, Ritz V, Heise T, Marx-Stoelting P, Tralau T, Renko K, Solano MDLM. In vitro and in vivo investigation of a thyroid hormone system-specific interaction with triazoles. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6503. [PMID: 38499550 PMCID: PMC10948911 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in thyroid hormones (TH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are frequently found following exposure to chemicals of concern. Dysregulation of TH levels can severely perturb physiological growth, metabolism, differentiation, homeostasis in the adult and developmental processes in utero. A frequently identified mode of action for this interaction is the induction of hepatic detoxification mechanisms (e.g. SULTs and UGTs), which lead to TH conjugation and elimination and therefore interfere with hormonal homeostasis, fulfilling the endocrine disruptors (EDs) definition. A short-term study in rats with dietary exposure to cyproconazole, epoxiconazole and prochloraz was conducted and hepatocyte hypertrophy, hepatic UGT activity and Phase 1/2 gene expression inductions were observed together with changes in TH levels and thyroid follicular hypertrophy and hyperplasia. To test for specific interaction with the thyroid hormone system, in vitro assays were conducted covering thyroidal I-uptake (NIS), TH transmembranal transport via MCT8 and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) function. Assays for iodothyronine deiodinases (DIO1-DIO3) and iodotyrosine deiodinase (DEHAL1) were included, and from the animal experiment, Dio1 and Dehal1 activities were measured in kidney and liver as relevant local indicators and endpoints. The fungicides did not affect any TH-specific KEs, in vitro and in vivo, thereby suggesting hepatic conjugation as the dominant MoA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asya Kadic
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Oles
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Christian Fischer
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Elisabeth Reetz
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (WE12), Freie University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Boubacar Sidiki Sylla
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katreece Feiertag
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vera Ritz
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tanja Heise
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tewes Tralau
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kostja Renko
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Marize de Lourdes Marzo Solano
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
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4
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Marciano LPA, Costa LF, Cardoso NS, Freire J, Feltrim F, Oliveira GS, Paula FBA, Silvério ACP, Martins I. Biomonitoring and risk assessment of human exposure to triazole fungicides. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 147:105565. [PMID: 38185363 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Risk assessment and biomarkers were evaluated in volunteers exposed to triazole fungicides in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Volunteers were divided into two groups: occupationally and environmentally exposed to pesticides (n = 140) and those unexposed (n = 50) from urban areas. Urine samples were analyzed by GC-MS for triazoles, and samples from men and women in the exposed group were quantified. Groups were further stratified by sex to evaluate the biomarkers results. Oxidative stress was indicated by biomarker analysis for occupationally exposed men with elevated malondialdehyde levels and reduced superoxide dismutase and catalase activity (p < 0.0001). Bile acid levels were also elevated in the exposed group (p < 0.0001). Biomarkers in this study suggest recent, reversible changes due to pesticide exposure. Liver enzyme levels showed no significant differences. The highest Estimated Daily Intake for epoxiconazole ranged from 0.534 to 6.31 μg/kg-bw/day for men and 0.657-8.77 μg/kg-bw/day for women in the exposed group. Considering the highest detected urinary triazole value, the calculated Hazard Quotient for epoxiconazole was 0.789 for men and 1.1 for women. Results indicate a health risk associated with environmental triazole exposure, highlighting the importance of biomonitoring in risk assessment to prevent intoxication and assist in mitigating adverse health effects from chronic pesticide exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz P A Marciano
- Laboratory of Toxicant and Drug Analyses, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St. 700, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | - Luiz F Costa
- Laboratory of Toxicant and Drug Analyses, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St. 700, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | - Naiane S Cardoso
- Clinical and Experimental Analysis Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St. 700, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | - Josiane Freire
- Laboratory of Toxicant and Drug Analyses, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St. 700, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Feltrim
- Laboratory of Toxicant and Drug Analyses, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St. 700, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | - Geovana S Oliveira
- Laboratory of Toxicant and Drug Analyses, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St. 700, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda B A Paula
- Clinical and Experimental Analysis Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St. 700, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
| | | | - Isarita Martins
- Laboratory of Toxicant and Drug Analyses, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva St. 700, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
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5
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Serra L, Estienne A, Caria G, Ramé C, Jolivet C, Froger C, Henriot A, Amalric L, Guérif F, Froment P, Dupont J. In vitro exposure to triazoles used as fungicides impairs human granulosa cells steroidogenesis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 104:104295. [PMID: 37852555 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Triazoles are the main components of fungicides used in conventional agriculture. Some data suggests that they may be endocrine disruptors. Here, we found five triazoles, prothioconazole, metconazole, difenoconazole, tetraconazole, and cyproconazole, in soil or water from the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. We then studied their effects from 0.001 µM to 1000 µM for 48 h on the steroidogenesis and cytotoxicity of ovarian cells from patients in this region and the human granulosa line KGN. In addition, the expression of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) nuclear receptor in KGN cells was studied. Overall, all triazoles reduced the secretion of progesterone, estradiol, or both at doses that were non-cytotoxic but higher than those found in the environment. This was mainly associated, depending on the triazole, with a decrease in the expression of CYP51, STAR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, or HSD3B proteins, or a combination thereof, in hGCs and KGN cells and an increase in AHR in KGN cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïse Serra
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Anthony Estienne
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Giovanni Caria
- INRAE, Laboratoire d'Analyses des Sols, 273, rue de Cambrai, 62000 Arras, France
| | - Christelle Ramé
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Claire Froger
- INRAE Orléans - US 1106, Unité INFOSOL, Orléans, France
| | - Abel Henriot
- Division Laboratoires, BRGM, 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, 45060 Orleans Cedex 2, France
| | - Laurence Amalric
- Division Laboratoires, BRGM, 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, 45060 Orleans Cedex 2, France
| | - Fabrice Guérif
- Service de Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, CHRU de Tours, F-37044 Tours, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.
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6
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Wu S, Daston G, Rose J, Blackburn K, Fisher J, Reis A, Selman B, Naciff J. Identifying chemicals based on receptor binding/bioactivation/mechanistic explanation associated with potential to elicit hepatotoxicity and to support structure activity relationship-based read-across. Curr Res Toxicol 2023; 5:100108. [PMID: 37363741 PMCID: PMC10285556 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2023.100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the most common target organ in toxicology studies. The development of chemical structural alerts for identifying hepatotoxicity will play an important role in in silico model prediction and help strengthen the identification of analogs used in structure activity relationship (SAR)- based read-across. The aim of the current study is development of an SAR-based expert-system decision tree for screening of hepatotoxicants across a wide range of chemistry space and proposed modes of action for clustering of chemicals using defined core chemical categories based on receptor-binding or bioactivation. The decision tree is based on ∼ 1180 different chemicals that were reviewed for hepatotoxicity information. Knowledge of chemical receptor binding, metabolism and mechanistic information were used to group these chemicals into 16 different categories and 102 subcategories: four categories describe binders to 9 different receptors, 11 categories are associated with possible reactive metabolites (RMs) and there is one miscellaneous category. Each chemical subcategory has been associated with possible modes of action (MOAs) or similar key structural features. This decision tree can help to screen potential liver toxicants associated with core structural alerts of receptor binding and/or RMs and be used as a component of weight of evidence decisions based on SAR read-across, and to fill data gaps.
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7
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Karaca M, Willenbockel CT, Tralau T, Bloch D, Marx-Stoelting P. Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic mixture effects of plant protection products: A case study. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 141:105400. [PMID: 37116736 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Authorisation of ready to use plant protection products (PPPs) usually relies on the testing of acute and local toxicity only. This is in stark contrast to the situation for active substances where the mandatory data set comprises a most comprehensive set of studies. While the combination of certain active ingredients and co-formulants may nevertheless result in increased toxicity of the final product such combinations have never been evaluated systematically for complex and long-term toxicological endpoints. We therefore investigated the effect of three frequently used co-formulants on the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic of the representative active substance combination of tebuconazol (Teb) and prothioconazol (Pro) or of cypermethrin (Cpm) and piperonyl butoxide (Pip), respectively. With all four active substances being potential liver steatogens, cytotoxicity and triglyceride accumulation in HepaRG were used as primary endpoints. Concomitantly transcriptomics and biochemical studies were applied to interrogate for effects on gene expression or inhibition of CYP3A4 as key enzyme for functionalization. Some of the tested combinations clearly showed more than additive effects, partly due to CYP3A4 enzyme inhibition. Other effects comprised the modulation of the expression and activity of steatosis-related nuclear key receptors. Altogether, the findings highlight the need for a more systematic consideration of toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic mixture effects during assessment of PPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mawien Karaca
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany; Technical University of Berlin, Institute for Chemistry, Straße des 17. Juni 115, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Tobias Willenbockel
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tewes Tralau
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Denise Bloch
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany; Technical University of Berlin, Institute for Chemistry, Straße des 17. Juni 115, 10623, Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Weng Y, Xu T, Wang C, Jin Y. Oral Exposure to Epoxiconazole Disturbed the Gut Micro-Environment and Metabolic Profiling in Male Mice. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040522. [PMID: 37110180 PMCID: PMC10144212 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epoxiconazole (EPX), a triazole fungicide, is widely used in agriculture to control pests and diseases. High residual and occupational exposure to EPX increases health risks, and evidence of potential harm to mammals remains to be added. In the present study, 6-week-old male mice were exposed to 10 and 50 mg/kg bw EPX for 28 days. The results showed that EPX significantly increased the liver weights. EPX also decreased the mucus secretion of the colon and altered intestinal barrier function in mice including a reduced expression of some genes (Muc2, meprinβ, tjp1). Moreover, EPX altered the composition and abundance of gut microbiota in the colon of mice. The alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson) in the gut microbiota increased after exposure to EPX for 28 days. Interestingly, EPX increased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroides and the abundance of other harmful bacteria including Helicobacter and Alistipes. Based on the untargeted metabolomic analysis, it was found that EPX altered the metabolic profiles of the liver in mice. KEGG analysis of differential metabolites revealed that EPX disrupted the pathway related to glycolipid metabolism, and the mRNA levels of related genes were also confirmed. In addition, the correlation analysis showed that the most altered harmful bacteria were associated with some significantly altered metabolites. The findings highlight that EPX exposure changed the micro-environment and lipid metabolism disturbance. These results also suggest that the potential toxicity of triazole fungicides to mammals cannot be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Weng
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Ting Xu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Caihong Wang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
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9
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Feiertag K, Karaca M, Fischer B, Heise T, Bloch D, Opialla T, Tralau T, Kneuer C, Marx-Stoelting P. Mixture effects of co-formulants and two plant protection products in a liver cell line. EXCLI JOURNAL 2023; 22:221-236. [PMID: 36998705 PMCID: PMC10043434 DOI: 10.17179/excli2022-5648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Plant protection products (PPPs) consist of one or more active substances and several co-formulants. Active substances provide the functionality of the PPP and are consequently evaluated according to standard test methods set by legal data requirements before approval, whereas co-formulants' toxicity is not as comprehensively assessed. However, in some cases mixture effects of active substances and co-formulants might result in increased or different forms of toxicity. In a proof-of-concept study we hence built on previously published results of Zahn et al. (2018[38]) on the mixture toxicity of Priori Xtra® and Adexar® to specifically investigate the influence of co-formulants on the toxicity of these commonly used fungicides. Products, their respective active substances in combination as well as some co-formulants were applied to human hepatoma cell line (HepaRG) in several dilutions. Cell viability analysis, mRNA expression, abundance of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes and intracellular concentrations of active substances determined by LC-MS/MS analyses demonstrated that the toxicity of the PPPs is influenced by the presence of co-formulants in vitro. PPPs were more cytotoxic than the mix of their active substances. Gene expression profiles of cells treated with the PPPs were similar to those treated with their respective mixture combinations with marked differences. Co-formulants can cause gene expression changes on their own. LC-MS/MS analyses revealed higher intracellular concentrations of active substances in cells treated with PPPs compared to those treated with the respective active substances' mix. Proteomic data showed co-formulants can induce ABC transporters and CYP enzymes. Co-formulants can contribute to the observed increased toxicity of PPPs compared to their active substances in combination due to kinetic interactions, necessitating a more comprehensive evaluation approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katreece Feiertag
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mawien Karaca
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Fischer
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tanja Heise
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Denise Bloch
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Opialla
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tewes Tralau
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Kneuer
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Berlin, Germany
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed: Philip Marx-Stoelting, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; Tel.: +49 30 1841226600, E-mail:
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10
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Serra L, Bourdon G, Estienne A, Fréville M, Ramé C, Chevaleyre C, Didier P, Chahnamian M, Ganier P, Pinault F, Froment P, Dupont J. Triazole pesticides exposure impaired steroidogenesis associated to an increase in AHR and CAR expression in testis and altered sperm parameters in chicken. Toxicol Rep 2023; 10:409-427. [PMID: 37025555 PMCID: PMC10070196 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since several decades, we observe the decline of various bird populations that could be partly linked to the agricultural intensification and the use of large amount of pesticides. Even if triazoles compounds are the most widely used fungicides, their effects on the reproductive parameters in birds are not clearly known. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro effects of 8 triazoles compounds alone (propiconazole (PP, from 0 to 10 µM), prothioconazole (PT), epoxiconazole (Epox), tetraconazole (TT), tebuconazole (TB), difenoconazole (Dif), cyproconazole (Cypro), metconazole (MC) (from 0 to 1 mM)) on the male chicken reproductive functions by using testis explants, primary Sertoli cells and sperm samples. In testis, all triazoles at the higher concentrations for 48 h inhibited lactate and testosterone secretion mostly in association with reduced expression of HSD3B and/or STAR mRNA levels. These data were also associated with increased expression of the nuclear receptors Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) and Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) mRNA levels in testis and for all triazoles except for PP a reduction in Sertoli cell viability. When focusing on the sperm parameters, we demonstrated that most of the triazoles (MC, Epox, Dif, TB, TT and Cypro) at 0.1 or 1 mM for either 2, 12 or 24 min of exposure decreased sperm motility and velocity and increased the percentage of spermatozoa abnormal morphology. At the opposite, PP increased sperm motility in a dose dependent manner after 2 min of exposure whereas no significant effect was observed in response to PT whatever the dose and the time of exposure. Moreover, these effects were associated with an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species in spermatozoa. Taken together, most of the triazoles compounds impair testis steroidogenesis and semen parameters potentially through an increase in AHR and CAR expression and in oxidative stress, respectively. Data Availability Statement All the data will be available.
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11
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Knebel C, Süssmuth RD, Hammer HS, Braeuning A, Marx-Stoelting P. New Approach Methods for Hazard Identification: A Case Study with Azole Fungicides Affecting Molecular Targets Associated with the Adverse Outcome Pathway for Cholestasis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203293. [PMID: 36291160 PMCID: PMC9600068 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Triazole fungicides such as propiconazole (Pi) or tebuconazole (Te) show hepatotoxicity in vivo, e.g., hypertrophy and vacuolization of liver cells following interaction with nuclear receptors such as PXR (pregnane-X-receptor) and CAR (constitutive androstane receptor). Accordingly, azoles affect gene expression associated with these adverse outcomes in vivo but also in human liver cells in vitro. Additionally, genes indicative of liver cholestasis are affected in vivo and in vitro. We therefore analyzed the capability of Pi and Te to cause cholestasis in an adverse outcome pathway (AOP)-driven approach in hepatic cells of human origin in vitro, considering also previous in vivo studies. Bile salt export pump (BSEP) activity assays confirmed that both azoles are weak inhibitors of BSEP. They alternate the expression of various cholestasis-associated target genes and proteins as well as the mitochondrial membrane function. Published in vivo data, however, demonstrate that neither Pi nor Te cause cholestasis in rodent bioassays. This discrepancy can be explained by the in vivo concentrations of both azoles being well below their EC50 for BSEP inhibition. From a regulatory perspective, this illustrates that toxicogenomics and human in vitro models are valuable tools to detect the potential of a substance to cause a specific type of toxicity. To come to a sound regulatory conclusion on the in vivo relevance of such a finding, results will have to be considered in a broader context also including toxicokinetics in a weight-of-evidence approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Knebel
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Street 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roderich D. Süssmuth
- Institute of Chemistry, Technical University Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Helen S. Hammer
- Signatope GmbH, Markwiesenstrasse 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Albert Braeuning
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Street 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (P.M.-S.); Tel.: +49-(0)30-18412-25100 (A.B.); Fax: +49-(0)30-18412-63758 (A.B.)
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- Department Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Street 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (P.M.-S.); Tel.: +49-(0)30-18412-25100 (A.B.); Fax: +49-(0)30-18412-63758 (A.B.)
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12
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Braeuning A, Bloch D, Karaca M, Kneuer C, Rotter S, Tralau T, Marx-Stoelting P. An approach for mixture testing and prioritization based on common kinetic groups. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:1661-1671. [PMID: 35306572 PMCID: PMC9095521 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03264-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In light of an ever-increasing exposure to chemicals, the topic of potential mixture toxicity has gained increased attention, particularly as the toxicological toolbox to address such questions has vastly improved. Routinely toxicological risk assessments will rely on the analysis of individual compounds with mixture effects being considered only in those specific cases where co-exposure is foreseeable, for example for pesticides or food contact materials. In the field of pesticides, active substances are summarized in so-called cumulative assessment groups (CAG) which are primarily based on their toxicodynamic properties, that is, respective target organs and mode of action (MoA). In this context, compounds causing toxicity by a similar MoA are assumed to follow a model of dose/concentration addition (DACA). However, the respective approach inherently falls short of addressing cases where there are dissimilar or independent MoAs resulting in wider toxicokinetic effects. Yet, the latter are often the underlying cause when effects deviate from the DACA model. In the present manuscript, we therefore suggest additionally to consider toxicokinetic effects (especially related to xenobiotic metabolism and transporter interaction) for the grouping of substances to predict mixture toxicity. In line with the concept of MoA-based CAGs, we propose common kinetics groups (CKGs) as an additional tool for grouping of chemicals and mixture prioritization. Fundamentals of the CKG concept are discussed, along with challenges for its implementation, and methodological approaches and examples are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Braeuning
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Denise Bloch
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mawien Karaca
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Kneuer
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Rotter
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tewes Tralau
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
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13
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Johnson KJ, Costa E, Marshall V, Sriram S, Venkatraman A, Stebbins K, LaRocca J. A microRNA or messenger RNA point of departure estimates an apical endpoint point of departure in a rat developmental toxicity model. Birth Defects Res 2022; 114:559-576. [PMID: 35596682 PMCID: PMC9324934 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2046] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Traditional developmental toxicity testing practice examines fetal apical endpoints to identify a point of departure (POD) for risk assessment. A potential new testing paradigm involves deriving a POD from a comprehensive analysis of molecular-level change. Here, the rat ketoconazole endocrine-mediated developmental toxicity model was used to test the hypothesis that maternal epigenomic (miRNA) and transcriptomic (mRNA) PODs are similar to fetal apical endpoint PODs. Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed from gestation day (GD) 6-21 to 0, 0.063, 0.2, 0.63, 2, 6.3, 20, or 40 mg/kg/day ketoconazole. Dam systemic, liver, and placenta PODs, along with GD 21 fetal resorption, body weight, and skeletal apical PODs were derived using BMDS software. GD 21 dam liver and placenta miRNA and mRNA PODs were obtained using three methods: a novel individual molecule POD accumulation method, a first mode method, and a gene set method. Dam apical POD values ranged from 2.0 to 38.6 mg/kg/day; the lowest value was for placenta histopathology. Fetal apical POD values were 10.9-20.3 mg/kg/day; the lowest value was for fetal resorption. Dam liver miRNA and mRNA POD values were 0.34-0.69 mg/kg/day, and placenta miRNA and mRNA POD values were 2.53-6.83 mg/kg/day. Epigenomic and transcriptomic POD values were similar across liver and placenta. Deriving a molecular POD from dam liver or placenta was protective of a fetal apical POD. These data support the conclusion that a molecular POD can be used to estimate, or be protective of, a developmental toxicity apical POD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valerie Marshall
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories, Inc., Greenfield, Indiana, USA
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14
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Yang G, Weng Y, Zhao Y, Wang D, Luo T, Jin Y. Transcriptomic and targeted metabolomic analysis revealed the toxic effects of prochloraz on larval zebrafish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153625. [PMID: 35124026 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prochloraz (PCZ), an imidazole fungicide, has been extensively used in horticulture and agriculture to protect against pests and diseases. To investigate the potential toxicity of PCZ on aquatic organisms, larval zebrafish, as a model, were exposed to a series of concentrations (0, 20, 100, and 500 μg/L) of PCZ for 7 days. With transcriptomic analysis, we found that exposure to high dose PCZ could produce 76 downregulated and 345 upregulated differential expression genes (DEGs). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that most of the DEGs were characterized in the pathways of glycolipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and oxidative stress in larval zebrafish. Targeted metabolomic analysis was conducted to verify the effects of PCZ on the levels of acyl-carnitines and some amino acids in larval zebrafish. In addition, biochemical indicators related to glycolipid metabolism were affected obviously, manifested as elevated triglyceride (TG) levels and decreased glucose (Glu) levels in whole larvae. The expression levels of genes associated with glycolipid metabolism were affected in larvae after exposure to PCZ (PK, GK, PEPckc, SREBP, ACO). Interestingly, we further confirmed that PCZ could induce oxidative stress by the changing enzyme activities (T-GSH, GSSG) and upregulating several related genes levels in larval zebrafish. Generally, our results revealed that the endpoints related to glycolipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and oxidative stress were influenced by PCZ in larval zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiling Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agro-products Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - You Weng
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agro-products Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, Zhejiang, China; College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Dou Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agro-products Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Institute of Agro-products Safety and Nutrition, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, Zhejiang, China; College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China.
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15
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Le Corre L, Brulport A, Vaiman D, Chagnon MC. Epoxiconazole alters the histology and transcriptome of mouse liver in a transgenerational pattern. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 360:109952. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Hamdi H, Ben Othmene Y, Khlifi A, Hallara E, Houas Z, Najjar MF, Abid-Essefi S. Subchronic exposure to Epoxiconazole induced-heart damage in male Wistar rats. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 182:105034. [PMID: 35249655 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Epoxiconazole is a worldwide fungicide used to control fungal diseases. Although to its hazardous effects in non-target species, little information is available in the literature to show the cardiotoxic effects of EPX in male rats. Thus, our investigation aimed to assess the outcomes of EPX exposure on some biochemical parameters, the generation of oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation and histopathological alterations in the heart tissue. EPX was administered orally at doses of 8, 24, 40 and 56 mg/kg body weight, representing, respectively NOEL (No observed effect level), NOEL× 3, NOEL× 5 and NOEL× 7 for 28 consecutive days in male Wistar rats. Our results show that EPX induced a significant decrease of cardiac acetylcholinesterase, an increase of biochemical markers, such as creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and a perturbation of the lipid profile. Furthermore, EPX caused diverse histological modifications in the myocardium, including congestion of cardiac blood vessels, cytoplasmic vacuolization, leucocytic infiltration and hemorrhage. Indeed, we have shown that EPX induces increase of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation levels and DNA damage. On the other hand, we have found an increase of the antioxidant enzymes activity such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S tranferase initially enhanced at the doses of 8, 24, and 40 mg/kg b.w. and then decreased at the dose of 56 mg/kg b.w. In conclusion, our work has shown that EPX causes cardiotoxic effects by altering redox status and damaging heart tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Hamdi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Ben Othmene
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Aida Khlifi
- Research Laboratory "Bioressources: Integrative Biology & Valorisation, University of Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Elhem Hallara
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Fattouma Bourguiba University, Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Zohra Houas
- Laboratory of Histology and Cytogenetic (Research Unit of Genetic, Genotoxicity and Childhood Illness UR12ES10), Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Street Avicenne, Monastir 5019, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Fadhel Najjar
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Fattouma Bourguiba University, Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Salwa Abid-Essefi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia.
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17
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Machado SC, Souza BM, de Aguiar Marciano LP, Souza Pereira AF, Lima Brigagão MRP, Machado Viana AL, Rodrigues MR, Martins I. Endpoints as human biomarkers in exposure assessment of triazoles fungicides. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 87:103703. [PMID: 34265456 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Potential endpoint biomarkers were evaluated in the assessment of exposure to triazoles, in the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Volunteers were divided into three groups: occupationally exposed and rural residents (n = 21), non-occupationally exposed and rural residents (n = 35) and non-occupationally exposed and urban residents (n = 30). Of all endpoints evaluated, plasma concentration of androstenedione (p < 0.001) and glycine-conjugated bile acids presented statistical differences in the three studied groups (p < 0.05). However, our findings concerning oxidative stress and testosterone levels, plus that related to unconjugated and taurine conjugated bile acids, suggested that more studies are necessary to evaluate their potential as biomarkers for triazole exposure, as statistical significance was not attained between the groups. Our human population data contributes to the development of triazole exposure risk assessment with respect to these potential effect biomarkers, in potentially vulnerable groups and individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Caetani Machado
- Laboratory of Toxicants and Drugs Analysis - LATF, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva street, 700, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruna Maciel Souza
- Laboratory of Toxicants and Drugs Analysis - LATF, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva street, 700, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz Paulo de Aguiar Marciano
- Laboratory of Toxicants and Drugs Analysis - LATF, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva street, 700, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Flávia Souza Pereira
- Laboratory of Toxicants and Drugs Analysis - LATF, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva street, 700, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | | | - André Luiz Machado Viana
- Laboratory of Clinical Analysis - LACEN, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva street, 700, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Rita Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Clinical Analysis - LACEN, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva street, 700, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Isarita Martins
- Laboratory of Toxicants and Drugs Analysis - LATF, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas - Unifal-MG, Gabriel Monteiro da Silva street, 700, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil.
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18
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Weng Y, Huang Z, Wu A, Yu Q, Lu H, Lou Z, Lu L, Bao Z, Jin Y. Embryonic toxicity of epoxiconazole exposure to the early life stage of zebrafish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 778:146407. [PMID: 34030390 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Epoxiconazole (EPX), as a broad-spectrum triazole fungicide, is widely used in agriculture to resist pests and diseases, while it may have potential toxicity to non-target organisms. In the present study, early developmental stage zebrafish were used as the subject organisms to assess the toxicity of EPX, and the possible mechanism of toxicity was also discussed by biochemical and transcriptomic analysis. Through embryo toxicity test, we had made it clear that the 96 h LC50 of embryo was 7.204 mg/L, and acute exposure to EPX effected hatching rate, heartbeats, body length and even morphological defects. Then, by being exposed to EPX for 7 days at concentrations of 175 (1/40 LC50), 350 (1/20 LC50) and 700 (1/10 LC50), biochemical parameters were affected, mainly manifested as increase of the triglyceride (TG) level and decrease of glucose content. Correspondingly, the transcription of genes related of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and cholesterol metabolism were also affected significantly in larval zebrafish. Moreover, some pathways, including lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism and amino acid metabolism were affected through transcriptome sequencing analysis in the larval zebrafish. Further data analysis based on the sequencing, EPX exposure also affected the expression of genes related to cell apoptosis. We further conformed that the bright fluorescence on the liver and bright spots near the liver by acridine orange staining. In addition, the mRNA levels of apoptosis related genes were also significantly affected in the EPX exposed larval zebrafish. Taken together, the work could provide an insight into toxic effects of EPX on the zebrafish larvae at embryo toxicity and transcriptional levels, providing some evidences for the toxic effects of triazole fungicides on non-target organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Weng
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Zhuizui Huang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Anyi Wu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Qianxuan Yu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Huahui Lu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Ze Lou
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Longxi Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang 310051, China.
| | - Zhiwei Bao
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China.
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19
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Freitas RMP, Linhares BS, Oliveira JM, Leite JPV, da Matta SLP, Gonçalves RV, Freitas MB. Tebuconazole-induced toxicity and the protective effect of Ficus carica extract in Neotropical fruit-eating bats. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 275:129985. [PMID: 33640742 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tebuconazole (TEB) is a triazole fungicide widely used in agriculture known to cause metabolic and endocrine disorders in mammals. Several plant extracts have shown to be beneficial against pesticide effects due to their hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As fruit bats play a critical role in rainforest regeneration and are constantly exposed to pesticides, we aimed at evaluating TEB-induced toxicity and the possible protective effect of the Ficus carica plant extract in Neotropical fruit-eating bats (Artibeus lituratus). Bats were captured and assigned to 4 experimental groups, offered: 1) CTL (n = 6): papaya; 2) DMSO (n = 6): papaya treated with 1.25% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); 3) TEB (n = 6): papaya treated with tebuconazole (commercial formulation) 0.1%; and 4) TEBFC (n = 6): papaya treated with tebuconazole 0.1% and Ficus carica extract (20%) in DMSO (1.25%). After seven days of exposure, TEB bats showed increased lipid peroxidation, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, vascular congestion and inflammatory infiltrate in the liver, and increased serum transaminase enzyme activities. We found the same alterations in oxidative stress parameters in the breast muscles of TEB-exposed bats. In the testes, all oxidative stress markers were increased in TEB bats and corroborate findings of histopathological and increased serum testosterone levels observed following TEB exposure. The co-administration of the fungicide with the F. carica plant extract attenuated most oxidative stress markers in exposed bats' liver and testes and decreased liver damage, but failed to revert the steroid imbalance caused by the fungicide exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata M P Freitas
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Barbara S Linhares
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Jerusa M Oliveira
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Histology and Embryology Sector, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil
| | - João Paulo V Leite
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mariella B Freitas
- Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
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20
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Hammer H, Schmidt F, Marx-Stoelting P, Pötz O, Braeuning A. Cross-species analysis of hepatic cytochrome P450 and transport protein expression. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:117-133. [PMID: 33150952 PMCID: PMC7811513 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02939-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Most drugs and xenobiotics are metabolized in the liver. Amongst others, different cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes catalyze the metabolic conversion of foreign compounds, and various transport proteins are engaged in the excretion of metabolites from the hepatocytes. Inter-species and inter-individual differences in the hepatic levels and activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters result from genetic as well as from environmental factors, and play a decisive role in determining the pharmacokinetic properties of a compound in a given test system. To allow for a meaningful comparison of results from metabolism studies, it is, therefore, of utmost importance to know about the specific metabolic properties of the test systems, especially about the levels of metabolic enzymes such as the CYPs. Using a targeted proteomics approach, we, therefore, compared the hepatic levels of important CYP enzymes and transporters in different experimental systems in vivo and in vitro, namely Wistar rats, C57/Bl6 mice, mice humanized for the two xeno-sensing receptors PXR (pregnane-X-receptor) and CAR (constitutive androstane receptor), mice with human hepatocyte-repopulated livers, human HepaRG hepatocarcinoma cells, primary human hepatocytes, and human liver biopsies. In addition, the effects of xenobiotic inducers of drug metabolism on CYP enzymes and transporters were analyzed in selected systems. This study for the first time presents a comprehensive overview of similarities and differences in important drug metabolism-related proteins among the different experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Hammer
- Signatope, Markwiesenstraße 55, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Felix Schmidt
- Signatope, Markwiesenstraße 55, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Pötz
- Signatope, Markwiesenstraße 55, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Albert Braeuning
- Department of Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
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21
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Küblbeck J, Niskanen J, Honkakoski P. Metabolism-Disrupting Chemicals and the Constitutive Androstane Receptor CAR. Cells 2020; 9:E2306. [PMID: 33076503 PMCID: PMC7602645 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last two decades, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR; NR1I3) has emerged as a master activator of drug- and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and transporters that govern the clearance of both exogenous and endogenous small molecules. Recent studies indicate that CAR participates, together with other nuclear receptors (NRs) and transcription factors, in regulation of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism, hepatocyte communication, proliferation and toxicity, and liver tumor development in rodents. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) constitute a wide range of persistent organic compounds that have been associated with aberrations of hormone-dependent physiological processes. Their adverse health effects include metabolic alterations such as diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease in animal models and humans exposed to EDCs. As numerous xenobiotics can activate CAR, its role in EDC-elicited adverse metabolic effects has gained much interest. Here, we review the key features and mechanisms of CAR as a xenobiotic-sensing receptor, species differences and selectivity of CAR ligands, contribution of CAR to regulation hepatic metabolism, and evidence for CAR-dependent EDC action therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Küblbeck
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland;
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Jonna Niskanen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Paavo Honkakoski
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210 Kuopio, Finland;
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 7569, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7569, USA
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22
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Hammer H, Schmidt F, Heise T, Knebel C, Dabrowski A, Planatscher H, Kneuer C, Marx-Stoelting P, Pötz O. Induction and repression effects on CYP and transporter protein abundance by azole mixture uptake in rat liver. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:904-916. [PMID: 33343269 PMCID: PMC7744963 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-2311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Detection of mixture effects is a major challenge in current experimental and regulatory toxicology. Robust markers are needed that are easy to quantify and responsive to chemical stressors in a broad dose range. Several hepatic enzymes and proteins related to drug metabolism like cytochrome-P-450 (CYP) enzymes and transporters have been shown to be responsive to pesticide active substances in a broad dose range and are therefore good candidates to be used as markers for mixture toxicity. Even though they can be well quantified at the mRNA level, quantification on the protein level is challenging because most of these proteins are membrane bound. Here we report the development of mass spectrometry-based assays using triple-x-proteomics (TXP) antibodies in combination with targeted selected ion monitoring (tSIM) to quantify changes of protein levels due to exposure to mixtures of pesticide active substances. Our results indicate that changes on the protein level of CYP1A1, ABCB2, ABCC3 are in line with observations on the mRNA and enzyme activity level and are indicative of mixture effects. Therefore, the tests are promising to reveal effects by chemical mixture effects in toxicological studies in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Hammer
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
- SIGNATOPE GmbH, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Flavia Schmidt
- BfR, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tanja Heise
- BfR, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Constanze Knebel
- BfR, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Dabrowski
- BfR, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannes Planatscher
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
- SIGNATOPE GmbH, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Carsten Kneuer
- BfR, Department of Pesticides Safety, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Pötz
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
- SIGNATOPE GmbH, Reutlingen, Germany
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23
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The Connection of Azole Fungicides with Xeno-Sensing Nuclear Receptors, Drug Metabolism and Hepatotoxicity. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051192. [PMID: 32403288 PMCID: PMC7290820 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Azole fungicides, especially triazole compounds, are widely used in agriculture and as pharmaceuticals. For a considerable number of agricultural azole fungicides, the liver has been identified as the main target organ of toxicity. A number of previous studies points towards an important role of nuclear receptors such as the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), the pregnane-X-receptor (PXR), or the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), within the molecular pathways leading to hepatotoxicity of these compounds. Nuclear receptor-mediated hepatic effects may comprise rather adaptive changes such as the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes, to hepatocellular hypertrophy, histopathologically detectable fatty acid changes, proliferation of hepatocytes, and the promotion of liver tumors. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of the interaction of major agricultural azole-class fungicides with the three nuclear receptors CAR, PXR, and AHR in vivo and in vitro. Nuclear receptor activation profiles of the azoles are presented and related to histopathological findings from classic toxicity studies. Important issues such as species differences and multi-receptor agonism and the consequences for data interpretation and risk assessment are discussed.
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24
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Hepatotoxicity of the pesticides imazalil, thiacloprid and clothianidin - Individual and mixture effects in a 28-day study in female Wistar rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 140:111306. [PMID: 32229153 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to pesticide residues through various food products. As these residues can occur in mixtures, there is a need to investigate possible mixture effects on human health. Recent exposure studies revealed the preponderance of imazalil, thiacloprid, and clothianidin in food diets. In this study, we assessed their toxicity alone and in binary mixtures in a 28-day gavage study in female Wistar rats. Five dose levels (up to 350 mg/kg bw/day) ranging from a typical toxicological reference value to a clear effect dose were applied. Data show that the liver was a target organ of all pesticides and their mixtures. Increases in liver weight were observed and histopathological examination revealed centrilobular hepatocellular hypertrophy and cytoplasm degeneration for all treatment conditions. No accumulation of hepatic triglycerides was reported. Tissue residue analysis showed altered pesticide residues in the liver and the kidney when being in mixture as compared to the levels of pesticide residues for the single compound treatment, indicating possible toxicokinetic interactions. Overall, all mixtures appeared to follow the additivity concept, even though quantitative analysis was limited for some endpoints due to the semi-quantitative nature of the data, raising no specific concern for the risk assessment of the examined pesticides.
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25
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Braeuning A, Mentz A, Schmidt FF, Albaum SP, Planatscher H, Kalinowski J, Joos TO, Poetz O, Lichtenstein D. RNA-protein correlation of liver toxicity markers in HepaRG cells. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:135-153. [PMID: 32194361 PMCID: PMC7068204 DOI: 10.17179/excli2019-2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a main target organ for the toxicity of many different compounds. While in general, in vivo testing is still routinely used for assessing the hepatotoxic potential of test chemicals, the use of in vitro models offers advantages with regard to throughput, consumption of resources, and animal welfare aspects. Using the human hepatoma cell line HepaRG, we performed a comparative evaluation of a panel of hepatotoxicity marker mRNAs and proteins after exposure of the cells to 30 different pesticidal active compounds comprising herbizides, fungicides, insecticides, and others. The panel of hepatotoxicity markers included nuclear receptor target genes, key players of fatty acid and bile acid metabolism-related pathways, as well as recently identified biomarkers of drug-induced liver injury. Moreover, marker genes and proteins were identified, for example, S100P, ANXA10, CYP1A1, and CYP7A1. These markers respond with high sensitivity to stimulation with chemically diverse test compounds already at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The potency of the test compounds, determined as an overall parameter of their ability to deregulate marker expression in vitro, was very similar between the mRNA and protein levels. Thus, this study does not only characterize the response of human liver cells to 30 different pesticides but also demonstrates that hepatotoxicity testing in human HepaRG cells yields well comparable results at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, robust hepatotoxicity marker genes and proteins were identified in HepaRG cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Braeuning
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Dept. Food Safety, Berlin, Germany
| | - Almut Mentz
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Stefan P. Albaum
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Jörn Kalinowski
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universität Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas O. Joos
- Signatope GmbH, Reutlingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen,Germany
| | - Oliver Poetz
- Signatope GmbH, Reutlingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen,Germany
| | - Dajana Lichtenstein
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Dept. Food Safety, Berlin, Germany
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26
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Wittkowski P, Marx-Stoelting P, Violet N, Fetz V, Schwarz F, Oelgeschläger M, Schönfelder G, Vogl S. Caenorhabditis elegans As a Promising Alternative Model for Environmental Chemical Mixture Effect Assessment-A Comparative Study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:12725-12733. [PMID: 31536708 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
A key challenge of mixture toxicity testing is that a multitude of substances with even more combinations need to be tested in a broad dose range. Consequently testing in rodent bioassays, the current gold standard of toxicity testing, is hardly feasible. High-throughput compatible cell culture systems, however, suffer from limitations with respect to toxicokinetics, tissue interactions, and compensatory mechanisms. Therefore, simple organisms like the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, combining relevant advantages of complex in vivo and fast in vitro assays might prove highly valuable within a testing strategy for mixtures. To investigate the comparability between results obtained with C. elegans and traditional rodent assays, we used five azole fungicides as well investigated model substances. Our findings suggest that azoles act additively in C. elegans which is in line with previous results in rats. Additionally, we show that toxicokinetics are one important factor for the differences in the relative toxicity of the azoles in both species. Importantly, we also demonstrate that in contrast to most rodent in vivo studies, C. elegans assays provide well-defined concentration-response relationships which are a very good basis for the prediction of mixture effects. We conclude that C. elegans may be an appropriate model for mixture toxicity testing at least within a first step to identify and prioritize relevant mixtures for further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Wittkowski
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment , German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) , 10589 Berlin , Germany
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment , German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) , 10589 Berlin , Germany
| | - Norman Violet
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment , German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) , 10589 Berlin , Germany
| | - Verena Fetz
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment , German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) , 10589 Berlin , Germany
| | - Franziska Schwarz
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment , German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) , 10589 Berlin , Germany
| | - Michael Oelgeschläger
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment , German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) , 10589 Berlin , Germany
| | - Gilbert Schönfelder
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment , German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) , 10589 Berlin , Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin , Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health , 10117 Berlin , Germany
| | - Silvia Vogl
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment , German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R) , 10589 Berlin , Germany
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27
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Albrecht W. Highlight report: hepatotoxicity of triazole fungicides. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:3037-3038. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02555-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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28
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Seeger B, Mentz A, Knebel C, Schmidt F, Bednarz H, Niehaus K, Albaum S, Kalinowski J, Noll T, Steinberg P, Marx-Stoelting P, Heise T. Assessment of mixture toxicity of (tri)azoles and their hepatotoxic effects in vitro by means of omics technologies. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:2321-2333. [PMID: 31254001 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02502-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Consumers are constantly exposed to chemical mixtures such as multiple residues of different pesticides via the diet. This raises questions concerning potential combination effects, especially because these substances are tested for regulatory purposes on an individual basis. With approximately 500 active substances approved as pesticides, there are too many possible combinations to be tested in standard animal experiments generally requested for regulatory purposes. Therefore, the development of in vitro tools and alternative testing strategies for the assessment of mixture effects is extremely important. As a first step in the development of such in vitro tools, we used (tri)azoles as model substances in a set of different cell lines derived from the primary target organ of these substances, the liver (human: HepaRG, rat: H4IIE). Concentrations were reconciled with measured tissue concentrations obtained from in vivo experiments to ensure comparable effect levels. The effects of the substances were subsequently analyzed by transcriptomics and metabolomics techniques and compared to data from corresponding in vivo studies. The results show that similar toxicity pathways are affected by substances and combinations, thus indicating a similar mode of action and additive effects. Two biomarkers obtained by the approach, CAR and Cyp1A1, were used for mixture toxicity modeling and confirmed the concentration-additive effects, thus supporting the selected testing strategy and raising hope for the development of in vitro methods suitable to detect combination effects and prioritize mixtures of concern for further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Seeger
- Institute for Food Toxicology and Center for Alternatives and Complementary Methods to Animal Experiments, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Almut Mentz
- Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Constanze Knebel
- Department for Pesticide Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Flavia Schmidt
- Department for Pesticide Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hanna Bednarz
- Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Karsten Niehaus
- Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Stephan Albaum
- Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jörn Kalinowski
- Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Noll
- Center for Biotechnology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Pablo Steinberg
- Institute for Food Toxicology and Center for Alternatives and Complementary Methods to Animal Experiments, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Max Rubner-Institute, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- Department for Pesticide Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tanja Heise
- Department for Pesticide Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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29
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Hamdi H, Othmène YB, Ammar O, Klifi A, Hallara E, Ghali FB, Houas Z, Najjar MF, Abid-Essefi S. Oxidative stress, genotoxicity, biochemical and histopathological modifications induced by epoxiconazole in liver and kidney of Wistar rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:17535-17547. [PMID: 31025280 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05022-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Epoxiconazole (EPX) is a triazole fungicide commonly used in agriculture and for domestic purposes around the world. The excessive application of this pesticide may result in a variety of adverse effects on non-target organisms, including humans. Since, the liver and kidneys are the target organs of this fungicide, potential hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects are of high relevance. Thus, our study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of EPX on the liver and kidney of Wistar rats. The exposure of rats to EPX at these concentrations (8, 24, 40, 56 mg/kg bw representing, respectively, NOEL (no observed effect level), NOEL × 3, NOEL × 5, and NOEL × 7) for 28 days significantly enhances hepatic and renal lipid peroxidation which is accompanied by an increase in the level of protein oxidation. Furthermore, the results of the present study clearly indicated that EPX administration induces an increase in the levels of DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the activities of liver and kidney antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) are increased significantly in EPX-treated rats at concentrations of 8, 24, and 40 mg/kg bw. However, with the dose NOEL × 7 (56 mg/kg bw of EPX), the activities of CAT, GPx, and GST are decreased. Indeed, EPX-intoxicated rats revealed a significant reduction in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in both liver and kidney compared with the control group. Also, our results demonstrated that the EPX administration leads to a disruption of the hepatic (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) and renal (uric acid and creatinine) functions. The biochemical perturbations obtained in the present study are corroborated with the histopathological modifications. Since EPX treatment caused severe damage in the overall histo-architecture of liver and kidney tissues, these results suggest that administration of EPX induced a marked deregulation of liver and kidney functions. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Hamdi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Rue Avicenne, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Ben Othmène
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Rue Avicenne, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Oumaima Ammar
- Laboratory of Histology and Cytogenetic (Research Unit of Genetic, Genotoxicity and Childhood Illness UR12ES10), Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Street Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Aida Klifi
- Research Laboratory "Bioressources: Integrative Biology & Valorisation", University of Monastir, Street Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Elhem Hallara
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Hospital of Monastir, Fattouma Bourguiba University, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Faten Ben Ghali
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Hospital of Monastir, Fattouma Bourguiba University, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Zohra Houas
- Laboratory of Histology and Cytogenetic (Research Unit of Genetic, Genotoxicity and Childhood Illness UR12ES10), Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Street Avicenne, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Mohamec Fadhel Najjar
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology, Hospital of Monastir, Fattouma Bourguiba University, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Salwa Abid-Essefi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Monastir, Rue Avicenne, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.
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30
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Knebel C, Buhrke T, Süssmuth R, Lampen A, Marx-Stoelting P, Braeuning A. Pregnane X receptor mediates steatotic effects of propiconazole and tebuconazole in human liver cell lines. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:1311-1322. [PMID: 30989312 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Triazoles are commonly used fungicides which show liver toxicity in rodent studies. While hepatocellular hypertrophy is the most prominent finding, some triazoles have also been reported to cause hepatocellular steatosis. The aim of our study was to elucidate molecular mechanisms of triazole-mediated steatosis. Therefore, we used the two triazoles propiconazole (Pi) and tebuconazole (Te) as test compounds in in vitro assays using the human hepatocarcinoma cell lines HepG2 and HepaRG. Triglyceride accumulation was measured using the Adipored assay and by a gas-chromatographic method. Reporter gene analyses were used to assess the ability of Pi and Te to activate nuclear receptors, which are described as the molecular initiators in the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for liver steatosis. The expression of steatosis-associated genes was investigated by RT-PCR. Mechanistic analyses of triazole-mediated steatosis were performed using HepaRG subclones that are deficient in different nuclear receptors. Pi and Te both interacted with the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), and the pregnane X receptor (PXR). Both compounds induced expression of steatosis-related genes and cellular triglyceride accumulation. The knockout of PXR in HepaRG cells, but not the CAR knockout, abolished triazole-induced triglyceride accumulation, thus underlining the crucial role of PXR in hepatic steatosis resulting from exposure to these fungicides. In conclusion, our findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of steatosis induction by triazole fungicides and identify PXR as a critical mediator of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Knebel
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Buhrke
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roderich Süssmuth
- Institute of Chemistry, Technical University Berlin, Straße des 17.Juni 124, 10623, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alfonso Lampen
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- Department Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Albert Braeuning
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
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31
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Lopez-Antia A, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Mougeot F, Camarero PR, Mateo R. Brood size is reduced by half in birds feeding on flutriafol-treated seeds below the recommended application rate. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 243:418-426. [PMID: 30216876 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.08.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the efforts of the European Commission to implement measures that offset the detrimental effects of agricultural intensification, farmland bird populations continue to decline. Pesticide use has been pointed out as a major cause of decline, with growing concern about those agro-chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors. We report here on the effects of flutriafol, a ubiquitous systemic fungicide used for cereal seed treatment, on the physiology and reproduction of a declining gamebird. Captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa; n = 11-13 pairs per treatment) were fed wheat treated with 0%, 20% or 100% of the flutriafol application rate during 25 days in late winter. We studied treatment effects on the reproductive performance, carotenoid-based coloration and cellular immune responsiveness of adult partridges, and their relationship with changes in oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma biochemistry. We also studied the effect of parental exposure on egg antioxidant content and on the survival, growth and cellular immune response of offspring. Exposed partridges experienced physiological effects (reduced levels of cholesterol and triglycerides), phenotypical effects (a reduction in the carotenoid-based pigmentation of their eye rings), and most importantly, severe adverse effects on reproduction: a reduced clutch size and fertile egg ratio, and an overall offspring production reduced by more than 50%. No effects on body condition or cellular immune response of either exposed adult or their surviving offspring were observed. These results, together with previous data on field exposure in wild partridges, demonstrate that seed treatment with flutriafol represents a risk for granivorous birds; they also highlight a need to improve the current regulation system used for foreseeing and preventing negative impacts of Plant Protection Products on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lopez-Antia
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group (BECO), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - François Mougeot
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
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32
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The azole fungicide tebuconazole affects human CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 expression by an aryl hydrocarbon receptor-dependent pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 123:481-491. [PMID: 30458266 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tebuconazole, a member of the triazole group of fungicides, exerts hepatotoxicity in rodent studies. Knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying tebuconazole toxicity is limited. Previous studies suggest that activation of xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptors plays a role in triazole fungicide-mediated hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to characterize the ability of tebuconazole to activate gene expression via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Results demonstrate a statistically significant induction of the AHR target genes CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 in HepG2 and HepaRG human liver cells in vitro at concentrations corresponding to tebuconazole tissue levels reached under subtoxic conditions in vivo. CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 induction was abolished in the presence of an AHR antagonist or in AHR-knockout HepaRG cells, substantiating the importance of the AHR for the observed effects. Although the results indicate that tebuconazole is a weak inducer of AHR-dependent genes, combined exposure of HepaRG cells to tebuconazole and the previously identified AHR agonist propiconazole showed additive effects on CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 expression. In summary, we demonstrate that AHR-downstream gene expression is affected by tebuconazole in an AHR-dependent manner. Data indicate that dose addition may be assumed for the assessment of AHR-related effects of triazole fungicide mixtures.
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Analysis of Sister Chromatid Exchanges and Proliferation of Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Exposed to Epoxiconazole. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2018-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The potential genotoxic/cytotoxic effect of epoxiconazole was evaluated by means of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) following the 24 and 48 h in vitro exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to epoxiconazole at concentrations of: 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg. ml–1. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), used as an epoxiconazole solvent, was used as a negative control and mitomycine (MMC) as a positive control. After the 24-hour exposure, we failed to observe a significant increase in SCE frequencies in comparison with the negative control, however, the concentrations of 10—100 μg.ml–1 caused a significant decrease in the proliferation index (PI; P < 0.001). Also, the 48-hour exposure produced no significant alterations in the SCE frequencies in comparison with the control. At epoxiconazole concentrations ranging from 10 to 50 μg.ml–1 we recorded a moderate to strong, dose-dependent inhibition of PI (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001), while at the highest dose (100 μg.ml–1) the reduction in PI compared to the control was less pronounced (P < 0.05). The reduction in PI at the concentration range of 10—100 μg.ml–1 depended on the number of cells in the M1, M2 and M3 phases of the cell cycle per total number of 100 evaluated metaphases. Our results indicated a significant cytotoxic or cytostatic effect on human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
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Propiconazole is an activator of AHR and causes concentration additive effects with an established AHR ligand. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:3471-3486. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2321-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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35
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Luckert C, Braeuning A, de Sousa G, Durinck S, Katsanou ES, Konstantinidou P, Machera K, Milani ES, Peijnenburg AACM, Rahmani R, Rajkovic A, Rijkers D, Spyropoulou A, Stamou M, Stoopen G, Sturla S, Wollscheid B, Zucchini-Pascal N, Lampen A. Adverse Outcome Pathway-Driven Analysis of Liver Steatosis in Vitro: A Case Study with Cyproconazole. Chem Res Toxicol 2018; 31:784-798. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.8b00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Luckert
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Albert Braeuning
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georges de Sousa
- INRA Unit 1331, TOXALIM, French National Institute for Agricultural Research, 180 chemin de Tournefeuille - BP.93173 F-31027 TOULOUSE cedex 3, France
| | - Sigrid Durinck
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Food Technology, Food Safety and Health, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Roger Rahmani
- INRA Unit 1331, TOXALIM, French National Institute for Agricultural Research, 180 chemin de Tournefeuille - BP.93173 F-31027 TOULOUSE cedex 3, France
| | - Andreja Rajkovic
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Food Technology, Food Safety and Health, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Deborah Rijkers
- RIKILT Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Geert Stoopen
- RIKILT Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Nathalie Zucchini-Pascal
- INRA Unit 1331, TOXALIM, French National Institute for Agricultural Research, 180 chemin de Tournefeuille - BP.93173 F-31027 TOULOUSE cedex 3, France
| | - Alfonso Lampen
- Department Food Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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36
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Hamdi H, Ben Salem I, Ben Othmène Y, Annabi E, Abid-Essefi S. The involvement of ROS generation on Epoxiconazole-induced toxicity in HCT116 cells. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 148:62-67. [PMID: 29891378 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Hamdi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Avicenne Street, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Intidhar Ben Salem
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Avicenne Street, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia; Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Ben Othmène
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Avicenne Street, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Emna Annabi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Avicenne Street, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Salwa Abid-Essefi
- Laboratory for Research on Biologically Compatible Compounds, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Avicenne Street, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia.
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Knebel C, Neeb J, Zahn E, Schmidt F, Carazo A, Holas O, Pavek P, Püschel GP, Zanger UM, Süssmuth R, Lampen A, Marx-Stoelting P, Braeuning A. Unexpected Effects of Propiconazole, Tebuconazole, and Their Mixture on the Receptors CAR and PXR in Human Liver Cells. Toxicol Sci 2018; 163:170-181. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisabeth Zahn
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Flavia Schmidt
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ondej Holas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Hradec Kralove 500 05, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Pavek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
| | - Gerhard P Püschel
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, 14558 Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Zanger
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, and Eberhard-Karls-University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Roderich Süssmuth
- Institute of Chemistry, Technical University Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Philip Marx-Stoelting
- Department of Experimental Toxicology and ZEBET, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 12277 Berlin, Germany
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38
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Zahn E, Wolfrum J, Knebel C, Heise T, Weiß F, Poetz O, Marx-Stoelting P, Rieke S. Mixture effects of two plant protection products in liver cell lines. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 112:299-309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.12.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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39
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Hepatotoxic combination effects of three azole fungicides in a broad dose range. Arch Toxicol 2017; 92:859-872. [PMID: 29038839 PMCID: PMC5818588 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2087-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Single active substances of pesticides are thoroughly examined for their toxicity before approval. In this context, the liver is frequently found to be the main target organ. Since consumers are generally exposed to multiple residues of different active substances via the diet, it is important to analyse combinations of active substances for potential mixture effects. For the (tri-)azoles, a group of agricultural fungicides and antifungal drugs, combination effects on the liver are likely because of a similar mode of action. Hepatotoxic effects of mixtures of two triazoles (cyproconazole and epoxiconazole) and an imidazole (prochloraz) were investigated in a 28-day feeding study in rats at three dose levels ranging from a typical toxicological reference value to a clear effect dose. Test parameters included organ weights, clinical chemistry, histopathology and morphometry. In addition, molecular parameters were investigated by means of pathway-focused gene expression arrays, quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme activity assays. Effects were compared to those caused by the individual substances as observed at the same dose levels in a previous study. Mixture effects were substantiated by increases in relative and absolute liver weights, histopathological findings and alterations in clinical chemistry parameters at the top dose level. On the molecular level also at lower dose levels, additive effects could be observed for the induction of several cytochrome P 450 enzymes (Cyp1a1, Cyp2b1, Cyp3a2), transporters (Abcb1a, Abcc3) and of genes encoding for enzymes involved in fatty acid or phospholipid metabolism (Ppargc1a, Sc4 mol). In most cases, treatment with mixtures caused a more pronounced effect as compared to the individual substances. However, the assumption of dose additivity was in general sufficiently conservative to cover mixture effects observed under the conditions of the present study.
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40
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Miousse IR, Skinner CM, Lin H, Ewing LE, Kosanke SD, Williams DK, Avula B, Khan IA, ElSohly MA, Gurley BJ, Koturbash I. Safety assessment of the dietary supplement OxyELITE™ Pro (New Formula) in inbred and outbred mouse strains. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 109:194-209. [PMID: 28843594 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Herbal dietary supplements have gained wide acceptance as alternatives to conventional therapeutic agents despite concerns regarding their efficacy and safety. In 2013, a spate of severe liver injuries across the United States was linked to the dietary supplement OxyELITE Pro-New Formula (OEP-NF), a multi-ingredient product marketed for weight loss and exercise performance enhancement. The principal goal of this study was to assess the hepatotoxic potential of OEP-NF in outbred and inbred mouse models. In an acute toxicity study, significant mortality was observed after administering 10X and 3X mouse-equivalent doses (MED) of OEP-NF, respectively. Increases in liver/body weight ratio, ALT and AST were observed in female B6C3F1 mice after gavaging 2X and 1.5X MED of OEP-NF. Similar findings were observed in a 90-day feeding study. These alterations were paralleled by altered expression of gene- and microRNA-signatures of hepatotoxicity, including Cd36, Nqo1, Aldoa, Txnrd1, Scd1 and Ccng1, as well as miR-192, miR-193a and miR-125b and were most pronounced in female B6C3F1 mice. Body weight loss, observed at week 1, was followed by weight gain throughout the feeding studies. These findings bolster safety and efficacy concerns for OEP-NF, and argue strongly for implementation of pre-market toxicity studies within the dietary supplement industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle R Miousse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Charles M Skinner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Haixia Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Laura E Ewing
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Stanley D Kosanke
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Heartland Veterinary Pathology Services, PLLC, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - D Keith Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Bharathi Avula
- National Center for Natural Product Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Product Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.
| | - Mahmoud A ElSohly
- ElSohly Laboratories, Inc. (ELI) and Phyto Chemical Services, Inc. (PSI), 5 Industrial Park Drive, Oxford, MS 38655, USA.
| | - Bill J Gurley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72223, USA.
| | - Igor Koturbash
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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41
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Abdelhadya DH, El-Magd MA, Elbialy ZI, Saleh AA. Bromuconazole-induced hepatotoxicity is accompanied by upregulation of PXR/CYP3A1 and downregulation of CAR/CYP2B1 gene expression. Toxicol Mech Methods 2017; 27:544-550. [PMID: 28532222 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2017.1333555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite widespread use of bromuconazole as a pesticide for food crops and fruits, limited studies have been done to evaluate its toxic effects. Here, we evaluated the hepatotoxic effect of bromuconazole using classical toxicological (biochemical analysis and histopathological examination) and gene-based molecular methods. Male rats were treated either orally or topically with bromuconazole at doses equal to no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) and 1/10 LD50 for 90 d. Bromuconazole increased activities of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, and ACP), and levels of bilirubin. It also induced hepatic oxidative stress as evidenced by significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and significant increase in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver. In addition, bromuconazole caused an increase in liver weights and necrobiotic changes (vacuolation and hepatocellular hypertrophy). It also strongly induced the expression of PXR and its downstream target CYP3A1 gene as well as the activity of CYP3A1. However, it inhibited the expression of CAR and its downstream target CYP2B1 gene without significant changing in CYP2B1 activity. Overall, the oral route showed higher hepatotoxic effect and molecular changes than the dermal route and all changes were dose dependent. This is the first investigation to report that bromuconazole-induced liver oxidative damage is accompanied by upregulation of PXR/CYP3A1 and downregulation of CAR/CYP2B1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa H Abdelhadya
- a Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Kafrelsheikh University , Kafrelsheikh , Egypt
| | - Mohammed Abu El-Magd
- b Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Kafrelsheikh University , Kafrelsheikh , Egypt
| | - Zizy I Elbialy
- c Department of Fish Processing and Biotechnology, Faculty of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences , Kafrelsheikh University , Kafrelsheikh , Egypt
| | - Ayman A Saleh
- d Department of Animal Wealth Development, Genetics & Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Zagazig University , Zagazig , Egypt
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42
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Mixture effects of azole fungicides on the adrenal gland in a broad dose range. Toxicology 2017; 385:28-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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43
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Hepatotoxic effects of cyproconazole and prochloraz in wild-type and hCAR/hPXR mice. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:2895-2907. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1925-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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44
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Schwarzbacherová V, Wnuk M, Lewinska A, Potocki L, Zebrowski J, Koziorowski M, Holečková B, Šiviková K, Dianovský J. Evaluation of cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of fungicide formulation Tango ® Super in bovine lymphocytes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:255-263. [PMID: 27667677 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Tango® Super is a two-compound fungicide formulation widely employed in grain protection. However, details of Tango® Super effects on cell cultures have not been fully investigated. In this study, bovine lymphocytes were exposed to a concentration range 0.5; 1.5; 3; 6; and 15 μg mL-1 for 4 h to assess the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the fungicide. Our experiments revealed that this fungicide treatment reduced cell viability, decreased cell proliferation and provoked apoptotic cell death. Cell cycle analysis showed predominant accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. The fungicide was able to induce mitochondrial superoxide production accompanied by elevated levels of carbonylated proteins and changes in the lipid membrane composition. The fungicide did not induce micronuclei production, but stimulated both DNA double-strand breaks and the formation of p53 binding protein, which is accumulated during the DNA repair process at the site of double-strand breaks. Based on the obtained data we suppose that the fungicide-induced DNA damage is the result of oxidative stress, which may contribute to higher occurrence of apoptotic cell death. Because ergosterol biosynthesis-inhibiting fungicides are widely used in agriculture to ensure higher crop yields and may cause health impairment of animals and humans, there is a need for further testing to elucidate their potential genotoxic effects using in vivo and/or in vitro systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Schwarzbacherová
- Institute of Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak Republic.
| | - Maciej Wnuk
- Department of Genetics, University of Rzeszow, Rejtana 16C, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Anna Lewinska
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Leszek Potocki
- Department of Genetics, University of Rzeszow, Rejtana 16C, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Jacek Zebrowski
- Department of Plant Physiology, University of Rzeszow, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland
| | - Marek Koziorowski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, University of Rzeszow, Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland
| | - Beáta Holečková
- Institute of Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarína Šiviková
- Institute of Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Ján Dianovský
- Institute of Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak Republic
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Li Y, Zhang M, Li S, Lv R, Chen P, Liu R, Liang G, Yin L. The Use of the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to Evaluate the Adverse Effects of Epoxiconazole Exposure on Spermatogenesis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:E993. [PMID: 27740608 PMCID: PMC5086732 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13100993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that epoxiconazole exposure can affect reproductive function, but few studies have investigated adverse effects on spermatogenesis. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used in our study to assess effects of epoxiconazole on spermatogenesis in male nematodes after 48 h of exposure to concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 μg/L. The results demonstrated that epoxiconazole exposure affected spermatogenesis, decreasing the number of total germ cells, mitotic cells, meiotic cells and spermatids, spermatid diameter, and cross-sectional area, and inducing mitotic germ cell proliferation arrest, premature entry into meiosis, and sperm activation inhibition; however, sperm transfer showed no abnormal changes. In addition, the results showed that epoxiconazole activated the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling pathway and increased the expression levels of gene daf-1, daf-3, daf-4, daf-5 and daf-7 in nematodes. We therefore propose that epoxiconazole acts by activating the TGFβ signaling pathway, leading to the impairment of spermatogenesis and the consequent decline in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhui Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Minhui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shaojun Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Rongrong Lv
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Pan Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Schmidt F, Marx-Stoelting P, Haider W, Heise T, Kneuer C, Ladwig M, Banneke S, Rieke S, Niemann L. Combination effects of azole fungicides in male rats in a broad dose range. Toxicology 2016; 355-356:54-63. [PMID: 27234313 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Two 28-day feeding studies were performed in male rats to investigate combination effects of azole fungicides in a broad dose range. Following separate administration of cyproconazole, epoxiconazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, and tebuconazole at five dose levels, the first three compounds were selected to be administered in two different mixtures at three dose levels including very low doses. Here we present the data obtained by clinical observations, pathology, histopathology, clinical chemistry and haematology. The liver was the common main target organ of all compounds and their mixtures. In addition, epoxiconazole exhibited an effect on the adrenals. Furthermore, food consumption and efficiency and body weight (gain) were affected. Adverse effects of the combinations were observed at dose levels at which the individual substances caused similar effects. No evidence of adverse effects was found at dose levels below the previously established NOAELs. Our findings indicate that the concept of dose additivity appears sufficiently protective for risk assessment of the fungicides examined. Besides toxicological testing, tissue residues of the azole compounds in liver, testis and kidney were determined revealing remarkable differences following administration of the single substances and of the mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schmidt
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, D-10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - P Marx-Stoelting
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, D-10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - W Haider
- Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Schönhauser Strasse 62, D-13127 Berlin, Germany
| | - T Heise
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, D-10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - C Kneuer
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, D-10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - M Ladwig
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, D-10589 Berlin, Germany; Faculty for Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Königsweg 67, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Banneke
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, D-10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - S Rieke
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, D-10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - L Niemann
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, D-10589 Berlin, Germany
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47
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Lundqvist J, Hellman B, Oskarsson A. Fungicide prochloraz induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in vitro. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 91:36-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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