1
|
Nilsson EE, McBirney M, De Santos S, King SE, Beck D, Greeley C, Holder LB, Skinner MK. Multiple generation distinct toxicant exposures induce epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of enhanced pathology and obesity. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2023; 9:dvad006. [PMID: 38162685 PMCID: PMC10756336 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Three successive multiple generations of rats were exposed to different toxicants and then bred to the transgenerational F5 generation to assess the impacts of multiple generation different exposures. The current study examines the actions of the agricultural fungicide vinclozolin on the F0 generation, followed by jet fuel hydrocarbon mixture exposure of the F1 generation, and then pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane on the F2 generation gestating females. The subsequent F3 and F4 generations and F5 transgenerational generation were obtained and F1-F5 generations examined for male sperm epigenetic alterations and pathology in males and females. Significant impacts on the male sperm differential DNA methylation regions were observed. The F3-F5 generations were similar in ∼50% of the DNA methylation regions. The pathology of each generation was assessed in the testis, ovary, kidney, and prostate, as well as the presence of obesity and tumors. The pathology used a newly developed Deep Learning, artificial intelligence-based histopathology analysis. Observations demonstrated compounded disease impacts in obesity and metabolic parameters, but other pathologies plateaued with smaller increases at the F5 transgenerational generation. Observations demonstrate that multiple generational exposures, which occur in human populations, appear to increase epigenetic impacts and disease susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Nilsson
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Margaux McBirney
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Sarah De Santos
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Stephanie E King
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Daniel Beck
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| | - Colin Greeley
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Lawrence B Holder
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Elcombe CS, Evans NP, Bellingham M. Critical review and analysis of literature on low dose exposure to chemical mixtures in mammalian in vivo systems. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 52:221-238. [PMID: 35894754 PMCID: PMC9530410 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2022.2091423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic chemicals are ubiquitous throughout the environment. Consequentially, humans are exposed to hundreds of anthropogenic chemicals daily. Current chemical risk assessments are primarily based on testing individual chemicals in rodents at doses that are orders of magnitude higher than that of human exposure. The potential risk from exposure to mixtures of chemicals is calculated using mathematical models of mixture toxicity based on these analyses. These calculations, however, do not account for synergistic or antagonistic interactions between co-exposed chemicals. While proven examples of chemical synergy in mixtures at low doses are rare, there is increasing evidence that, through non-conformance to current mixture toxicity models, suggests synergy. This review examined the published studies that have investigated exposure to mixtures of chemicals at low doses in mammalian in vivo systems. Only seven identified studies were sufficient in design to directly examine the appropriateness of current mixture toxicity models, of which three showed responses significantly greater than additivity model predictions. While the remaining identified studies were unable to provide evidence of synergistic toxicity, it became apparent that many results of such studies were not always explicable by current mixture toxicity models. Additionally, two data gaps were identified. Firstly, there is a lack of studies where individual chemical components of a complex mixture (>10 components) are tested in parallel to the chemical mixture. Secondly, there is a lack of dose-response data for mixtures of chemicals at low doses. Such data is essential to address the appropriateness and validity of future chemical mixture toxicity models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Elcombe
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sakali AK, Bargiota A, Fatouros IG, Jamurtas A, Macut D, Mastorakos G, Papagianni M. Effects on Puberty of Nutrition-Mediated Endocrine Disruptors Employed in Agriculture. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13114184. [PMID: 34836437 PMCID: PMC8622967 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pesticide residues are largely found in daily consumed food because of their extensive use in farming and their long half-life, which prolongs their presence in the environment. Many of these pesticides act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals after pre- or postnatal exposure, significantly affecting, among other things, the time of puberty onset, progression, and completion. In humans, precocious or delayed puberty, and early or delayed sexual maturation, may entail several negative long-term health implications. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the impact of endocrine-disrupting pesticides upon the timing of the landmarks of female and male puberty in both animals (vaginal opening, first estrus, and balanopreputial separation) and humans (thelarche, menarche, gonadarche). Moreover, we explore the possible mechanisms of action of the reviewed endocrine-disrupting pesticides on the human reproductive system. Access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food is fundamental for the maintenance of health and wellbeing. Eliminating the presence of hazardous chemicals in largely consumed food products may increase their nutritional value and be proven beneficial for overall health. Consequently, understanding the effects of human exposure to hazardous endocrine-disrupting pesticides, and legislating against their circulation, are of major importance for the protection of health in vulnerable populations, such as children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Konstantina Sakali
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.K.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Alexandra Bargiota
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (A.K.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Ioannis G. Fatouros
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (I.G.F.); (A.J.)
| | - Athanasios Jamurtas
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, 42100 Trikala, Greece; (I.G.F.); (A.J.)
| | - Djuro Macut
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Maria Papagianni
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 42132 Trikala, Greece
- Unit of Endocrinology, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Cardon M, Medlock-Kakaley E, Wilson VS, Gray LE. A mixture of 15 phthalates and pesticides below individual chemical no observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) produces reproductive tract malformations in the male rat. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106615. [PMID: 34000504 PMCID: PMC8380680 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Humans carry residues of multiple synthetic chemicals at any given point in time. Research has demonstrated that compounds with varying molecular initiating events (MIE) that disrupt common key events can act in concert to produce cumulative adverse effects. Congenital defects of the male reproductive tract are some of the most frequently diagnosed malformations in humans and chemical exposures in utero can produce these effects in laboratory animals and humans. Here, we hypothesized that in utero exposure to a mixture of pesticides and phthalates, each of which produce male reproductive tract defects individually, would produce cumulative effects even when each chemical is present at a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) specific for male reproductive effects. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed via oral gavage to a fixed-ratio dilution mixture of 5 pesticides (vinclozolin, linuron, procymidone, prochloraz, pyrifluquinazon), 1 pesticide metabolite (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE)), and 9 phthalates (dipentyl, dicyclohexyl, di-2-ethylhexyl, dibutyl, benzyl butyl, diisobutyl, diisoheptyl, dihexyl, and diheptyl) during the critical window of rat fetal masculinization (gestation day 14-18). The top dose (100% dose) contained each compound at a concentration 2-fold greater than the individual chemical NOAEL followed by a dilution series that represented each chemical at NOAEL, NOAEL/2, NOAEL/4, NOAEL/8, NOAEL/15, NOAEL/100, NOAEL/1000. Reduced fetal testis gene expression occurred at NOAEL/15, reduced fetal testis testosterone production occurred at NOAEL/8, reduced anogenital distance, increased nipple retention, and delayed puberty occurred at NOAEL/4, and severe effects including genital malformations and weight reductions in numerous reproductive tissues occurred at NOAEL/2. This study demonstrates that these phthalates and pesticides acted cumulatively to produce adverse effects at doses below which any individual chemical had been shown to produce an effect alone and even though they have different MIEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Conley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Christy S Lambright
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Nicola Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Mary Cardon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Vickie S Wilson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - L Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment/Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De Falco M, Laforgia V. Combined Effects of Different Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Prostate Gland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9772. [PMID: 34574693 PMCID: PMC8471191 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) belong to a heterogeneous class of environmental pollutants widely diffused in different aquatic and terrestrial habitats. This implies that humans and animals are continuously exposed to EDCs from different matrices and sources. Moreover, pollution derived from anthropic and industrial activities leads to combined exposure to substances with multiple mechanisms of action on the endocrine system and correlated cell and tissue targets. For this reason, specific organs, such as the prostate gland, which physiologically are under the control of hormones like androgens and estrogens, are particularly sensitive to EDC stimulation. It is now well known that an imbalance in hormonal regulation can cause the onset of various prostate diseases, from benign prostate hyperplasia to prostate cancer. In this review, starting with the description of normal prostate gland anatomy and embryology, we summarize recent studies reporting on how the multiple and simultaneous exposure to estrogenic and anti-androgenic compounds belonging to EDCs are responsible for an increase in prostate disease incidence in the human population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria De Falco
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘‘Federico II’’, 80126 Naples, Italy;
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Vincenza Laforgia
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘‘Federico II’’, 80126 Naples, Italy;
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Methods and Challenges in Investigating Sex-Specific Consequences of Social Stressors in Adolescence in Rats: Is It the Stress or the Social or the Stage of Development? Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 54:23-58. [PMID: 34455576 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a time of social learning and social restructuring that is accompanied by changes in both the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The activation of these axes by puberty and stressors, respectively, shapes adolescent development. Models of social stress in rats are used to understand the consequences of perturbations of the social environment for ongoing brain development. This paper reviews the challenges in investigating the sex-specific consequences of social stressors, sex differences in the models of social stress used in rats and the sex-specific effects on behaviour and provides an overview of sex differences in HPA responding to stressors, the variability in pubertal development and in strains of rats that require consideration in conducting such research, and directions for future research.
Collapse
|
7
|
Schreiber E, Garcia T, González N, Esplugas R, Sharma RP, Torrente M, Kumar V, Bovee T, Katsanou ES, Machera K, Domingo JL, Gómez M. Maternal exposure to mixtures of dienestrol, linuron and flutamide. Part I: Feminization effects on male rat offspring. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 139:111256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
8
|
Belcher SM, Cline JM, Conley J, Groeters S, Jefferson WN, Law M, Mackey E, Suen AA, Williams CJ, Dixon D, Wolf JC. Endocrine Disruption and Reproductive Pathology. Toxicol Pathol 2019; 47:1049-1071. [PMID: 31833458 PMCID: PMC8008741 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319879903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During the past 20 years, investigations involving endocrine active substances (EAS) and reproductive toxicity have dominated the landscape of ecotoxicological research. This has occurred in concert with heightened awareness in the scientific community, general public, and governmental entities of the potential consequences of chemical perturbation in humans and wildlife. The exponential growth of experimentation in this field is fueled by our expanding knowledge into the complex nature of endocrine systems and the intricacy of their interactions with xenobiotic agents. Complicating factors include the ever-increasing number of novel receptors and alternate mechanistic pathways that have come to light, effects of chemical mixtures in the environment versus those of single EAS laboratory exposures, the challenge of differentiating endocrine disruption from direct cytotoxicity, and the potential for transgenerational effects. Although initially concerned with EAS effects chiefly in the thyroid glands and reproductive organs, it is now recognized that anthropomorphic substances may also adversely affect the nervous and immune systems via hormonal mechanisms and play substantial roles in metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Mark Cline
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mac Law
- North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Emily Mackey
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Solecki R, Rauch M, Gall A, Buschmann J, Kellner R, Kucheryavenko O, Schmitt A, Delrue N, Li W, Hu J, Fujiwara M, Kuwagata M, Mantovani A, Makris SL, Paumgartten F, Schönfelder G, Schneider S, Vogl S, Kleinstreuer N, Schneider M, Schulze F, Fritsche E, Clark R, Shiota K, Chahoud I. Update of the DevTox data database for harmonized risk assessment and alternative methodologies in developmental toxicology: Report of the 9th Berlin Workshop on Developmental Toxicity. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 89:124-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
10
|
Margina D, Nițulescu GM, Ungurianu A, Mesnage R, Goumenou M, Sarigiannis DA, Aschner M, Spandidos DA, Renieri EA, Hernández AF, Tsatsakis A. Overview of the effects of chemical mixtures with endocrine disrupting activity in the context of real-life risk simulation: An integrative approach (Review). WORLD ACADEMY OF SCIENCES JOURNAL 2019; 1:157-164. [PMID: 32346674 PMCID: PMC7188405 DOI: 10.3892/wasj.2019.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Research over the past years has indicated that chronic human exposure to very low doses of various chemical species in mixtures and administered via different routes (percutaneous, orally, etc.) should be the main focus of new biochemical and toxicological studies. Humans have daily contact with various chemicals, such as food additives, pesticides from fruits/vegetables, antibiotics (and other veterinary drugs) from meat, different types of preservatives from cosmetics, to name a few. Simultaneous exposure to this wide array of chemicals does not produce immediate effects, but summative effect/s over time that may be clinically manifested several years thereafter. Classical animal studies designed to test the toxic outcome of a single chemical are not suitable to assess, and then extrapolate to humans, the effects of a whole mixture of chemicals. Testing the aftermath of a combination of chemicals, at low doses, around or below the no observed adverse effect is stressed by many toxicologists. Thus, there is a need to reformulate the design of biochemical and toxicological studies in order to perform real-life risk simulation. This review discuss the potential use of computational methods as a complementary tool for in vitro and in vivo toxicity tests with a high predictive potential that could contribute to reduce animal testing, cost and time, when assessing the effects of chemical combinations. This review focused on the use of these methods to predict the potential endocrine disrupting activity of a mixture of chemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Margina
- 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Anca Ungurianu
- 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Robin Mesnage
- Gene Expression and Therapy Group, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Goumenou
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion
| | - Dimosthenis A Sarigiannis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Environmental Health Engineering, Department of Science, Technology and Society, School for Advanced Study (IUSS), 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10463, USA
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elisavet A Renieri
- Centre of Toxicology Science and Research, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonio F Hernández
- Department of Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University of Granada School of Medicine, Granada, Spain
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Miret NV, Pontillo CA, Zárate LV, Kleiman de Pisarev D, Cocca C, Randi AS. Impact of endocrine disruptor hexachlorobenzene on the mammary gland and breast cancer: The story thus far. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:330-341. [PMID: 30951959 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer incidence is increasing globally and exposure to endocrine disruptors has gained importance as a potential risk factor. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was once used as a fungicide and, despite being banned, considerable amounts are still released into the environment. HCB acts as an endocrine disruptor in thyroid, uterus and mammary gland and was classified as possibly carcinogenic to human. This review provides a thorough analysis of results obtained in the last 15 years of research and evaluates data from assays in mammary gland and breast cancer in diverse animal models. We discuss the effects of environmentally relevant HCB concentrations on the normal mammary gland and different stages of carcinogenesis, and attempt to elucidate its mechanisms of action at molecular level. HCB weakly binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), activating both membrane (c-Src) and nuclear pathways. Through c-Src stimulation, AhR signaling interacts with other membrane receptors including estrogen receptor-α, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor and transforming growth factor beta 1 receptors. In this way, several pathways involved in mammary morphogenesis and breast cancer development are modified, inducing tumor progression. HCB thus stimulates epithelial cell proliferation, preneoplastic lesions and alterations in mammary gland development as well as neoplastic cell migration and invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in breast cancer. In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that the presence and bioaccumulation of HCB in high-fat tissues and during highly sensitive time windows such as pregnancy, childhood and adolescence make exposure a risk factor for breast tumor development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelia V Miret
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carolina A Pontillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lorena V Zárate
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Diana Kleiman de Pisarev
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Claudia Cocca
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 954, subsuelo, CP1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Andrea S Randi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Conley JM, Lambright CS, Evans N, Cardon M, Furr J, Wilson VS, Gray LE. Mixed "Antiandrogenic" Chemicals at Low Individual Doses Produce Reproductive Tract Malformations in the Male Rat. Toxicol Sci 2018; 164:166-178. [PMID: 29945228 PMCID: PMC6677127 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomonitoring efforts have clearly shown that all humans are exposed to chemical mixtures. Of concern is whether or not exposure to mixtures during pregnancy contributes to congenital abnormalities in children even when each chemical is at an individual dose that does not affect the fetus. Here, we hypothesized that in utero exposure to a mixture of chemicals covering multiple "antiandrogenic" mechanisms of action at doses that individually have no adverse effect would result in permanent reproductive tract alterations in the male rat after birth. Pregnant dams were exposed to a range of dilutions (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, or vehicle control) of a mixture containing pesticides, phthalates, and drugs (p, p'-DDE, linuron, prochloraz, procymidone, pyrifluquinazon, vinclozolin, finasteride, flutamide, simvastatin, and 9 phthalates [dipentyl, dicyclohexyl, di-2-ethylhexyl, dibutyl, benzyl butyl, diisobutyl, diisoheptyl, dihexyl, and diheptyl]). The top dose contained each chemical at 20% of its lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for the most sensitive male reproductive alteration following in utero exposure. We found that male rat offspring displayed a variety of neonatal, pubertal, and permanent adult effects across all dose levels. Even at the lowest dose (each chemical approximately 80-fold below lowest observed adverse effect level) there were permanent reductions in several reproductive tract tissue weights. In the top dose group, 100% of male offspring displayed permanent severe birth defects including genital malformations. Despite acting via 5 different molecular initiating events, a mixture of 18 chemicals can combine to produce additive effects even when each compound is at is at a relatively low dose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M. Conley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory/Toxicity Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| | - Christy S. Lambright
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory/Toxicity Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| | - Nicki Evans
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory/Toxicity Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| | - Mary Cardon
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory/Toxicity Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| | - Johnathan Furr
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory/Toxicity Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
- Southern Research, Birmingham, AL 35205
| | - Vickie S. Wilson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory/Toxicity Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| | - L. Earl Gray
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Research & Development/National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory/Toxicity Assessment Division, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Roszko MŁ, Kamińska M, Szymczyk K, Piasecka-Jóźwiak K, Chabłowska B. Endocrine disrupting potency of organic pollutant mixtures isolated from commercial fish oil evaluated in yeast-based bioassays. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197907. [PMID: 29787602 PMCID: PMC5963795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the activity of xenobiotic mixtures containing persistent organic pollutants isolated from commercial fish oil samples against sex hormone receptors, including estrogen and androgen. The applied bioassay was based on transgenic yeast strains. The mixtures were extracted from the samples using the semi-permeable membrane dialysis technique and analyzed with gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry. It turned out that mixtures of chemicals isolated from fish oil may interact with human steroid sex hormone receptors in various ways: the tested samples showed both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity. Calculated 17β-estradiol equivalents for the tested samples ranged between 0.003 and 0.073 pg g-1 (fat). Anti-androgenic activity expressed as the flutamide equivalent concentration was in the 18.58-216.21 ng g-1 (fat) range. Polychlorinated biphenyls and various DDT metabolites were the main fish oil pollutants influencing the receptors. Additivity and/or synergy between chemicals was observed in the ER/AR mediated response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marek Łukasz Roszko
- Department of Food Analysis, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Rakowiecka, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Kamińska
- Department of Food Analysis, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Rakowiecka, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krystyna Szymczyk
- Department of Food Analysis, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Rakowiecka, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piasecka-Jóźwiak
- Department of Fermentation Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Rakowiecka, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Chabłowska
- Department of Fermentation Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Rakowiecka, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|