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Rahu I, Kull M, Kruve A. Predicting the Activity of Unidentified Chemicals in Complementary Bioassays from the HRMS Data to Pinpoint Potential Endocrine Disruptors. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3093-3104. [PMID: 38523265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c02050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The majority of chemicals detected via nontarget liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) in environmental samples remain unidentified, challenging the capability of existing machine learning models to pinpoint potential endocrine disruptors (EDs). Here, we predict the activity of unidentified chemicals across 12 bioassays related to EDs within the Tox21 10K dataset. Single- and multi-output models, utilizing various machine learning algorithms and molecular fingerprint features as an input, were trained for this purpose. To evaluate the models under near real-world conditions, Monte Carlo sampling was implemented for the first time. This technique enables the use of probabilistic fingerprint features derived from the experimental HRMS data with SIRIUS+CSI:FingerID as an input for models trained on true binary fingerprint features. Depending on the bioassay, the lowest false-positive rate at 90% recall ranged from 0.251 (sr.mmp, mitochondrial membrane potential) to 0.824 (nr.ar, androgen receptor), which is consistent with the trends observed in the models' performances submitted for the Tox21 Data Challenge. These findings underscore the informativeness of fingerprint features that can be compiled from HRMS in predicting the endocrine-disrupting activity. Moreover, an in-depth SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis unveiled the models' ability to pinpoint structural patterns linked to the modes of action of active chemicals. Despite the superior performance of the single-output models compared to that of the multi-output models, the latter's potential cannot be disregarded for similar tasks in the field of in silico toxicology. This study presents a significant advancement in identifying potentially toxic chemicals within complex mixtures without unambiguous identification and effectively reducing the workload for postprocessing by up to 75% in nontarget HRMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Rahu
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Narva mnt 18, Tartu 51009, Estonia
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 16, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Meelis Kull
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, Narva mnt 18, Tartu 51009, Estonia
| | - Anneli Kruve
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 16, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius Väg 16, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
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Vandenberg LN, Pelch KE. Systematic Review Methodologies and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Improving Evaluations of the Plastic Monomer Bisphenol A. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:748-764. [PMID: 34610783 DOI: 10.2174/1871530321666211005163614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found in plastics, personal care products, household items, and other consumer goods. Risk assessments are intended to characterize a chemical's hazards, identify the doses at which adverse outcomes are observed, quantify exposure levels, and then compare these doses to determine the likelihood of risk in a given population. There are many problems with risk assessments for EDCs, allowing people to be exposed to levels that are later associated with serious health outcomes in epidemiology studies. OBJECTIVE In this review, we examine issues that affect the evaluation of EDCs in risk assessments (e.g., use of insensitive rodent strains and absence of disease-oriented outcomes in hazard assessments; inadequate exposure assessments). We then review one well-studied chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA; CAS #80-05-7) an EDC found in plastics, food packaging, and other consumer products. More than one hundred epidemiology studies suggest associations between BPA exposures and adverse health outcomes in environmentally exposed human populations. FINDINGS We present support for the use of systematic review methodologies in the evaluation of BPA and other EDCs. Systematic reviews would allow studies to be evaluated for their reliability and risk of bias. They would also allow all data to be used in risk assessments, which is a requirement for some regulatory agencies. CONCLUSION Systematic review methodologies can be used to improve evaluations of BPA and other EDCs. Their use could help to restore faith in risk assessments and ensure that all data are utilized in decision-making. Regulatory agencies are urged to conduct transparent, well-documented and proper systematic reviews for BPA and other EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts - Amherst, United States
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3
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Zheng J, Tian L, Bayen S. Chemical contaminants in canned food and can-packaged food: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 63:2687-2718. [PMID: 34583591 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1980369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Canning, as a preservation technique, is widely used to extend the shelf life as well as to maintain the quality of perishable foods. During the canning process, most of the microorganisms are killed, reducing their impact on food quality and safety. However, the presence of a range of undesirable chemical contaminants has been reported in canned foods and in relation to the canning process. The present review provides an overview of these chemical contaminants, including metals, polymeric contaminants and biogenic amine contaminants. They have various origins, including migration from the can materials, formation during the canning process, or contamination during steps required prior to canning (e.g. the disinfection step). Some other can-packaged foods (e.g. beverages or milk powder), which are not canned foods by definition, were also discussed in this review, as they have been frequently studied simultaneously with canned foods in terms of contamination. The occurrence of these contaminants, the analytical techniques involved, and the factors influencing the presence of these contaminants in canned food and can-packaged food are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Zheng
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bayen
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
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Effects of Dufulin on Oxidative Stress and Metabolomic Profile of Tubifex. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11060381. [PMID: 34208357 PMCID: PMC8231163 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11060381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dufulin is a highly effective antiviral pesticide used in plants. In this study, a seven-day experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Dufulin at five different concentrations (1 × 10−4, 1 × 10−3, 1 × 10−2, 0.1, and 1 mg/L) on Tubifex. LC-MS-based metabolome analysis detected a total of 5356 features in positive and 9110 features in negative, of which 41 showed significant changes and were identified as differential metabolites. Four metabolic pathways were selected for further study. Detailed analysis revealed that Dufulin exposure affected the urea cycle of Tubifex, probably via argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) inhibition. It also affected the fatty acid metabolism, leading to changes in the concentration of free fatty acids in Tubifex. Furthermore, the changes in metabolites after exposure to Dufulin at 1 × 10−2 mg/L were different from those at the other concentrations.
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Pizent A. Developmental toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals: Challenges and future directions. ARHIV ZA FARMACIJU 2021. [DOI: 10.5937/arhfarm71-34457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to a mixture of various endocrine disruptors (EDCs) may have a substantial impact on postnatal health of her offspring(s) and increase the risk for health disorders and diseases in adulthood. Research efforts to better understand the health risk associated with endocrine disruptor exposures in early life have increased in recent decades. This paper provides a short overview of the current challenges that researchers continue to face in selecting appropriate epidemiologic methods and study designs to identify endocrine disruptors and evaluate their adverse health effects during this critical developmental window. Major challenges involve the selection of a representative biomarker that reflects the foetal internal dose of the biologically active chemical or its metabolite(s) that may be associated with adverse health effects with regard to variable level and duration of exposure and the latency between exposure and disorder/disease manifestation. Future studies should pay more attention to identifying factors that contribute to interindividual variability in susceptibility to various EDCs and other toxicants.
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Vandenberg LN, Najmi A, Mogus JP. Agrochemicals with estrogenic endocrine disrupting properties: Lessons Learned? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110860. [PMID: 32407980 PMCID: PMC9448509 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many agrochemicals have endocrine disrupting properties. A subset of these chemicals is characterized as "estrogenic". In this review, we describe several distinct ways that chemicals used in crop production can affect estrogen signaling. Using three agrochemicals as examples (DDT, endosulfan, and atrazine), we illustrate how screening tests such as the US EPA's EDSP Tier 1 assays can be used as a first-pass approach to evaluate agrochemicals for endocrine activity. We then apply the "Key Characteristics" approach to illustrate how chemicals like DDT can be evaluated, together with the World Health Organization's definition of an endocrine disruptor, to identify data gaps. We conclude by describing important issues that must be addressed in the evaluation and regulation of hormonally active agrochemicals including mixture effects, efforts to reduce vertebrate animal use, chemical prioritization, and improvements in hazard, exposure, and risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA.
| | - Aimal Najmi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - Joshua P Mogus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
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Vu THV, Lim H, Shin H. Determination of 15 Biomarkers of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Human Saliva by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.11986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thi Hoang Van Vu
- Department of Environmental ScienceKongju National University Kongju 314‐701 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun‐Hee Lim
- Drug Abuse Research CenterKongju National University Kongju 314‐701 Republic of Korea
| | - Ho‐Sang Shin
- Department of Environmental EducationKongju National University Kongju 314‐701 Republic of Korea
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Peterson MK, Mohar I, Lam T, Cook TJ, Engel AM, Lynch H. Critical review of the evidence for a causal association between exposure to asbestos and esophageal cancer. Crit Rev Toxicol 2020; 49:597-613. [PMID: 31965908 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1692190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancers comprise about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the US but are more prevalent in other regions of the world. Several regulatory agencies have classified asbestos as a known human carcinogen, and it is linked to multiple diseases and malignancies, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. In a 2006 review of the epidemiological literature, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) did not find sufficient evidence to demonstrate a causal relationship between asbestos exposure and esophageal cancer. To reevaluate this conclusion, we performed a critical review of the animal toxicological, epidemiological, and mechanism of action literature on esophageal cancer and asbestos, incorporating studies published since 2006. Although there is some evidence in the epidemiological literature for an increased risk of esophageal cancer in asbestos-exposed occupational cohorts, these studies generally did not control for critical esophageal cancer risk factors (e.g. smoking, alcohol consumption). Furthermore, data from animal toxicological studies do not indicate that asbestos exposure increases esophageal cancer risk. Based on our evaluation of the literature, and reaffirming the IOM's findings, we conclude that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate a causal link between asbestos exposure and esophageal cancer.
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Abstract
Much research shows that science denial regarding climate change is widespread and problematic for science and scientists, as well as for policy-makers. Climate denial delays goal achievement. As shown in this article, science denial commonly occurs also in the field of chemicals assessment and policy, but the research on the topic is scarce. The peer-reviewed studies that exist mostly concern a limited number of specific cases, such as DDT, CFCs and endocrine disrupting chemicals. The characteristics of ‘chemicals denial’ show similarity with those of climate denial, including reliance on fake experts, cherry-picked facts and attacks on scientists, with a key aspect being the questioning of causal relationships. Considering the gaps between chemicals policy goals and the state of the environment, further scientific exploration in the field is needed. Developing a better coordinated research agenda and a common terminology are therefore warranted strategies. A key concept in such endeavors could be ‘chemicals denial’.
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Pedrazzani R, Bertanza G, Brnardić I, Cetecioglu Z, Dries J, Dvarionienė J, García-Fernández AJ, Langenhoff A, Libralato G, Lofrano G, Škrbić B, Martínez-López E, Meriç S, Pavlović DM, Papa M, Schröder P, Tsagarakis KP, Vogelsang C. Opinion paper about organic trace pollutants in wastewater: Toxicity assessment in a European perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:3202-3221. [PMID: 30463169 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Pedrazzani
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38 and University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Bertanza
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 43 and University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", University of Brescia, 25123, Italy.
| | - Ivan Brnardić
- Faculty of Metallurgy, University of Zagreb, Aleja narodnih heroja 3, 44103 Sisak, Croatia.
| | - Zeynep Cetecioglu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jan Dries
- Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, Salesianenlaan 90, 2660 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Jolanta Dvarionienė
- Kaunas University of Technology, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Gedimino str. 50, 44239 Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Campus of Espinardo, Spain.
| | - Alette Langenhoff
- Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708, WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia ed. 7, 80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giusy Lofrano
- Department of Chemistry and Biology "A. Zambelli", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132-84084 Fisciano, Italy.
| | - Biljana Škrbić
- Faculty of Technology, University of Novi Sad, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Campus of Espinardo, Spain.
| | - Süreyya Meriç
- Çorlu Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department, Namik Kemal University, Çorlu, 59860, Tekirdağ, Turkey.
| | - Dragana Mutavdžić Pavlović
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Matteo Papa
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 43 and University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", University of Brescia, 25123, Italy.
| | - Peter Schröder
- Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Konstantinos P Tsagarakis
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100 Xanthi, Greece.
| | - Christian Vogelsang
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalleen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway.
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Cano-Sancho G, Ploteau S, Matta K, Adoamnei E, Louis GB, Mendiola J, Darai E, Squifflet J, Le Bizec B, Antignac JP. Human epidemiological evidence about the associations between exposure to organochlorine chemicals and endometriosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 123:209-223. [PMID: 30530163 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue that affects women during their reproductive years, having a strong impact on their lives, fertility and healthcare costs. The aetiology remains largely unknown, but current evidence suggests that it is multi-causal and oestrogen-dependent. Many epidemiologic studies have explored associations between organochlorine chemicals (OCCs) and endometriosis, but the findings are inconsistent. OBJECTIVES A systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis were conducted to gather and synthesize all the available evidence from human epidemiological studies about the associations between OCCs and endometriosis. DATA SOURCES The searches were conducted in PubMed and Web of Science in June 2016 with a final follow-up in August 2018. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Only human epidemiological studies were considered, independent of participant age, body mass index or life-stage. Studies reporting individual measures of exposure to OCCs were included, considering but not limited to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The primary health outcome was presence of endometriosis, including all sub-types. Eligibility criteria excluded articles not written in English, conference papers, reviews and studies with overlapping information. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS A SR protocol pre-registered at PROSPERO was applied in duplicate to gather and extract all eligible original papers from PUBMED and Web of Science databases. Odds ratios were pooled using the inverse variance method for random effects meta-analysis for each group of OCCs. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Toxicology Program/Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP/OHAT) Risk of Bias Rating Tool for Human and Animal Studies adapted to the review question. The confidence in the body of evidence and related level of evidence was measured by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) based NTP/OHAT framework. The results were structured and presented in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS Of the 51 studies retained for the full-text screening, 17 provided effect sizes and metrics sufficient for pooling estimates through meta-analysis. The overall odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 1.65 (1.14; 2.39) for dioxins (n = 10), 1.70 (1.20; 2.39) for PCBs (n = 9), and 1.23 (1.13; 1.36) for OCPs (n = 5). Despite being statistically significant, these estimates should be considered with caution given the notable heterogeneity and small estimated effect size. Misclassification of exposure, due to varying laboratory detection rate capabilities, and disease status, due to varying definitions of endometriosis, were identified as major sources of uncertainty. LIMITATIONS, CONCLUSIONS, AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS The level of evidence was considered to be "moderate" with "serious" risk of bias according the NTP/OHAT criteria, supporting the need for further well-designed epidemiological research to fill lingering data gaps. Given the complexity of endometriosis and lack of known biomarkers suitable for population-based research, carefully designed observational studies play an important role in better understanding the aetiology of endometriosis, as will evolving mixture modeling approaches capable of handling various environmental chemical exposures. Attention to critical windows of exposure will shed further light on the possible developmental origin of endometriosis. Considering the high economic and societal cost associated with endometriosis, further research on this field is urged. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018080956.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stéphane Ploteau
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, CIC FEA, Hôpital Mère Enfant, CHU Hôtel Dieu, Nantes, France
| | - Komodo Matta
- LABERCA, Oniris, INRA, Université Bretagne-Loire, 44307 Nantes, France
| | - Evdochia Adoamnei
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Espinardo (Murcia) and CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Germaine Buck Louis
- College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, United States
| | - Jaime Mendiola
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Espinardo (Murcia) and CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Emile Darai
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique et médecine de la reproduction, CHU de Tenon, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Inserm, UMR S 938, Faculté de médecine Pierre-et Marie-Curie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jean Squifflet
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Le Bizec
- LABERCA, Oniris, INRA, Université Bretagne-Loire, 44307 Nantes, France
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12
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Vandenberg LN. Low dose effects challenge the evaluation of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Trends Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2018.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Hill CE, Myers JP, Vandenberg LN. Nonmonotonic Dose-Response Curves Occur in Dose Ranges That Are Relevant to Regulatory Decision-Making. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818798282. [PMID: 30228814 PMCID: PMC6137554 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818798282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-monotonic dose response curves (NMDRCs) occur in cells, tissues, animals and
human populations in response to nutrients, vitamins, pharmacological compounds,
hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Yet, regulatory agencies
have argued that NMDRCs are not common, are not found for adverse outcomes, and
are not relevant for regulation of EDCs. Under the linear dose response model,
high dose testing is used to extrapolate to lower doses that are anticipated to
be ‘safe’ for human exposures. NMDRCs that occur below the toxicological
no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) would falsify a fundamental assumption,
that high dose hazards can be used to predict low dose safety. In this
commentary, we provide examples of NMDRCs and discuss how their presence in
different portions of the dose response curve might affect regulatory decisions.
We provide evidence that NMDRCs do occur below the NOAEL dose, and even below
the ‘safe’ reference dose, for chemicals such as resveratrol, permethrin,
chlorothalonil, and phthalates such as DEHP. We also briefly discuss the recent
CLARITY-BPA study, which reported mammary adenocarcinomas only in rats exposed
to the lowest BPA dose. We conclude our commentary with suggestions for how
NMDRCs should be acknowledged and utilized to improve regulatory toxicity
testing and in the calculation of reference doses that are public health
protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne E Hill
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - J P Myers
- Environmental Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Amherst, MA, USA
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Li YY, Meng T, Gao K, Qin ZF. Gonadal differentiation and its sensitivity to androgens during development of Pelophylax nigromaculatus. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 202:188-195. [PMID: 30056249 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Our previous observations proposed Pelophylax nigromaculatus as a model species for studying the masculinizing effects of androgenic EDCs in amphibians. To better develop this model species, we studied the process of the gonadal differentiation/development and the sensitive stage to androgens. We found that the earliest sexual dimorphism in gonads at morphological and histological levels occurred at stages 38-40 and stage 36 respectively. Further examination of molecular markers for testicular and ovarian differentiation during development revealed that the cyp17 and cyp19 expressions were sexually dimorphic from stage 32 and stage 36 respectively. Further, we investigated the sex-reversal induced by 100 ng/L 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) when exposures were initiated at stages 24, 26 and 28. We found that when exposed from stage 24, DHT resulted masculinization of all tadpoles with no typical ovaries, whereas exposures from stage 26 or 28 dramatically reduced the effect of DHT. Our findings show that gonads of P. nigromaculatus are bipotential at stage 24, in the process of differentiation at stage 26 and determined to become either testis or ovary at stage 28. Altogether, exposure of P. nigromaculatus should begin at stage 24 in order to sensitively detect masculinizing effects of EDCs. Present study provides useful information about the gonadal differentiation and development in P. nigromaculatus for effectively evaluating masculinizing effects of EDCs on gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Kun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Zhan-Fen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Kiyama R. Estrogenic Potentials of Traditional Chinese Medicine. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2017; 45:1365-1399. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x17500756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen, a steroid hormone, is associated with several human activities, including environmental, industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical fields. In this review paper, estrogenic activity associated with traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is discussed first by focusing on the assays needed to detect estrogenic activity (animal test, cell assay, ligand-binding assay, protein assay, reporter-gene assay, transcription assay and yeast two-hybrid assay), and then, their sources, the nature of activities (estrogenic or anti-estrogenic, or other types), and pathways/functions, along with the assay used to detect the activity, which is followed by a summary of effective chemicals found in or associated with TCM. Applications of estrogens in TCM are then discussed by a comprehensive search of the literature, which include basic study/pathway analysis, cell functions, diseases/symptoms and medicine/supplements. Discrepancies and conflicting cases about estrogenicity of TCM among assays or between TCM and their effective chemicals, are focused on to enlarge estrogenic potentials of TCM by referring to omic knowledge such as transcriptome, proteome, glycome, chemome, cellome, ligandome, interactome and effectome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoiti Kiyama
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Life Science, Kyushu Sangyo University, Fukuoka, Japan
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16
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Jeong H, Kim J, Kim Y. Identification of Linkages between EDCs in Personal Care Products and Breast Cancer through Data Integration Combined with Gene Network Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14101158. [PMID: 28973975 PMCID: PMC5664659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14101158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 1000 chemicals have been reported to possibly have endocrine disrupting effects, some of which are used in consumer products, such as personal care products (PCPs) and cosmetics. We conducted data integration combined with gene network analysis to: (i) identify causal molecular mechanisms between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) used in PCPs and breast cancer; and (ii) screen candidate EDCs associated with breast cancer. Among EDCs used in PCPs, four EDCs having correlation with breast cancer were selected, and we curated 27 common interacting genes between those EDCs and breast cancer to perform the gene network analysis. Based on the gene network analysis, ESR1, TP53, NCOA1, AKT1, and BCL6 were found to be key genes to demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of EDCs in the development of breast cancer. Using GeneMANIA, we additionally predicted 20 genes which could interact with the 27 common genes. In total, 47 genes combining the common and predicted genes were functionally grouped with the gene ontology and KEGG pathway terms. With those genes, we finally screened candidate EDCs for their potential to increase breast cancer risk. This study highlights that our approach can provide insights to understand mechanisms of breast cancer and identify potential EDCs which are in association with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeri Jeong
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Campus E 7.1, Saarbruecken D-66123, Germany.
- Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seoul 02792, Korea.
| | - Jongwoon Kim
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Campus E 7.1, Saarbruecken D-66123, Germany.
- Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seoul 02792, Korea.
| | - Youngjun Kim
- Environmental Safety Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, Campus E 7.1, Saarbruecken D-66123, Germany.
- Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil 5, Seoul 02792, Korea.
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Li YY, Chen J, Qin ZF. Determining the optimal developmental stages of Xenopus laevis for initiating exposures to chemicals for sensitively detecting their feminizing effects on gonadal differentiation. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 179:134-142. [PMID: 27611864 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Xenopus laevis is an important model for detecting feminizing effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on amphibians because its genetic males can be induced to phenotypic females by estrogenic chemicals. It is crucial that chemical exposures begin at sensitive developmental stages for gonadal sex-reversal in X. laevis. To determine the optimal stages for initiating exposures, we investigated gonadal sex-reversal induced by low concentrations of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) when exposures were initiated at different stages (3/4, 45/46, 48 and 50) until stage 58. We found that 0.1nM EE2 resulted in 85%, 86%, 43%, and 19% intersex, whereas 1nM EE2 caused 77%, 81%, 17%, and 8% phenotypic females, when genetic male tadpoles were exposed from stages 3/4, 45/46, 48 and 50, respectively. The data show the sensitivity of X. laevis gonads to EE2 at stages 45/46 is similar with that at stages 3/4, but the sensitivity decreases at stage 48 and stage 50, displaying a developmental stage-dependent manner. In another experiment using the offspring of another pair of frogs, we confirmed high sensitivity of X. laevis gonads at stages 45/46 to low concentrations of EE2. Considering that stages 45/46 tadpoles are easier to manipulate and have higher survival rates than earlier embryos, we propose that stages 45/46 are the optimal stages for initiating exposure for detecting feminizing effects of EDCs on gonadal differentiation in X. laevis. The developmental stages for initiating exposures we determined will guarantee the high sensitivity for detecting feminizing effects of EDCs with low estrogenic activities on gonadal differentiation in X. laevis. Also, our study suggests that gonadal differentiation in X. laevis possibly begins at stages 45/46, but not at later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Juan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhan-Fen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Bonde JP, Flachs EM, Rimborg S, Glazer CH, Giwercman A, Ramlau-Hansen CH, Hougaard KS, Høyer BB, Hærvig KK, Petersen SB, Rylander L, Specht IO, Toft G, Bräuner EV. The epidemiologic evidence linking prenatal and postnatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals with male reproductive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 23:104-125. [PMID: 27655588 PMCID: PMC5155570 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 20 years ago, it was hypothesized that exposure to prenatal and early
postnatal environmental xenobiotics with the potential to disrupt endogenous
hormone signaling might be on the causal path to cryptorchidism, hypospadias, low
sperm count and testicular cancer. Several consensus statements and narrative
reviews in recent years have divided the scientific community and have elicited a
call for systematic transparent reviews. We aimed to fill this gap in knowledge in
the field of male reproductive disorders. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize published data on the risk
of cryptorchidism, hypospadias, low sperm counts and testicular cancer following
in utero or infant exposure to chemicals that have been
included on the European Commission's list of Category 1 endocrine
disrupting chemicals defined as having documented adverse effects due to endocrine
disruption in at least one intact organism. SEARCH METHODS A systematic literature search for original peer reviewed papers was performed in
the databases PubMed and Embase to identify epidemiological studies reporting
associations between the outcomes of interest and exposures documented by
biochemical analyses of biospecimens including maternal blood or urine, placenta
or fat tissue as well as amnion fluid, cord blood or breast milk; this was
followed by meta-analysis of quantitative data. OUTCOMES The literature search resulted in 1314 references among which we identified 33
papers(28 study populations) fulfilling the eligibility criteria. These provided
85 risk estimates of links between persistent organic pollutants and rapidly
metabolized compounds (phthalates and Bisphenol A) and male reproductive
disorders. The overall odds ratio (OR) across all exposures and outcomes was 1.11
(95% CI 0.91–1.35). When assessing four specific chemical subgroups
with sufficient data for meta-analysis for all outcomes, we found that exposure to
one of the four compounds, p,p′-DDE, was related to an elevated risk: OR
1.35 (95% CI 1.04–1.74). The data did not indicate that this
increased risk was driven by any specific disorder. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The current epidemiological evidence is compatible with a small increased risk of
male reproductive disorders following prenatal and postnatal exposure to some
persistent environmental chemicals classified as endocrine disruptors but the
evidence is limited. Future epidemiological studies may change the weight of the
evidence in either direction. No evidence of distortion due to publication bias
was found, but exposure–response relationships are not evident. There are
insufficient data on rapidly metabolized endocrine disruptors and on specific
exposure–outcome relations. A particular data gap is evident with respect
to delayed effects on semen quality and testicular cancer. Although high quality
epidemiological studies are still sparse, future systematic and transparent
reviews may provide pieces of evidence contributing to the narrative and weight of
the evidence assessments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark .,Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, DK-1016 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Esben Meulengracht Flachs
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Susie Rimborg
- The Royal Library/ University of Copenhagen Library, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Clara Helene Glazer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Birgit Bjerre Høyer
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Katia Keglberg Hærvig
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Sesilje Bondo Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Lars Rylander
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Lund, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ina Olmer Specht
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Elvira Vaclavik Bräuner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark.,Research Center for Prevention and Health (RCPH), University of Copenhagen, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
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Vandenberg LN, Ågerstrand M, Beronius A, Beausoleil C, Bergman Å, Bero LA, Bornehag CG, Boyer CS, Cooper GS, Cotgreave I, Gee D, Grandjean P, Guyton KZ, Hass U, Heindel JJ, Jobling S, Kidd KA, Kortenkamp A, Macleod MR, Martin OV, Norinder U, Scheringer M, Thayer KA, Toppari J, Whaley P, Woodruff TJ, Rudén C. A proposed framework for the systematic review and integrated assessment (SYRINA) of endocrine disrupting chemicals. Environ Health 2016; 15:74. [PMID: 27412149 PMCID: PMC4944316 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0156-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The issue of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is receiving wide attention from both the scientific and regulatory communities. Recent analyses of the EDC literature have been criticized for failing to use transparent and objective approaches to draw conclusions about the strength of evidence linking EDC exposures to adverse health or environmental outcomes. Systematic review methodologies are ideal for addressing this issue as they provide transparent and consistent approaches to study selection and evaluation. Objective methods are needed for integrating the multiple streams of evidence (epidemiology, wildlife, laboratory animal, in vitro, and in silico data) that are relevant in assessing EDCs. METHODS We have developed a framework for the systematic review and integrated assessment (SYRINA) of EDC studies. The framework was designed for use with the International Program on Chemical Safety (IPCS) and World Health Organization (WHO) definition of an EDC, which requires appraisal of evidence regarding 1) association between exposure and an adverse effect, 2) association between exposure and endocrine disrupting activity, and 3) a plausible link between the adverse effect and the endocrine disrupting activity. RESULTS Building from existing methodologies for evaluating and synthesizing evidence, the SYRINA framework includes seven steps: 1) Formulate the problem; 2) Develop the review protocol; 3) Identify relevant evidence; 4) Evaluate evidence from individual studies; 5) Summarize and evaluate each stream of evidence; 6) Integrate evidence across all streams; 7) Draw conclusions, make recommendations, and evaluate uncertainties. The proposed method is tailored to the IPCS/WHO definition of an EDC but offers flexibility for use in the context of other definitions of EDCs. CONCLUSIONS When using the SYRINA framework, the overall objective is to provide the evidence base needed to support decision making, including any action to avoid/minimise potential adverse effects of exposures. This framework allows for the evaluation and synthesis of evidence from multiple evidence streams. Finally, a decision regarding regulatory action is not only dependent on the strength of evidence, but also the consequences of action/inaction, e.g. limited or weak evidence may be sufficient to justify action if consequences are serious or irreversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N. Vandenberg
- />Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health & Health Sciences, Amherst, MA USA
| | - Marlene Ågerstrand
- />Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Beronius
- />Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claire Beausoleil
- />ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety), Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Åke Bergman
- />Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- />Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Lisa A. Bero
- />Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- />Department of health sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- />Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, USA
| | - C. Scott Boyer
- />Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center, Södertälje, Sweden
| | | | - Ian Cotgreave
- />Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center (Swetox), Karolinska Institutet, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - David Gee
- />Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- />Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Ulla Hass
- />National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søborg, Denmark
| | - Jerrold J. Heindel
- />National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Division of Extramural Research and Training, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Susan Jobling
- />Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Karen A. Kidd
- />Biology Department and Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick Canada
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- />Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Malcolm R. Macleod
- />Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Olwenn V. Martin
- />Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Ulf Norinder
- />Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center, Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Martin Scheringer
- />Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kristina A. Thayer
- />Department of Health and Human Services, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Jorma Toppari
- />University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Paul Whaley
- />Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Tracey J. Woodruff
- />School of Medicine, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, CA USA
| | - Christina Rudén
- />Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Trasande L, Vandenberg LN, Bourguignon JP, Myers JP, Slama R, Vom Saal F, Zoeller RT. Peer-reviewed and unbiased research, rather than 'sound science', should be used to evaluate endocrine-disrupting chemicals. J Epidemiol Community Health 2016; 70:1051-1056. [PMID: 27417427 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2016-207841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Evidence increasingly confirms that synthetic chemicals disrupt the endocrine system and contribute to disease and disability across the lifespan. Despite a United Nations Environment Programme/WHO report affirmed by over 100 countries at the Fourth International Conference on Chemicals Management, 'manufactured doubt' continues to be cast as a cloud over rigorous, peer-reviewed and independently funded scientific data. This study describes the sources of doubt and their social costs, and suggested courses of action by policymakers to prevent disease and disability. The problem is largely based on the available data, which are all too limited. Rigorous testing programmes should not simply focus on oestrogen, androgen and thyroid. Tests should have proper statistical power. 'Good laboratory practice' (GLP) hardly represents a proper or even gold standard for laboratory studies of endocrine disruption. Studies should be evaluated with regard to the contamination of negative controls, responsiveness to positive controls and dissection techniques. Flaws in many GLP studies have been identified, yet regulatory agencies rely on these flawed studies. Peer-reviewed and unbiased research, rather than 'sound science', should be used to evaluate endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA Department of Environmental Medicine and Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, New York, USA Department of Nutrition, Food & Public Health, NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York, New York, USA NYU Global Institute of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Bourguignon
- Pediatric Endocrinology, CHU Liège and Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, Universite de Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Remy Slama
- Inserm, CNRS and Univ. Grenoble Alpes joint research center (IAB), Team of Environmental Epidemiology, Grenoble, France
| | - Frederick Vom Saal
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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