Endocrine disruption as an adverse effect of non-endocrine targeting pharmaceuticals

Nanoplastics increase in vitro oestrogenic activity of neurotherapeutic drugs

Environmental pollution with plastic nanoparticles (PNPs) has rendered hazard assessment of unintentional human exposure to neurotherapeutic drugs through contaminated water and food ever more complicated. Due to their small size, PNPs can easily enter different cell types and cross different biological barriers, while their high surface-to-volume ratio enables higher adsorption of chemicals. This is how PNPs take the role of a Trojan horse as they enhance bioaccumulation of many different pollutants. One of the health concerns related to water pollution with neurotherapeutic drugs is endocrine disruption, already evidenced for the anticonvulsant drug carbamazepine (Cbz) and antidepressant fluoxetine (Flx). Our study aimed to evaluate endocrine disrupting effects of Cbz and Flx in mixtures with polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs) using the in vitro luciferase assay to measure oestrogen receptor activity in T47D-KBluc cells treated with Cbz-PSNPs or Flx-PSNPs mixtures and compare it with the activities observed in cells treated with individual mixture components (Cbz, Flx, or PSNPs). Dose ranges used in the study were 0.1-10 mg/L, 1-100 µmol/L, and 0.1-10 µmol/L for PSNPs, Cbz, and Flx, respectively. Our findings show that none of the individual components activate oestrogen receptors, while the mixtures induce oestrogen receptor activity starting with 0.1 mg/L for PSNPs, 10 µmol/L for Cbz, and 0.5 µmol/L for Flx. This is the first study to evidence that PSNPs increase oestrogen receptor activity induced by neurotherapeutic drugs at their environmentally relevant concentrations and calls for urgent inclusion of complex mixtures in health hazard assessments to inform regulatory response.

Potential oestrogenic effects (following the OECD test guideline 440) and thyroid dysfunction induced by pure cyanotoxins (microcystin-LR, cylindrospermopsin) in rats

Potential endocrine-disrupting properties of cyanotoxins, such as microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN) are of concern due to their increasing occurrence, the scarcity of reports on the topic (particularly for CYN) and the impact of human's health at different levels. Thus, this work performed for the first time the uterotrophic bioassay in rats, following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Test Guideline 440, to explore the oestrogenic properties of CYN and MC-LR (75, 150, 300 μg/kg b.w./day) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Results revealed neither changes in the wet and blotted uterus weights nor in the morphometric study of uteri. Moreover, among the steroid hormones analysed in serum, the most remarkable effect was the dose-dependent increase in progesterone (P) levels in rats exposed to MC-LR. Additionally, a histopathology study of thyroids and serum levels of thyroids hormones were determined. Tissue affectation (follicular hypertrophy, exfoliated epithelium, hyperplasia) was observed, as well as increased T3 and T4 levels in rats exposed to both toxins. Taken together, these results point out that CYN and MC-LR are not oestrogenic compounds at the conditions tested in the uterotrophic assay in OVX rats, but, however, thyroid disruption effects cannot be discarded.

Evaluation of Endocrine Related Adverse Effects of Non-Endocrine Targeted Pharmaceuticals in Cellular Systems

BACKGROUND

Prenatal period is a critical developmental phase that is sensitive to hormonal disruption by natural and/or exogenous hormones. Some pharmaceuticals frequently prescribed and used safely during pregnancy are shown to interact with the developmental programming of fetus, resulting in endocrine-related adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE

In this research, we aimed to determine the endocrine disrupting potential of paracetamol, indomethacin, alpha-methyldopa and pantoprazole which are frequently prescribed pharmaceuticals during pregnancy.

METHODS

In vitro aromatase inhibitory, estrogen receptor (ER) agonist/antagonist (E-Screen assay) and hormone biosynthesis modulatory effects (H295R steroidogenesis assay) of the selected pharmaceuticals were evaluated. Furthermore, their effects on viability of MCF-7/BUS and H295R cells were also evaluated by MTT assay.

RESULTS

None of the pharmaceuticals affected H295R cell viability. Only indomethacin reduced MCF-7/BUS cell viability at 100µM and 300µM. Among the tested pharmaceuticals, only paracetamol and indomethacin showed aromatase inhibitory activity with IC 50 values of 14.7 x 10 -5 M and 57.6 x 10 -5 M, respectively. Moreover, indomethacin displayed a biphasic ER agonist effect. ER antagonist effects of indomethacin and pantoprazole were confirmed by performing two stepped E-Screen assay. After the partial validation of the H295R steroidogenesis assay with forskolin and prochloraz, the effects of pharmaceuticals on synthesis of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) levels were tested. Alpha-methyldopa increased E2 at all tested concentrations and T at 1.48 and 4.4µM. Contrarily other tested pharmaceuticals did not affect steroidogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Present data suggest that all tested pharmaceuticals may have potential endocrine disrupting effect, which should be considered when used in pregnancy.

Potential Endocrine Disruption of Cyanobacterial Toxins, Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin: A Review

Microcystins (MCs) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN), although classified as hepatotoxins and cytotoxins, respectively, have been shown to also induce toxic effects in many other systems and organs. Among them, their potential endocrine disruption (ED) activity has been scarcely investigated. Considering the increasing relevance of ED on humans, mammals, and aquatic organisms, this work aimed to review the state-of-the-art regarding the toxic effects of MCs and CYN at this level. It has been evidenced that MCs have been more extensively investigated than CYN. Reported results are contradictory, with the presence or absence of effects, but experimental conditions also vary to a great extent. In general, both toxins have shown ED activity mediated by very different mechanisms, such as estrogenic responses via a binding estrogen receptor (ER), pathological changes in several organs and cells (testis, ovarian cells), and a decreased gonad-somatic index. Moreover, toxic effects mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in transcriptional responses on several endocrine axes and steroidogenesis-related genes, and changes in hormone levels have also been reported. Further research is required in a risk assessment frame because official protocols for assessment of endocrine disrupters have not been used. Moreover, the use of advanced techniques would aid in deciphering cyanotoxins dose-response relationships in relation to their ED potential.

Deiodinases control local cellular and systemic thyroid hormone availability

Iodothyronine deiodinases (DIO) are a family of selenoproteins controlling systemic and local availability of the major thyroid hormone l-thyroxine (T4), a prohormone secreted by the thyroid gland. T4 is activated to the active 3,3'-5-triiodothyronine (T3) by two 5'-deiodinases, DIO1 and DIO2. DIO3, a 5-deiodinase selenoenzyme inactivates both the prohormone T4 and its active form T3. DIOs show species-specific different patterns of temporo-spatial expression, regulation and function and exhibit different mechanisms of reaction and inhibitor sensitivities. The main regulators of DIO expression and function are the thyroid hormone status, several growth factors, cytokines and altered pathophysiological conditions. Selenium (Se) status has a modest impact on DIO expression and translation. DIOs rank high in the priority of selenium supply to various selenoproteins; thus, their function is impaired only during severe selenium deficiency. DIO variants, polymorphisms, SNPs and rare mutations have been identified. Development of DIO isozyme selective drugs is ongoing. A first X-ray structure has been reported for DIO3. This review focusses on the biochemical characteristics and reaction mechanisms, the relationships between DIO selenoproteins and their importance for local and systemic provision of the active hormone T3. Nutritional, pharmacological, and environmental factors and inhibitors, such as endocrine disruptors, impact DIO functions.

Effects of plastic particles on aquatic invertebrates and fish - A review

This review summarises the current knowledge on the effects of microplastics and their additives on organisms living in the aquatic environment, particularly invertebrates and fish. To date, microplastics have been recognised to affect not only the behaviour of aquatic animals but also their proper development, causing variations in fertility, oxidative stress, inflammations and immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and changes in metabolic pathways and gene expression. The ability of microplastics to bind other xenobiotics and cause combined toxicity along side the effect of other agents is also discussed as well. Microplastics are highly recalcitrant materials in both freshwater and marine environments and should be considered extremely toxic to aquatic ecosystems. They are severely problematic from ecological, economic and toxicological standpoints.

Effects of central nervous system drugs on androgen, estrogen α, glucocorticoid, and thyroid receptors

Some drugs that act on the central nervous system (CNS) are known to affect the endocrine system, although the mechanisms of endocrine toxicity are not well characterized to date. Such CNS drugs include antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. In the present study, in-vitro firefly luciferase reporter-gene assays using the AR-EcoScreen assay using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, hERα-HeLa9903, MDA-kb2, and GH3.TRE-Luc cell lines were used to determine the effects of nine CNS drugs on the androgen receptor, estrogen receptor α, glucocorticoid receptor, and thyroid hormone receptor, respectively. In the AR-EcoScreen assay using CHO cells, anti-androgenic activities were shown for carbamazepine (IC₅₀, 167 μM), clonazepam (IC₅₀, 26.7 μM), eslicarbazepine acetate (IC₅₀, 375 μM), fluoxetine (at 25 μM), lorazepam (IC₅₀, 16.4 μM), and sertraline (IC₅₀, 8.7 μM). In the hERα-HeLa-9903 cells, estrogen receptor α agonistic activities were shown for fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline (at 10 μM and 25 μM), and in the GH3.TRE-Luc cells, the same three CNS drugs showed antithyroid activities (IC₅₀s, 11.6, 11.9, 2.7 μM, respectively). In the hERα-HeLa-9903 cells, estrogen receptor α antagonistic activities were shown for carbamazepine (IC₅₀, 114.3 μM), clonazepam (IC₅₀, 52.9 μM), and eslicarbazepine acetate (IC₅₀, 376.6 μM). When the CNS drugs were tested in the MDA-kb2 cells, none of them showed any activities toward glucocorticoid receptors. Little to no effects were seen toward any of these nuclear receptors for paliperidone and risperidone. The increased signal in the estrogen receptor α agonism assay seen for fluoxetine and paroxetine was confirmed to be mediated through estrogen receptor α. Additionally, we examined the interference of these CNS drugs with the firefly luciferase enzyme. These data elucidate the potential for adverse endocrine effects for some of these CNS drugs, which should therefore contribute to informed choice when prescribing them. However, long-term exposure to therapeutic concentrations of CNS drugs that have activities on the endocrine system should be explored further also in vivo.

Extraction and Optimization of Active Metabolites From Cluster Bean: An In Vitro Biological and Phytochemical Investigation

The current study aimed to explore active metabolites of locally recognized and high yielding cultivar cluster bean (BR-99) with a wide range of adaptability having antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic potential. Six solvents were used (crude methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous) with escalating polarity for colorimetric determination of antioxidants such as total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. Moreover, an antidiabetic and anticancer study was conducted by α-amylase inhibition and MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay. Biological investigations were carried out against the most commonly found infectious microbial strains. The significant results (P ≤ .001) of each activity were seen among six tested solvent extracts. The ethyl acetate and methanol extract have more antioxidant potential with the highest TPC (16.38 ± .13 mg GAE/g) and TFC (8.15 ± .24 mg CE/g), respectively. Similarly, methanol extract presented the highest free radical scavenging activity (46.31 ± .91%), followed by ethyl acetate, butanol, chloroform, aqueous, and n-hexane extract. However, the maximum α-amylase inhibition (62.54 ± 1.47%) and anticancer activity against human lung cancer cells were congregated (78.31 ± 1.46%) in butanol and chloroform, respectively. A positive correlation was seen between TPC with TFC (R²= .8356), FRSA (R²= .8381), and anti-diabetic activity (R²= .8082), which highlights the phenolic contents as strong anti-oxidant agents especially flavonoids. Each extract of cluster bean (BR-99) showed significant antimicrobial activities for all tested bacterial strains except B. cereus and E. coli. The profound results of maximum antibacterial activity were witnessed by chloroform extract while ethyl acetate extracts showed great antifungal potential against all tested fungal strains. The HPLC quantitative analysis results of cluster bean (BR-99) revealed the presence of active phytochemicals such as gallic acid, HB acid, vanillic acid, kaempferol, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, coumarins, quercetin, rutin, p-coumaric acid, and catechin, and the variation in both phytochemical and biological spectrums envisioned the cluster bean (BR-99) used in future as a cheap, safer, and potent source of bioactive drugs.

An introduction to the sources, fate, occurrence and effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals released into the environment

Many classes of compounds are known or suspected to disrupt the endocrine system of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. This review of the sources and fate of selected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment includes classes of compounds that are "legacy" contaminants, as well as contaminants of emerging concern. EDCs included for discussion are organochlorine compounds, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, brominated flame retardants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, alkylphenols, phthalates, bisphenol A and analogues, pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse and steroid hormones, personal care products, and organotins. An exhaustive survey of the fate of these contaminants in all environmental media (e.g., air, water, soil, biota, foods and beverages) is beyond the scope of this review, so the priority is to highlight the fate of EDCs in environmental media for which there is a clear link between exposure and endocrine effects in humans or in biota from other taxa. Where appropriate, linkages are also made between the fate of EDCs and regulatory limits such as environmental quality guidelines for water and sediments and total daily intake values for humans.

Maternotoxicity and fetotoxicity in Rattus norvegicus albinus exposed to tramadol during the late phase of pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

Tramadol, an atypical opioid, is clinically efficacious in treating moderate to severe pain. The aim of current study was to find out the toxicological effects of tramadol exposure to pregnant rats and fetuses during the late phase of pregnancy.

METHODS

Wistar pregnant rats were exposed to 1.25, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg/day tramadol from 14th to 20th day of pregnancy. The same therapy was given to nonpregnant rats for 7 days. The body weight, oral glucose and lipid tolerance tests, and effect on complete blood parameters in both pregnant and nonpregnant rats were determined. On 20th day, maternal placentas were excised and weighed while fetuses were observed for any deformity and growth retardation. Oxidative stress biomarkers were estimated in the liver and kidney tissue homogenates of the pregnant and nonpregnant rats while the whole fetus homogenate was processed for the same. Moreover, histopathology of the liver and kidney of pregnant and nonpregnant rats were carried out.

RESULTS

Tramadol administration did not significantly alter the area under curve of the blood glucose and triglyceride levels in both the pregnant and nonpregnant rats. It reduced the live fetuses, placental weights, fetal length, and fetal weights. Tramadol treated pregnant rats showed significantly (p < .05) reduced red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelets with reference to control group. Similarly, structural abnormalities and malfunctioning of the liver and kidney of pregnant rats were instituted; however, it did not affect the structural integrity of nonpregnant rats. A substantial (p < .001-.0001) altered glutathione and malondialdehyde levels in the fetuses, pregnant, and nonpregnant animals (tissue homogenates) at all dosage levels were indicative of tramadol induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, tramadol exposure resulted in more significant (p < .01-.001) alteration of lipid profile in the pregnant than the nonpregnant animals.

CONCLUSION

Acquired results suggested the maternotoxic and fetotoxic effects of tramadol exposure during the late gestation period.

Ecotoxicity and photodegradation of Montelukast (a drug to treat asthma) in water

The present work focuses on the ecotoxicological effects of montelukast sodium (MTL) and its photoproducts, obtained under environmentally-like conditions. Despite of the potential presence in surface waters and the common use of MTL as asthma drug, limited data has been published for its photodegradation, while no information is available for its ecotoxicity. Light-induced degradation is an effective way for drugs to degrade in aquatic environments, and MTL is highly photosensitive, even by exposure to sunlight. In this study, solar-simulated irradiation of the drug in water was investigated. The drug was quickly converted into a series of photoproducts that were spectroscopically characterized. The possible photoreaction pathways were proposed. Ecotoxicity tests were performed on parent compound and mixture of photoproducts towards two bioindicators (Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna). Results evidenced that effects of MTL on D. magna (EC50 = 16.4 mg/L) were greater than effects on R. subcapitata (EC50 = 195.7 mg/L). Microscopy observations revealed that MTL had mainly accumulated in the gut of daphnia. Toxicity data on photolysed solutions highlighted the presence of residual toxicity in all samples, evidencing that no complete mineralization occurred. Future research should focus on monitoring of MTL concentrations in the environment and study its effects in bioaccumulation tests.

A toxicogenomic data space for system-level understanding and prediction of EDC-induced toxicity

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are a persistent threat to humans and wildlife due to their ability to interfere with endocrine signaling pathways. Inspired by previous work to improve chemical hazard identification through the use of toxicogenomics data, we developed a genomic-oriented data space for profiling the molecular activity of EDCs in an in silico manner, and for creating predictive models that identify and prioritize EDCs. Predictive models of EDCs, derived from gene expression data from rats (in vivo and in vitro primary hepatocytes) and humans (in vitro primary hepatocytes and HepG2), achieve testing accuracy greater than 90%. Negative test sets indicate that known safer chemicals are not predicted as EDCs. The rat in vivo-based classifiers achieve accuracy greater than 75% when tested for invitro to in vivoextrapolation. This study reveals key metabolic pathways and genes affected by EDCs together with a set of predictive models that utilize these pathways to prioritize EDCs in dose/time dependent manner and to predict EDCevokedmetabolic diseases.

Pharmacokinetic drug interactions between antiseizure medications and drugs for comorbid diseases in children with epilepsy

Introduction: Nearly 80% of children with epilepsy have one or more chronic comorbidities that require specific drug treatments in several cases. Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between antiseizure medications (ASMs) and all other drugs (NON-ASMs) used to treat comorbid diseases may have serious consequences.Areas covered: All potential DDIs between 27 ASMs and all NON-ASMs used for oral chronic treatment of those disorders most often comorbid with epilepsy in children were searched for drug compendia. Clinical evidence of the identified DDIs was also searched in the literature. Forty-eight drugs have been identified as potential DDIs with at least one ASM. Most important DDIs are between some ASMs and omeprazole and pantoprazole (drugs for gastrointestinal disorders), ibuprofen and cyclobenzaprine (drugs for musculoskeletal disorders), loratidine, lumacaftor/ivacaftor, montelukast, and theophylline (drugs for respiratory system), levothyroxine, liothyronine and several corticosteroids (systemic hormonal preparations), almotriptan, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, and several antipsychotics, antidepressants and anxiolytics (drugs for nervous diseases). Clinical evidence of the predicted DDIs was found in a minority of cases.Expert opinion: Treatment of children with epilepsy should be decided considering treatment of both seizures and comorbid diseases and aimed at minimizing the risk of DDIs between ASMs and NON-ASMs.

Cross-species physiological interactions of endocrine disrupting chemicals with the circadian clock

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are endocrine-active chemical pollutants that disrupt reproductive, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular and metabolic health across species. The circadian clock is a transcriptional oscillator responsible for entraining 24-hour rhythms of physiology, behavior and metabolism. Extensive bidirectional cross talk exists between circadian and endocrine systems and circadian rhythmicity is present at all levels of endocrine control, from synthesis and release of hormones, to sensitivity of target tissues to hormone action. In mammals, a range of hormones directly alter clock gene expression and circadian physiology via nuclear receptor (NR) binding and subsequent genomic action, modulating physiological processes such as nutrient and energy metabolism, stress response, reproductive physiology and circadian behavioral rhythms. The potential for EDCs to perturb circadian clocks or circadian-driven physiology is not well characterized. For this reason, we explore evidence for parallel endocrine and circadian disruption following EDC exposure across species. In the reviewed studies, EDCs dysregulated core clock and circadian rhythm network gene expression in brain and peripheral organs, and altered circadian reproductive, behavioral and metabolic rhythms. Circadian impacts occurred in parallel to endocrine and metabolic alterations such as impaired fertility and dysregulated metabolic and energetic homeostasis. Further research is warranted to understand the nature of interaction between circadian and endocrine systems in mediating physiological effects of EDC exposure at environmental levels.

[Endocrine late-effects and bone mineral density after combined treatment of malignant brain tumors in childhood and adolescence]

Обоснование

Обоснование. Внедрение в клиническую практику стандартизированных протоколов комбинированного лечения онкологических заболеваний неизбежно приводит к развитию отдаленных последствий. Поскольку у лиц, излеченных в детском и подростковом возрасте, ожидаемая продолжительность жизни велика, своевременная диагностика и коррекция отдаленных последствий противоопухолевого лечения имеют даже большее значение, чем острые осложнения химиолучевой терапии.

Цель

Цель. Изучить распространенность эндокринных нарушений, оценить распространенность и степень снижения минеральной плотности костной ткани (МПК) у лиц, перенесших комбинированное лечение злокачественных опухолей головного мозга в детском и молодом возрасте.

Материалы и методы

Материалы и методы. Проведено ретроспективное исследование с участием 59 пациентов (31 мужчина; 28 женщин), перенесших в детском и молодом возрасте оперативное лечение злокачественной опухоли головного мозга с последующей лучевой терапией в объеме краниоспинального облучения в сочетании с полихимиотерапией или без нее. I группу составили 37 пациентов, которым комбинированное лечение проводилось в возрасте от 3 до 16 лет. Во II группу были включены 22 пациента, получившие лечение в возрасте от 16 до 38 лет.

Результаты

Результаты. Недостаточность соматотропного гормона по результатам пробы с инсулиновой гипогликемией выявлена у 48 пациентов (81%), вторичная надпочечниковая недостаточность — у 22 (37%). Большая часть обследованных (33 пациента (56%)) не достигли целевого роста. Лечение рекомбинантным гормоном роста (рГР) получили только 5 человек из I группы. Проведенный корреляционный анализ показал, что возраст на момент лечения — основной фактор, влияющий на конечный рост (r=0,619; p<0,001). Выявлена высокая частота развития гипотиреоза (n=39 (66%)), гипогонадизма (19 женщин; 17 мужчин). По результатам DXA снижение МПК ≤-2,0 SD по Z-критерию в поясничном отделе позвоночника выявлено у 35 из 59 обследованных (59%). МПК у пациентов I группы была значимо ниже по сравнению с пациентами, получившими лечение в более старшем возрасте (p<0,001). Обнаружена умеренная корреляция между МПК в поясничном отделе позвоночника на момент обследования и уровнем эстрадиола в крови у женщин (r=0,596; p<0,05) и тестостерона у мужчин (r=0,472; p<0,05). Выявлена прямая зависимость МПК от возраста на момент заболевания (r=0,781; p<0,01).

Заключение

Заключение. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют о необходимости ежегодного и пожизненного наблюдения пациентов после комбинированного лечения злокачественных опухолей головного мозга на предмет выявления отдаленных последствий лечения. Высокая распространенность остеопенических состояний определяет актуальность и необходимость проведения ранней диагностики для предотвращения дальнейшей потери костной массы, снижения прочности кости и риска переломов.

Biochemical responses of a freshwater fish Cirrhinus mrigala exposed to tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)

Freshwater fish Cirrhinus mrigala were exposed to tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) with three different concentrations (0.04, 0.2, and 1 mg/L) for a period of 21 days. During the study period, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in gills, liver, and kidney tissues, whereas glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (except liver tissue) activities were inhibited when compared to the control group. Likewise, exposure to TCEP significantly (p < 0.05) altered the biochemical (glucose and protein) and electrolyte (sodium, potassium, and chloride) levels of fish. Light microscopic studies exhibited series of histopathological anomalies in the gills, liver, and kidney tissues. The present study reveals that TCEP at tested concentrations causes adverse effects on fish and the studied biomarkers could be used for monitoring the ecotoxicity of organophosphate esters (OPEs).

Investigating (anti)estrogenic activities within South African wastewater and receiving surface waters: Implication for reliable monitoring

Natural and synthetic steroid hormones and many persistent organic pollutants are of concern for their endocrine-disrupting activities observed in receiving surface waters. Apart from the demonstrated presence of estrogen- and estrogen-mimicking compounds in surface waters, antagonistic (anti-estrogenic) responses originating from wastewater effluent have been reported but are less known. Estrogenicity and anti-estrogenicity were assessed using recombinant yeast estrogen receptor binding assays (YES/YAES) at ten South African wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) and receiving rivers in two separate sampling campaigns during the summer- and winter periods in the area. Four WWTWs were then further investigated to show daily variation in estrogenic endocrine-disrupting activities during the treatment process. Although estrogenicity was notably reduced at most of the WWTWs, some treated effluent and river water samples were shown to be above effect-based trigger values posing an endocrine-disrupting risk for aquatic life and potential health risks for humans. Furthermore, estrogenicity recorded in samples collected upstream from some WWTW discharge points also exceeded some calculated risk trigger values, which highlights the impact of alternative pollution sources contributing towards endocrine disrupting contaminants (EDCs) in the environment. The YAES further showed variable anti-estrogenic activities in treated wastewater. The current study highlights a variety of factors that may affect bioassay outcomes and conclusions drawn from the results for risk decision-making. For example, mismatches were found between estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity, which suggests a potential masking effect in WWTW effluents and highlights the complexity of environmental samples containing chemical mixtures having variable endocrine-disrupting modes of action. Although the recombinant yeast assay is not without its limitations to show endocrine-disrupting modulation in test water systems, it serves as a cost-effective tier-1 scoping assay for further risk characterisation and intervention.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant evaluation, and antidiabetic potential of Pinus gerardiana (Pine nuts) extracts

Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of pine nuts were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and inhibition of alpha-amylase activities. Pine nut extracts were orally administered to alloxan monohydrate-induced diabetes in mice at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg. Both extracts showed a significant antioxidant and inhibition of alpha-amylase activities. Animal studies showed a decline in fasting blood glucose, hyperlipidemia, and weight loss in diabetic mice. The administration of plant extracts decreased the blood glucose level during the oral glucose tolerance test. Histopathological examination showed a decrease in alloxan-induced lesions in the pancreas, liver, and kidney of animals treated with pine nut extracts. Furthermore, pine nut extract ameliorated oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity in diabetic mice. The presence of quercetin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid, syringic acid, m-coumaric acid, and other phenolic compounds might be related to hypoglycemic, alpha-amylase inhibitory, antioxidant, and antihyperlipidemic potential of pine nut extracts. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Dry fruits are rich in dietary nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals that can be used to treat and prevent lifestyle disease. Pine nuts are edible and have economic importance in addition to several traditional uses such as diuretic, antiseptic, expectorant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antihypertensive, and antineuralgic properties. This study was conducted to investigate the pine nut extracts for their antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials using in vitro methods and animal disease model. The findings of the present study suggest that the extracts of Pine nuts may be helpful in treating hyperglycemia during diabetes and prevent its complications such as hepatic damage, nephrotoxicity, weight loss, and hyperlipidemia.

Case Series: Minocycline-Associated Thyroiditis

INTRODUCTION

Minocycline, a member of the tetracycline class of antibiotics, has been associated with benign thyroid pigmentation but reports of thyroid dysfunction are sparse.

METHODS

Cases were selected via an inquiry of the electronic medical records for patients with thyroid dysfunction and the use of a tetracycline antibiotic. Non-autoimmune thyroiditis was defined as abnormally low or suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, <0.3 µIU/mL), elevated free thyroxine or total thyroxine, and undetectable antithyroid antibodies.

RESULTS

Nine cases of thyroiditis without autoimmunity were identified out of 423 reviewed patients. Cases of thyroiditis occurred in adolescents ages 14-17 years who had been taking minocycline for 6 months to 4 years. In all cases, minocycline was prescribed for the treatment of acne. Four of the 9 received treatment for thyrotoxicosis with a β-blocker (in 3 cases) and/or antithyroid drug (in 2 cases). Thyroiditis was symptomatic in all but one individual who presented with painless goiter. All thyroiditis was transient and resolved after a median of 4.5 months (range 2-5 months). In one case, thyroiditis was followed by transient hypothyroidism.

DISCUSSION

Minocycline is known to cause thyroid abnormalities, although it has not been definitively linked to thyroid dysfunction. Here, we report 9 cases of non-autoimmune thyroiditis in adolescents receiving minocycline for acne. We recommend that minocycline exposure be considered in the differential diagnosis for thyroiditis and that patients receiving minocycline be counseled regarding the risk of thyroid dysfunction.