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Qiu X, Su Z, Gao J, Cui Y, Dong K, Chen K, Zhao RJ, Wang S, Wu T, Shi Y. Sex-specific impacts of thimerosal on the behaviors and brain monoaminergic systems in zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 271:106921. [PMID: 38615580 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106921] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Thimerosal (THI) is the most widely used form of organic mercury in pharmaceutical and personal care products, and has become a major source of ethylmercury pollution in aquatic ecosystems. However, knowledge about its potential risk to aquatic species is limited. In this study, zebrafish were exposed to THI for 7 days, and variations in their behavioral traits, brain monoaminergic neurotransmitter contents, and related gene expression were investigated. After the 7-day exposure, THI reduced locomotor activity and thigmotaxis in males but not females. Exposure to THI increased the social interaction between females but decreased that between males. The THI exposure also significantly reduced the serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, dopamine (DA), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid contents in the brain of males, but only significantly decreased the DA content in females. Correlation analysis revealed that the neurochemical alterations in the brain of zebrafish play critical roles in the behavioral abnormalities induced by THI exposure. Moreover, THI also significantly altered the expression of some genes associated with the synthesis, metabolism, and receptor binding of 5-HT and DA in the brain of zebrafish. The differences in these gene expressions between female and male zebrafish exposed to THI seem to be an important mechanism underlying their sex-specific responses to this chemical. This is the first report on the sex-specific effects of THI on behaviors and brain monoaminergic neurotransmitter contents in zebrafish, which can further improve our understanding of its toxic effects on teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchun Qiu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Zhen Su
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Jiarui Gao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yiming Cui
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Kejun Dong
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ru-Jin Zhao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Songmei Wang
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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Sales MVS, Barros EDSS, Azevedo RDS, Cunha FAS, Santos JCC, Leite ACR. Does acute exposure to thimerosal, an organic mercury compound, affect the mitochondrial function of an infant model? J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127399. [PMID: 38325180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thimerosal (TM) is a toxic, organometallic mercury compound (which releases ethyl-mercury-containing compounds in aqueous solutions) used as a preservative in vaccines. Mitochondria are organelle which are highly vulnerable to many chemical compounds, including mercury (Hg) and its derivatives. METHOD Wistar rats (at 21 days of age) were used to model a child's TM exposure following childhood vaccination, divided in two groups: TM exposed (20 μg/kg/day) and unexposed controls (saline solution), both for 24 h. Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry was used to quantify the amounts of mercury in tissues. The electron transport chain (ETC) from isolated mitochondria was evaluated using an oxygen electrode. The mitochondrial membrane potential and H2O2 production were analyzed using selective fluorescence probes. The activity of some enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and AChE) and secondary markers of oxidative stress (GSH, GSSG, total free thiol) were also examined in tissues. RESULTS Hg accumulation in the brain and liver was higher in exposed animals when compared to the control. Liver-isolated mitochondria showed that TM improved respiratory control by 23%; however, states 3 and 4 of the ETC presented a decrease of 16% and 37%, respectively. Furthermore, brain-isolated mitochondria presented an improvement of 61% in respiratory control. Brain enzyme activities were significantly impacted in TM-exposed rats compared to unexposed rats as follows: decreases in SOD (32%) and AChE (42%) and increases in GPx (79%) and CAT (100%). GPx enzyme activity in the liver was significantly increased (37%). Among secondary oxidative stress markers, the brain's total reduced thiol (SH) concentration was significantly increased (41%). CONCLUSION Acute TM treatment exposure in a Wistar rat model mimicking TM exposure in an infant following childhood vaccination significantly damaged brain bioenergetic pathways. This study supports the ability of TM exposure to preferentially damage the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos V S Sales
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Campus A. C. Simões, 57072-900 Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael D S Azevedo
- Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), Campus Garanhuns, 55294-902 São José, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Francisco A S Cunha
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Campus Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Ana C R Leite
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Campus A. C. Simões, 57072-900 Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil.
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Bottini CLJ, MacDougall-Shackleton SA. Methylmercury effects on avian brains. Neurotoxicology 2023; 96:140-153. [PMID: 37059311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a concerning contaminant due to its ubiquity and harmful effects on organisms. Although birds are important models in the neurobiology of vocal learning and adult neuroplasticity, the neurotoxic effects of MeHg are less understood in birds than mammals. We surveyed the literature on MeHg effects on biochemical changes in the avian brain. Publication rates of papers related to neurology and/or birds and/or MeHg increased with time and can be linked with historical events, regulations, and increased understanding of MeHg cycling in the environment. However, publications on MeHg effects on the avian brain remain relatively low across time. The neural effects measured to evaluate MeHg neurotoxicity in birds changed with time and researcher interest. The measures most consistently affected by MeHg exposure in birds were markers of oxidative stress. NMDA, acetylcholinesterase, and Purkinje cells also seem sensitive to some extent. MeHg exposure has the potential to affect most neurotransmitter systems but more studies are needed for validation in birds. We also review the main mechanisms of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity in mammals and compare it to what is known in birds. The literature on MeHg effects on the avian brain is limited, preventing full construction of an adverse outcome pathway. We identify research gaps for taxonomic groups such as songbirds, and age- and life-stage groups such as immature fledgling stage and adult non-reproductive life stage. In addition, results are often inconsistent between experimental and field studies. We conclude that future neurotoxicological studies of MeHg impacts on birds need to better connect the numerous aspects of exposure from molecular physiological effects to behavioural outcomes that would be ecologically or biologically relevant for birds, especially under challenging conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L J Bottini
- University of Western Ontario, Department of Biology, 1151 Richmond St., London Ontario, N6A 5B7; Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Scott A MacDougall-Shackleton
- Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; University of Western Ontario, Department of Psychology, 1151 Richmond St., London Ontario, N6A 5C2
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Azevedo LF, Karpova N, Rocha BA, Barbosa Junior F, Gobe GC, Hornos Carneiro MF. Evidence on Neurotoxicity after Intrauterine and Childhood Exposure to Organomercurials. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1070. [PMID: 36673825 PMCID: PMC9858833 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although the molecular mechanisms underlying methylmercury toxicity are not entirely understood, the observed neurotoxicity in early-life is attributed to the covalent binding of methylmercury to sulfhydryl (thiol) groups of proteins and other molecules being able to affect protein post-translational modifications from numerous molecular pathways, such as glutamate signaling, heat-shock chaperones and the antioxidant glutaredoxin/glutathione system. However, for other organomercurials such as ethylmercury or thimerosal, there is not much information available. Therefore, this review critically discusses current knowledge about organomercurials neurotoxicity-both methylmercury and ethylmercury-following intrauterine and childhood exposure, as well as the prospects and future needs for research in this area. Contrasting with the amount of epidemiological evidence available for methylmercury, there are only a few in vivo studies reporting neurotoxic outcomes and mechanisms of toxicity for ethylmercury or thimerosal. There is also a lack of studies on mechanistic approaches to better investigate the pathways involved in the potential neurotoxicity caused by both organomercurials. More impactful follow-up studies, especially following intrauterine and childhood exposure to ethylmercury, are necessary. Childhood vaccination is critically important for controlling infectious diseases; however, the safety of mercury-containing thimerosal and, notably, its effectiveness as preservative in vaccines are still under debate regarding its potential dose-response effects to the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Ferreira Azevedo
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Nina Karpova
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Alves Rocha
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa Junior
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Glenda Carolyn Gobe
- Kidney Disease Research Group, School of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
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Czarzasta K, Bogacki-Rychlik W, Segiet-Swiecicka A, Kruszewska J, Malik J, Skital V, Kasarello K, Wrzesien R, Bialy M, Sajdel-Sulkowska EM. Gender differences in short- vs. long-term impact of maternal depression following pre-gestational chronic mild stress. Exp Neurol 2022; 353:114059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Öztürk ME, Yirün A, Erdemli-Köse SB, Balcı-Özyurt A, Çakır DA, Oral D, Erkekoğlu P. Evaluation of the toxic effects of thimerosal and/or aluminum hydroxide in SH-SY5Y cell line. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221136206. [DOI: 10.1177/09603271221136206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to evaluate possible toxic effects of thimerosal, aluminum and combination of thimerosal and aluminum in SH-SY5Y cells. Inhibitory concentrations were determined by MTT assay; reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by a fluorometric kit and antioxidant/oxidant parameters were measured by spectrophotometric kits. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine beta β-hydroxylase (DBH) levels were measured by sandwich ELISA kits while 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and dopamine levels were determined by competitive ELISA kits. Thimerosal (1.15 μM) and aluminum (362 μM) were applied to cells at inhibitory concentrations 20 (IC20s) for 24 h. ROS increased significantly in cells aluminum- and aluminum+thimerosal-treated cells. Glutathione levels decreased in aluminum group while total antioxidant capacity and protein oxidation levels increased significantly in aluminum and aluminum+thimerosal groups. Lipid peroxidation increased significantly in groups treated with aluminum and aluminum+thimerosal. Nrf2 levels and DNA damage were significantly higher in all groups while dopamine levels significantly increased in cells treated with thimerosal and aluminum+thimerosal, DAT levels were found to be higher in all experimental groups compared to the control. These findings showed that both thimerosal and aluminum can change oxidant/antioxidant status, cause DNA damage, alter dopamine and DAT levels. Changes seen in cells treated with combined exposure to aluminum and thimerosal are more pronounced. Special care should be taken while vaccinating sensitive populations and safer alternatives for aluminum and thimerosal should used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Evren Öztürk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Anıl Yirün
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Çukurova University Faculty of Pharmacy, Adana, Turkey
| | - Selinay Başak Erdemli-Köse
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Chemistry, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Aylin Balcı-Özyurt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Pharmacy, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Arca Çakır
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Vaccine Technology, Hacettepe University Vaccine Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Didem Oral
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Düzce University Faculty of Pharmacy, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Pınar Erkekoğlu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Bahçeşehir University Faculty of Pharmacy, İstanbul, Turkey
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7
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Sajdel-Sulkowska EM, Makowska-Zubrycka M, Czarzasta K, Kasarello K, Aggarwal V, Bialy M, Szczepanska-Sadowska E, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A. Common Genetic Variants Link the Abnormalities in the Gut-Brain Axis in Prematurity and Autism. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:255-265. [PMID: 30109601 PMCID: PMC6443615 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0970-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This review considers a link between prematurity and autism by comparing symptoms, physiological abnormalities, and behavior. It focuses on the bidirectional signaling between the microbiota and the brain, here defined as the microbiota-gut-vagus-heart-brain (MGVHB) axis and its systemic disruption accompanying altered neurodevelopment. Data derived from clinical and animal studies document increased prevalence of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms in both premature and autistic children and suggest an incomplete maturation of the gut-blood barrier resulting in a “leaky gut,” dysbiosis, abnormalities in vagal regulation of the heart, altered development of specific brain regions, and behavior. Furthermore, this review posits the hypothesis that common genetic variants link the abnormalities in the MGVHB axis in premature and autistic pathologies. This hypothesis is based on the recently identified common genetic variants: early B cell factor 1 (EBF1), selenocysteine tRNA-specific eukaryotic elongation factor (EEFSEC), and angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AGTR2), in the maternal and infant DNA samples, associated with risk of preterm birth and independently implicated in a risk of autism. We predict that the AGTR2 variants involved in the brain maturation and oxytocin-arginine-vasopressin (OXT-AVP) pathways, related to social behavior, will contribute to our understanding of the link between prematurity and autism paving a way to new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta M Sajdel-Sulkowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Monika Makowska-Zubrycka
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Czarzasta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kaja Kasarello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Vishal Aggarwal
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Bialy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Szczepanska-Sadowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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8
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McCaulley ME. Autism spectrum disorder and mercury toxicity: use of genomic and epigenetic methods to solve the etiologic puzzle. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2019. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2019-010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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9
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Czarzasta K, Makowska-Zubrycka M, Kasarello K, Skital VM, Tyszkowska K, Matusik K, Jesion A, Wojciechowska M, Segiet A, Wrzesien R, Biały M, Krzascik P, Wisłowska-Stanek A, Sajdel-Sulkowska EM. A rat model to study maternal depression during pregnancy and postpartum periods, its comorbidity with cardiovascular diseases and neurodevelopmental impact in the offspring. Physiol Behav 2018; 199:258-264. [PMID: 30465806 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop an animal model of human depression during pregnancy and lactation to examine the effect of maternal, perinatal depression on offspring development. Maternal depression during pregnancy affects up to 20% of women and is a risk factor for both the developmental and long-term health issues. It is often comorbid with the cardiovascular disease (CVD) that affects the uteroplacental circulation and impacts offspring development. More than half of the expecting mothers with depression use antidepressants that cross the placenta and may interfere with the neurodevelopmental programming. Thus, depressed pregnant mothers face a difficult choice whether "to use or not to use" antidepressant therapy, since both untreated depression and antenatal antidepressant exposure present increased risks of neurodevelopmental pathologies. The ongoing clinical debate presents inconclusive data, while the existing animal models of maternal depression do not include early gestational periods, and, do not monitor depressive-like behavior nor address the cardiovascular abnormalities. The presented model includes pregestational depressive behavior extending into pregnancy and lactation, periods that have not been previously examined. Rat dams exposed to pre-gestational chronic mild stress (CMS) developed a sustained decrease in self-grooming behavior, correlated with hormonal, behavioral, and cardiac changes persisting through the postpartum period. Preliminary data indicate neurodevelopmental delays, behavioral and cardiac abnormalities, and altered levels of both the brain and the heart markers in the offspring of stressed dams. Furthermore, the preliminary data predict that maternal pregnancy during the perinatal period is likely to impact the neurodevelopmental process in a sex-dependent manner. Thus the presented here model (PG-LAC CMS) fulfills both the face and the construct validity criteria for maternal stress-induced depression during pregnancy and postpartum that may facilitate further studies of the relative risks of untreated vs. antidepressant-treated maternal depression during pregnancy to the mother and her offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Czarzasta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Makowska-Zubrycka
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kaja Kasarello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Veronica M Skital
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Tyszkowska
- Central Laboratory of Experimental Animals, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Matusik
- Central Laboratory of Experimental Animals, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anika Jesion
- Central Laboratory of Experimental Animals, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Wojciechowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Segiet
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Wrzesien
- Central Laboratory of Experimental Animals, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Biały
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Krzascik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Elzbieta M Sajdel-Sulkowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Pantaleão TU, Ferreira ACF, Santos MCS, Figueiredo ÁSP, Louzada RAN, Rosenthal D, Carvalho DP, Corrêa da Costa VM. Effect of thimerosal on thyroid hormones metabolism in rats. Endocr Connect 2017; 6:741-747. [PMID: 29101249 PMCID: PMC5670274 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury seems to exert an inhibitory effect on deiodinases, but there are few studies using Thimerosal (TM) as the mercury source. We aimed to elucidate the effect of TM on thyroid hormones peripheral metabolism. Adult Wistar female rats received 0.25 µg or 250 µg TM/100 g BW, IM, twice a week, for a month. We evaluated serum total T3 and T4, D1 activity using 125I-rT3 as tracer, and D2 activity using 125I-T4 NADPH oxidase activity was measured by Amplex-red/HRP method and mRNA levels by real time PCR. Serum T4 was increased and T3 decreased by the greatest dose of TM. Even though D1 activity in pituitary and kidney was reduced by the highest dose of TM, hepatic D1 activity and D1 mRNA levels remained unchanged. D2 activity was also significantly decreased by the highest dose of TM in all CNS samples tested, except cerebellum, but D2 mRNA was unaltered. mRNA levels of the tested NADPH oxidases were not affected by TM and NADPH oxidase activity was either unaltered or decreased. Our results indicate that TM might directly interact with deiodinases, inhibiting their activity probably by binding to their selenium catalytic site, without changes in enzyme expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago U Pantaleão
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina Doris RosenthalInstituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea C F Ferreira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina Doris RosenthalInstituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- NUMPEXPólo de Xerém, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria C S Santos
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina Doris RosenthalInstituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Álvaro S P Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina Doris RosenthalInstituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ruy A N Louzada
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina Doris RosenthalInstituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Doris Rosenthal
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina Doris RosenthalInstituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Denise P Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina Doris RosenthalInstituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vânia M Corrêa da Costa
- Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina Doris RosenthalInstituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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11
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Lyall K, Croen LA, Weiss LA, Kharrazi M, Traglia M, Delorenze GN, Windham GC. Prenatal Serum Concentrations of Brominated Flame Retardants and Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability in the Early Markers of Autism Study: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in California. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:087023. [PMID: 28895873 PMCID: PMC5783661 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies suggest neurodevelopmental impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), but few have examined diagnosed developmental disorders. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to determine whether prenatal exposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability without autism (ID). METHODS We conducted a population-based case-control study including children with ASD (n=545) and ID (n=181) identified from the California Department of Developmental Services and general population (GP) controls (n=418) from state birth certificates. ASD cases were matched to controls by sex, birth month, and birth year. Concentrations of 10 BFRs were measured in maternal second trimester serum samples stored from routine screening. Logistic regression was used to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for associations with ASD, and separately for ID, compared with GP controls, by quartiles of analyte concentrations in primary analyses. RESULTS Geometric mean concentrations of five of the six congeners with ≥55% of samples above the limit of detection were lower in mothers of children with ASD or ID than in controls. In adjusted analyses, inverse associations with several congeners were found for ASD relative to GP (e.g., quartile 4 vs. 1, BDE-153: AOR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.84). When stratified by child sex (including 99 females with ASD, 77 with ID, and 73 with GP), estimates were consistent with overall analyses in boys, but in the opposite direction among girls, particularly for BDE-28 and -47 (AOR=2.58, 95% CI: 0.86, 7.79 and AOR=2.64, 95% CI: 0.97, 7.19, respectively). Similar patterns overall and by sex were observed for ID. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to expectation, higher PBDE concentrations were associated with decreased odds of ASD and ID, though not in girls. These findings require confirmation but suggest potential sexual dimorphism in associations with prenatal exposure to BFRs. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1079.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Autism Research Program, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente , Oakland, California, USA
| | - Lauren A Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Martin Kharrazi
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Michela Traglia
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco , San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gerald N Delorenze
- Autism Research Program, Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente , Oakland, California, USA
| | - Gayle C Windham
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
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Raymaekers SR, Darras VM. Thyroid hormones and learning-associated neuroplasticity. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 247:26-33. [PMID: 28390960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial for brain development and maturation in all vertebrates. Especially during pre- and perinatal development, disruption of TH signaling leads to a multitude of neurological deficits. Many animal models provided insight in the role of THs in brain development, but specific data on how they affect the brain's ability to learn and adapt depending on environmental stimuli are rather limited. In this review, we focus on a number of learning processes like spatial learning, fear conditioning, vocal learning and imprinting behavior and on how abnormal TH signaling during development shapes subsequent performance. It is clear from multiple studies that TH deprivation leads to defects in learning on all fronts, and interestingly, changes in local expression of the TH activator deiodinase type 2 seem to have an important role. Taking into account that THs are regulated in a very space-specific manner, there is thus increasing pressure to investigate more local TH regulators as potential factors involved in neuroplasticity. As these learning processes are also important for proper adult human functioning, further elucidating the role of THs in developmental neuroplasticity in various animal models is an important field for advancing both fundamental and applied knowledge on human brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander R Raymaekers
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle M Darras
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Biology Department, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Geier DA, Kern JK, Homme KG, Geier MR. Thimerosal exposure and disturbance of emotions specific to childhood and adolescence: A case-control study in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) database. Brain Inj 2017; 31:272-278. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2016.1250950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Janet K. Kern
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Kristin G. Homme
- International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, Champions Gate, FL, USA
| | - Mark R. Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- CoMeD, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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14
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Dórea JG. Low-dose Thimerosal in pediatric vaccines: Adverse effects in perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:280-293. [PMID: 27816865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are prophylactics used as the first line of intervention to prevent, control and eradicate infectious diseases. Young children (before the age of six months) are the demographic group most exposed to recommended/mandatory vaccines preserved with Thimerosal and its metabolite ethylmercury (EtHg). Particularly in the less-developed countries, newborns, neonates, and young children are exposed to EtHg because it is still in several of their pediatric vaccines and mothers are often immunized with Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) during pregnancy. While the immunogenic component of the product has undergone more rigorous testing, Thimerosal, known to have neurotoxic effects even at low doses, has not been scrutinized for the limit of tolerance alone or in combination with adjuvant-Al during immaturity or developmental periods (pregnant women, newborns, infants, and young children). Scientific evidence has shown the potential hazards of Thimerosal in experiments that modeled vaccine-EtHg concentrations. Observational population studies have revealed uncertainties related to neurological effects. However, consistently, they showed a link of EtHg with risk of certain neurodevelopment disorders, such as tic disorder, while clearly revealing the benefits of removing Thimerosal from children's vaccines (associated with immunological reactions) in developed countries. So far, only rich countries have benefited from withdrawing the risk of exposing young children to EtHg. Regarding Thimerosal administered to the very young, we have sufficient studies that characterize a state of uncertainty: the collective evidence strongly suggests that Thimerosal exposure is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. It is claimed that the continued use of Thimerosal in the less-developed countries is due to the cost to change to another preservative, such as 2-phenoxyethanol. However, the estimated cost increase per child in the first year of life is lower than estimated lifetime cost of caring for a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder, such tic disorder. The evidence indicates that Thimerosal-free vaccine options should be made available in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasilia, 70919-970 Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Kern JK, Geier DA, Homme KG, King PG, Bjørklund G, Chirumbolo S, Geier MR. Developmental neurotoxicants and the vulnerable male brain: a systematic review of suspected neurotoxicants that disproportionally affect males. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2017. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2017-061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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16
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Effects of Thimerosal on Lipid Bilayers and Human Erythrocytes: An In Vitro Study. J Membr Biol 2016; 249:823-831. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-016-9933-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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17
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Augusto RL, Isaac AR, Silva-Júnior IID, Santana DFD, Ferreira DJS, Lagranha CJ, Gonçalves-Pimentel C, Rodrigues MCA, Andrade-da-Costa BLDS. Fighting Oxidative Stress: Increased Resistance of Male Rat Cerebellum at Weaning Induced by Low Omega 6/Omega 3 Ratio in a Protein-Deficient Diet. THE CEREBELLUM 2016; 16:103-117. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-016-0773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Neier K, Marchlewicz EH, Dolinoy DC, Padmanabhan V. Assessing Human Health Risk to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: a Focus on Prenatal Exposures and Oxidative Stress. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 3. [PMID: 27231701 DOI: 10.1080/23273747.2015.1069916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the health risk posed by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a challenge that is receiving intense attention. The following study criteria should be considered to facilitate risk assessment for exposure to EDCs: 1) characterization of target health outcomes and their mediators, 2) study of exposures in the context of critical periods of development, 3) accurate estimates of human exposures and use of human-relevant exposures in animal studies, and 4) cross-species comparisons. In this commentary, we discuss the importance and relevance of each of these criteria in studying the effects of prenatal exposure to EDCs. Our discussion focuses on oxidative stress as a mediator of EDC-related health effects due to its association with both EDC exposure and health outcomes. Our recent study (Veiga-Lopez et al. 2015)1 addressed each of the four outlined criteria and demonstrated that prenatal bisphenol-A exposure is associated with oxidative stress, a risk factor for developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Neier
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Elizabeth H Marchlewicz
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109
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Geier DA, Kern JK, Hooker BS, King PG, Sykes LK, Geier MR. A longitudinal cohort study of the relationship between Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccination and specific delays in development in the United States: Assessment of attributable risk and lifetime care costs. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2015; 6:105-18. [PMID: 26166425 PMCID: PMC7320444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jegh.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence suggests a link between mercury (Hg) exposure from Thimerosal-containing vaccines and specific delays in development. A hypothesis-testing longitudinal cohort study (n = 49,835) using medical records in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between exposure to Hg from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines (T-HBVs) administered at specific intervals in the first 6 months of life and specific delays in development [International Classification of Disease, 9th revision (ICD-9): 315.xx] among children born between 1991 and 1994 and continuously enrolled from birth for at least 5.81 years. Infants receiving increased Hg doses from T-HBVs administered within the first month, the first 2 months, and the first 6 months of life were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with specific delays in development than infants receiving no Hg doses from T-HBVs. During the decade in which T-HBVs were routinely recommended and administered to US infants (1991–2001), an estimated 0.5–1 million additional US children were diagnosed with specific delays in development as a consequence of 25 μg or 37.5 μg organic Hg from T-HBVs administered within the first 6 months of life. The resulting lifetime costs to the United States may exceed $1 trillion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Janet K Kern
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - Brian S Hooker
- Biology Department, Simpson University, Redding, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Mark R Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Curtis B, Liberato N, Rulien M, Morrisroe K, Kenney C, Yutuc V, Ferrier C, Marti CN, Mandell D, Burbacher TM, Sackett GP, Hewitson L. Examination of the safety of pediatric vaccine schedules in a non-human primate model: assessments of neurodevelopment, learning, and social behavior. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:579-589. [PMID: 25690930 PMCID: PMC4455585 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1408257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the 1990s, the mercury-based preservative thimerosal was used in most pediatric vaccines. Although there are currently only two thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) recommended for pediatric use, parental perceptions that vaccines pose safety concerns are affecting vaccination rates, particularly in light of the much expanded and more complex schedule in place today. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to examine the safety of pediatric vaccine schedules in a non-human primate model. METHODS We administered vaccines to six groups of infant male rhesus macaques (n = 12-16/group) using a standardized thimerosal dose where appropriate. Study groups included the recommended 1990s Pediatric vaccine schedule, an accelerated 1990s Primate schedule with or without the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the MMR vaccine only, and the expanded 2008 schedule. We administered saline injections to age-matched control animals (n = 16). Infant development was assessed from birth to 12 months of age by examining the acquisition of neonatal reflexes, the development of object concept permanence (OCP), computerized tests of discrimination learning, and infant social behavior. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, multilevel modeling, and survival analyses, where appropriate. RESULTS We observed no group differences in the acquisition of OCP. During discrimination learning, animals receiving TCVs had improved performance on reversal testing, although some of these same animals showed poorer performance in subsequent learning-set testing. Analysis of social and nonsocial behaviors identified few instances of negative behaviors across the entire infancy period. Although some group differences in specific behaviors were reported at 2 months of age, by 12 months all infants, irrespective of vaccination status, had developed the typical repertoire of macaque behaviors. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive 5-year case-control study, which closely examined the effects of pediatric vaccines on early primate development, provided no consistent evidence of neurodevelopmental deficits or aberrant behavior in vaccinated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britni Curtis
- Infant Primate Research Laboratory, Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
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21
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Veiga-Lopez A, Pennathur S, Kannan K, Patisaul HB, Dolinoy DC, Zeng L, Padmanabhan V. Impact of gestational bisphenol A on oxidative stress and free fatty acids: Human association and interspecies animal testing studies. Endocrinology 2015; 156:911-22. [PMID: 25603046 PMCID: PMC4330308 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical and an endocrine disruptor. Developmental exposures to BPA have been linked to adult metabolic pathologies, but the pathways through which these disruptions occur remain unknown. This is a comprehensive interspecies association vs causal study to evaluate risks posed by prenatal BPA exposure and to facilitate discovery of biomarkers of relevance to BPA toxicity. Samples from human pregnancies during the first trimester and at term, as well as fetal and/or adult samples from prenatally BPA-treated sheep, rats, and mice, were collected to assess the impact of BPA on free fatty acid and oxidative stress dynamics. Mothers exposed to higher BPA during early to midpregnancy and their matching term cord samples displayed increased 3-nitrotyrosine (NY), a marker of nitrosative stress. Maternal samples had increased palmitic acid, which was positively correlated with NY. Sheep fetuses and adult sheep and rats prenatally exposed to a human-relevant exposure dose of BPA showed increased systemic nitrosative stress. The strongest effect of BPA on circulating free fatty acids was observed in adult mice in the absence of increased oxidative stress. This is the first multispecies study that combines human association and animal causal studies assessing the risk posed by prenatal BPA exposure to metabolic health. This study provides evidence of the induction of nitrosative stress by prenatal BPA in both the mother and fetus at time of birth and is thus supportive of the use of maternal NY as a biomarker for offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Veiga-Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics (A.V.-L., V.P.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Department of Internal Medicine (S.P., L.Z.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Wadsworth Center (K.K.), New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201; Department of Biological Sciences (H.B.P.), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695; and Department of Environmental Health Sciences (D.C.D.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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22
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Geier DA, Kern JK, King PG, Sykes LK, Geier MR. A case-control study evaluating the relationship between thimerosal-containing haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine administration and the risk for a pervasive developmental disorder diagnosis in the United States. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 163:28-38. [PMID: 25382662 PMCID: PMC4297306 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0169-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Thimerosal is an organic mercury (Hg)-containing compound (49.55 % Hg by weight) historically added to many multi-dose vials of vaccine as a preservative. A hypothesis testing case-control study evaluated automated medical records in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) for organic Hg exposure from Thimerosal in Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)-containing vaccines administered at specific times within the first 15 months of life among subjects diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) (n = 534) in comparison to controls. The generally accepted biologically non-plausible linkage between Thimerosal exposure and subsequent diagnosis of febrile seizure (n = 5886) was examined as a control outcome. Cases diagnosed with PDD received significantly more organic Hg within the first 6 months of life (odds ratio (OR) = 1.97, p < 0.001) and first 15 months of life (OR = 3.94, p < 0.0001) than controls, whereas cases diagnosed with febrile seizure were no more likely than controls to have received increased organic Hg. On a per microgram of organic Hg basis, cases diagnosed with a PDD in comparison to controls were at significantly greater odds (OR = 1.0197, p < 0.0001) of receiving increasing organic Hg exposure within the first 15 months of life, whereas cases diagnosed febrile seizure were no more likely than controls (OR = 0.999, p > 0.20) to have received increasing organic Hg exposure within the first 15 months of life. Routine childhood vaccination is an important public health tool to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases, but the present study provides new epidemiological evidence of a significant relationship between increasing organic Hg exposure from Thimerosal-containing vaccines and the subsequent risk of PDD diagnosis in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
| | - Janet K. Kern
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX USA
| | | | | | - Mark R. Geier
- The Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, 14 Redgate Ct, Silver Spring, MD 20905 USA
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Geier DA, Kern JK, Hooker BS, King PG, Sykes LK, Geier MR. Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccination and the risk for diagnosed specific delays in development in the United States: a case-control study in the vaccine safety datalink. NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2014; 6:519-31. [PMID: 25489565 PMCID: PMC4215490 DOI: 10.4103/1947-2714.143284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: Within the first 3 years of life, the brain develops rapidly. Its development is characterized by critical developmental periods for speech, vision, hearing, language, balance, etc.; and alteration in any of the processes occurring in those critical periods can lead to specific delays in development. Aims: The present study evaluated the potential toxic effects of organic-mercury exposure from Thimerosal (49.55% mercury by weight) in childhood vaccines and its hypothesized possible relationship with specific delays in development. Materials and Methods: A hypothesis testing case-control study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between exposure to Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccines administered at specific intervals in the first 6 months among cases diagnosed with specific delays in development and controls born between 1991-2000, utilizing data in the Vaccine Safety Datalink database. Results: Cases were significantly more likely than controls to have received increased organic-mercury from Thimerosal-containing hepatitis B vaccine administered in the first, second, and sixth month of life. Conclusion: Though routine childhood vaccination may be an important public health tool to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases, the present study supports an association between increasing organic-mercury exposure from Thimerosal-containing childhood vaccines and the subsequent risk of specific delays in development among males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Janet K Kern
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Brian S Hooker
- Biology Department, Simpson University, Redding, California, USA
| | | | | | - Mark R Geier
- Institute of Chronic Illnesses, Inc, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Persico AM, Merelli S. Environmental Factors in the Onset of Autism Spectrum Disorder. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-013-0002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Aberrant cerebellar neurotrophin-3 expression induced by lipopolysaccharide exposure during brain development. THE CEREBELLUM 2013; 12:316-8. [PMID: 23319369 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-012-0446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a developmental disorder affecting communication, social interaction, motor skills, and cerebellar structure and functions. Recent studies have indicated that maternal infection during brain development may be one of the risk factors for autism. We have previously demonstrated the abnormal overexpression of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in autistic cerebellum. To examine further the potential link between autism and maternal infection, and specifically NT-3 expression in the cerebellum, we used maternal lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-exposed rat model of infection. In group 1, pregnant female rats were exposed to 200 μg/kg body weight LPS delivered subcutaneously from gestational days (G) 10 to G15, and pups were exposed to LPS from postnatal days (P) 5 to P10, whereas in group 2, pups were exposed to the same dose of LPS from P5 to P10. There was no change in body mass of pups and mothers following LPS treatment. Cerebellar NT-3 levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on P6, P12, and P21. We report here that cerebellar NT-3 levels were elevated in pups of both LPS groups as compared to the controls on P21. Our results suggest that altered neurotrophin levels may affect normal brain development and contribute to autistic pathology.
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Llop S, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Rebagliato M, Ballester F. Gender differences in the neurotoxicity of metals in children. Toxicology 2013; 311:3-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Neurodevelopment of Amazonian infants: antenatal and postnatal exposure to methyl- and ethylmercury. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:132876. [PMID: 22619491 PMCID: PMC3350976 DOI: 10.1155/2012/132876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopment as Gesell development scores (GDSs) in relation to mercury exposure in infants (<6 months of age) of one urban center and two rural villages, respectively, of fisherman and cassiterite miners. Mean total hair-Hg (HHg) concentrations of infants from Itapuã (3.95 ± 1.8 ppm) were statistically (P = 0.0001) different from those of infants from Porto Velho (3.84 ± 5.5 ppm) and Bom Futuro (1.85 ± 0.9 ppm). Differences in vaccine coverage among these populations resulted in significantly higher (P = 0.0001) mean ethylmercury (EtHg) exposure in urban infants (150 μg) than in infants from either village (41.67 μg, Itapuã; 42.39 μg, Bom Futuro). There was an inverse significant (Spearman r = −0.2300; P = 0.0376) correlation between HHg and GDS for infants from Porto Velho, but not for the rural infants from Bom Futuro (Spearman r = 0.1336; P = 0.0862) and Itapuã (Spearman r = 0.1666; P = 0.5182). Logistic regression applied to variables above or below the median GDS showed that EtHg exposure (estimated probability = −0.0157; P = 0.0070) and breastfeeding score (estimated probability = −0.0066; P = 0.0536) score were significantly associated with GDS. Conclusion. In nurslings whose mothers are exposed to different levels of fish-MeHg (HHg), a higher score of neurological development at six months was negatively associated with exposure to additional TCV-EtHg. Results should be interpreted with caution because of unaccounted variables.
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