Reversible inhibition of in vitro epithelial cell proliferation by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Aromatic hydrocarbon receptors in mitochondrial biogenesis and function

Mitochondria are ubiquitous membrane-bound organelles that not only play a key role in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis and metabolism but also in signaling and apoptosis. Aryl hydrocarbons receptors (AhRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that recognize a wide variety of xenobiotics, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins, and activate diverse detoxification pathways. These receptors are also activated by natural dietary compounds and endogenous metabolites. In addition, AhRs can modulate the expression of a diverse array of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and function. The aim of the present review is to analyze scientific data available on the AhR signaling pathway and its interaction with the intracellular signaling pathways involved in mitochondrial functions, especially those related to cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Various evidence have reported the crosstalk between the AhR signaling pathway and the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), tyrosine kinase receptor signaling and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The AhR signaling pathway seems to promote cell cycle progression in the absence of exogenous ligands, whereas the presence of exogenous ligands induces cell cycle arrest. However, its effects on apoptosis are controversial since activation or overexpression of AhR has been observed to induce or inhibit apoptosis depending on the cell type. Regarding the mitochondria, although activation by endogenous ligands is related to mitochondrial dysfunction, the effects of endogenous ligands are not well understood but point towards antiapoptotic effects and inducers of mitochondrial biogenesis.

Cigarette smoke-induced cell cycle arrest in spermatocytes [GC-2spd(ts)] is mediated through crosstalk between Ahr-Nrf2 pathway and MAPK signaling

Our earlier studies have demonstrated that the cigarette smoke in the form of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) causes growth arrest of a mouse spermatocyte cell line [GC-2spd(ts)] through activation of the AHR-NRF2 pathway. The present study demonstrates the CSC-activated p38 and ERK MAPK signaling in GC-2spd(ts) via arylhydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Pharmacological inhibition by using AHR-antagonist, or p38 MAPK and ERK (MEK1) inhibitors significantly abrogates CSC-induced growth arrest by AHR and MAPK inactivation. QRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence of Ahr-target of Nrf2, and stress-inducible growth suppressive Atf3 and E2f4 following treatments indicate a crosstalk among these pathways. Regulation of Atf3 by Nrf2 and Ahr through RNA interference suggests the existence of a cross-regulatory loop between the targets. CSC induction of E2f4 via Atf3 and its regulation by pharmacological inhibitors reveal a possible regulatory mechanism of growth inhibitory CSC. SiRNA silencing of Ahr, Nrf2, Atf3, and E2f4 genes and downregulation of cyclins by CSC corroborate the growth inhibitory effect of cigarette smoke. Thus, the data obtained suggest that the CSC-mediated MAPKs and AHR-NRF2 crosstalks lay the molecular basis for the growth arrest and cell death of spermatocytes.

Hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals: low-dose effects and nonmonotonic dose responses

For decades, studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have challenged traditional concepts in toxicology, in particular the dogma of "the dose makes the poison," because EDCs can have effects at low doses that are not predicted by effects at higher doses. Here, we review two major concepts in EDC studies: low dose and nonmonotonicity. Low-dose effects were defined by the National Toxicology Program as those that occur in the range of human exposures or effects observed at doses below those used for traditional toxicological studies. We review the mechanistic data for low-dose effects and use a weight-of-evidence approach to analyze five examples from the EDC literature. Additionally, we explore nonmonotonic dose-response curves, defined as a nonlinear relationship between dose and effect where the slope of the curve changes sign somewhere within the range of doses examined. We provide a detailed discussion of the mechanisms responsible for generating these phenomena, plus hundreds of examples from the cell culture, animal, and epidemiology literature. We illustrate that nonmonotonic responses and low-dose effects are remarkably common in studies of natural hormones and EDCs. Whether low doses of EDCs influence certain human disorders is no longer conjecture, because epidemiological studies show that environmental exposures to EDCs are associated with human diseases and disabilities. We conclude that when nonmonotonic dose-response curves occur, the effects of low doses cannot be predicted by the effects observed at high doses. Thus, fundamental changes in chemical testing and safety determination are needed to protect human health.

New CYP1 genes in the frog Xenopus (Silurana) tropicalis: induction patterns and effects of AHR agonists during development

The Xenopus tropicalis genome shows a single gene in each of the four cytochrome P450 1 (CYP1) subfamilies that occur in vertebrates, designated as CYP1A, CYP1B1, CYP1C1, and CYP1D1. We cloned the cDNAs of these genes and examined their expression in untreated tadpoles and in tadpoles exposed to waterborne aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists, 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126), β-naphthoflavone (βNF), or indigo. We also examined the effects of PCB126 on expression of genes involved in stress response, cell proliferation, thyroid homeostasis, and prostaglandin synthesis. PCB126 induced CYP1A, CYP1B1, and CYP1C1 but had little effect on CYP1D1 (77-, 1.7-, 4.6- and 1.4-fold induction versus the control, respectively). βNF induced CYP1A and CYP1C1 (26- and 2.5-fold), while, under conditions used, indigo tended to induce only CYP1A (1.9-fold). The extent of CYP1 induction by PCB126 and βNF was positively correlated to the number of putative dioxin response elements 0-20 kb upstream of the start codons. No morphological effect was observed in tadpoles exposed to 1 nM-10 μM PCB126 at two days post-fertilization (dpf) and screened 20 days later. However, in 14-dpf tadpoles a slight up-regulation of the genes for PCNA, transthyretin, HSC70, Cu-Zn SOD, and Cox-2 was observed two days after exposure to 1 μM PCB126. This study of the full suite of CYP1 genes in an amphibian species reveals gene- and AHR agonist-specific differences in response, as well as a much lower sensitivity to CYP1 induction and short-term toxicity by PCB126 compared with in fish larvae. The single genes in each CYP1 subfamily may make X. tropicalis a useful model for mechanistic studies of CYP1 functions.

Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway enhances cancer cell invasion by upregulating the MMP expression and is associated with poor prognosis in upper urinary tract urothelial cancer

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and the activation of the AhR pathway are involved in xenobiotic-induced toxicity and carcinogenesis. Although xenobiotics, such as cigarette smoke, contribute to the development of urothelial carcinoma (UC), the relationship between AhR and UC is unclear. In the present study, we investigated AhR expression in 209 patients with upper urinary tract UC. The nuclear expression of AhR was significantly associated with histological grade, pathological T stage, lymphovascular invasion and lymph node involvement. A multivariate Cox analysis revealed that nuclear AhR expression was a significant and independent predictor for disease-specific survival (hazard ratio = 2.469, P = 0.013). To determine whether the AhR pathway can be activated in the T24 UC cell line, we examined the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and CYP1B1, which are target genes of the AhR pathway, following exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a ligand of AhR. TCDD treatment upregulated the expression levels of AhR, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. TCDD enhanced T24 cell invasion associated with the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-9. Furthermore, targeting AhR messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in T24 cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA) downregulated the mRNA expression of AhR, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9; furthermore, the cells transfected with siRNA for AhR showed decreased invasion activity in comparison with the cells transfected with a non-targeting siRNA. Our results therefore suggest that AhR plays a role in the invasiveness of UC cells and can serve as a marker for the prognosis of upper urinary tract UC.

Cytochrome P450 CYP1A1: wider roles in cancer progression and prevention

CYP1A1 is one of the main cytochrome P450 enzymes, examined extensively for its capacity to activate compounds with carcinogenic properties. Continuous exposure to inhalation chemicals and environmental carcinogens is thought to increase the level of CYP1A1 expression in extrahepatic tissues, through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Although the latter has long been recognized as a ligand-induced transcription factor, which is responsible for the xenobiotic activating pathway of several phase I and phase II metabolizing enzymes, recent evidence suggests that the AhR is involved in various cell signaling pathways critical to cell cycle regulation and normal homeostasis. Disregulation of these pathways is implicated in tumor progression. In addition, it is becoming increasingly evident that CYP1A1 plays an important role in the detoxication of environmental carcinogens, as well as in the metabolic activation of dietary compounds with cancer preventative activity. Ultimately the contribution of CYP1A1 to cancer progression or prevention may depend on the balance of procarcinogen activation/detoxication and dietary natural product extrahepatic metabolism.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor at the crossroads of multiple signaling pathways

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has long been recognized as a ligand-activated transcription factor responsible for the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Its role in the combinatorial matrix of cell functions was established long before the first report of an AHR cDNA sequence was published. It is only recently that other functions of this protein have begun to be recognized, and it is now clear that the AHR also functions in pathways outside of its well-characterized role in xenobiotic enzyme induction. Perturbation of these pathways by xenobiotic ligands may ultimately explain much of the toxicity of these compounds. This chapter focuses on the interactions of the AHR in pathways critical to cell cycle regulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, differentiation and apoptosis. Ultimately, the effect of a particular AHR ligand on the biology of the organism will depend on the milieu of critical pathways and proteins expressed in specific cells and tissues with which the AHR itself interacts.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor cross-talks with multiple signal transduction pathways

Exposure to toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons raises a number of toxic and carcinogenic responses in experimental animals and humans mediated for the most part by the aryl hydrocarbon -- or dioxin -- receptor (AHR). The AHR is a ligand-activated transcription factor whose central role in the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes has long been recognized. For quite some time now, it has become clear that the AHR also functions in pathways outside of its role in detoxification and that perturbation of these pathways by xenobiotic ligands may be an important part of the toxicity of these compounds. AHR activation by some of its ligands participates among others in pathways critical to cell cycle regulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, immediate-early gene induction, cross-talk within the RB/E2F axis and mobilization of crucial calcium stores. Ultimately, the effect of a particular AHR ligand may depend as much on the adaptive interactions that it established with pathways and proteins expressed in a specific cell or tissue as on the toxic responses that it raises.

Ligand-independent regulation of transforming growth factor beta1 expression and cell cycle progression by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the toxic effects of its xenobiotic ligands and acts as an environmental checkpoint during the cell cycle. We expressed stably integrated, Tet-Off-regulated AHR variants in fibroblasts from AHR-null mice to further investigate the AHR role in cell cycle regulation. Ahr+/+ fibroblasts proliferated significantly faster than Ahr-/- fibroblasts did, and exposure to a prototypical AHR ligand or deletion of the ligand-binding domain did not change their proliferation rates, indicating that the AHR function in cell cycle was ligand independent. Growth-promoting genes, such as cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinase genes, were significantly down-regulated in Ahr-/- cells, whereas growth-arresting genes, such as the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) gene, extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor genes, were up-regulated. Ahr-/- fibroblasts secreted significantly more TGF-beta1 into the culture medium than Ahr+/+ fibroblasts did, and Ahr-/- showed increased levels of activated Smad4 and TGF-beta1 mRNA. Inhibition of TGF-beta1 signaling by overexpression of Smad7 reversed the proliferative and gene expression phenotype of Ahr-/- fibroblasts. Changes in TGF-beta1 mRNA accumulation were due to stabilization resulting from decreased activity of TTP, the tristetraprolin RNA-binding protein responsible for mRNA destabilization through AU-rich motifs. These results show that the Ah receptor possesses interconnected intrinsic cellular functions, such as ECM formation, cell cycle control, and TGF-beta1 regulation, that are independent of activation by either exogenous or endogenous ligands and that may play a crucial role during tumorigenesis.

Impact of the arylhydrocarbon receptor on eugenol- and isoeugenol-induced cell cycle arrest in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT)

Fragrances such as eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) and isoeugenol (2-methoxy-4-propenylphenol), naturally found in reasonable quantities in the essential oils of different spices, are not only common causes of contact dermatitis but also known for their antiproliferative actions. Previously, we found a cell cycle arrest and an arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated activation of cytochromes in immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) induced by both compounds. In the present study we investigated whether the cell cycle arrest of eugenol and isoeugenol is mediated by the AhR in HaCaT cells. Analysis of the cell cycle status by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) revealed an arrest of cells (32-34%) in the G0/G1 phase induced by both compounds. This was found in synchronized HaCaT cells, natural HaCaT, and siRNA AhR transfected HaCaT. The induced G0/G1 arrests were reduced in the presence of the highly selective AhR antagonist 3'-methoxy-4'-nitroflavone (MNF). In summary, these results, together with our previous findings that both compounds induce translocation of the AhR into the nucleus, provide good evidence that the effects of eugenol and isoeugenol in skin and keratinocytes are mediated by the AhR. Furthermore, these data suggest that the known growth suppressive effects of these compounds in some skin cells may be mediated by AhR interactions.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, cell cycle regulation, toxicity, and tumorigenesis

Most effects of exposure to halogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). It has long been recognized that the AHR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a central role in the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes and hence in xenobiotic detoxification. Of late, it has become evident that outside this well-characterized role, the AHR also functions as a modulator of cellular signaling pathways. In this Prospect, we discuss the involvement of the AHR in pathways critical to cell cycle regulation, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, immediate-early gene induction, and the functions of the RB protein. Ultimately, the toxicity of AHR xenobiotic ligands may be intrinsically connected with the perturbation of these pathways and depend on the many critical signaling pathways and effectors with which the AHR itself interacts.

Cytochrome P4501A1 promotes G1 phase cell cycle progression by controlling aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transcription factor is increasingly recognized as functioning in cell cycle control. Several recent reports have shown that AhR activity in the absence of exogenous agonists or presence of the prototypical ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin can affect G1 phase progression in cultured cells. Serum release of serum-starved (G0) 5L rat hepatoma cells triggers transient AhR activation and P4501A1 protein expression concomitant with the G0/G1-to-S phase transition. In contrast, sustained AhR activation in response to TCDD treatment increases p27Kip1 expression in addition to P4501A1, resulting in G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Treating serum-released 5L cells with the alkyne metabolism-based P4501A1 inhibitor 1-(1-propynyl)pyrene results in prolonged AhR activation, enhanced p27Kip1 expression, and G1 phase arrest after serum release. The data are consistent with a cell cycle role for P4501A1 because they show that P4501A1 negatively regulates the duration of AhR action through the metabolic removal of the receptor agonist, thereby preventing AhR-mediated G1 phase arrest.

Role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in cell cycle regulation

Traditionally, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is considered to be a ligand-activated receptor and transcription factor responsible for the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Its role in the combinatorial matrix of cell functions was neatly established long before the first report of an AHR cDNA sequence was published. Only recently, other functions of this protein have begun to be recognized. This review addresses novel findings relating to AHR functions that have resulted from experimental approaches markedly outside traditional receptor analyses. Here we examine the aspects of AHR biology relevant to its role in cell cycle regulation, from the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases to the cross-talk between AHR and the RAS pathway and the functional significance of the interaction between AHR and the retinoblastoma protein. We have attempted to provide the reader with a balanced interpretation of the evidence, highlighting areas of consensus as well as areas still being contested.

Relationships among the cell cycle, cell proliferation, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression in PLHC-1 cells

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligands such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) cause altered cell proliferation in many tissues in vivo and cell types in vitro, and the AHR has been suggested to play a role in cell cycle regulation in mammalian systems. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. The overall objective of the present work was to investigate possible interactions between cell proliferation, the cell cycle, and AHR signal transduction in a piscine system, the PLHC-1 cell line, which is being used increasingly in aquatic toxicological research. The specific objectives were to characterize proliferation rates and the cell cycle in these cells, to measure effects of TCDD on cell proliferation, and to determine if expression of the AHR varies during the cell cycle. The doubling time of PLHC-1 cells was determined to be 22 h, and the durations of the G1, S and G2/M stages of the cell cycle were 13, 3, and 6 h, respectively. A minimum seeding density of 1.2 x 10(5) cells/cm(2) in medium with 10% calf serum and 0.3 x 10(5) cells/cm(2) in 10% fetal bovine serum was found to be required for subsequent proliferation. Of several cell cycle inhibitors tested, only aphidicolin and nocodazole were effective for obtaining synchronous cell populations. TCDD was found to inhibit PLHC-1 cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner in multiple passages of one sub-clone, but not in several other sub-clones. Neither AHR mRNA nor protein expression varied during the cell cycle, as measured by RT-PCR and specific binding of [(3)H]TCDD in synchronous PLHC-1 cells. This work establishes techniques for identifying and characterizing possible interactions between the cell cycle and AHR signal transduction in PLHC-1 cells. Taken together, the results indicate that PLHC-1 cells are amenable to analysis of AHR-cell cycle interactions, but that heterogeneity of sub-clones may complicate their use for investigating AHR-mediated changes in proliferation.

Dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like toxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): implications for risk assessment

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic contaminants in the environment. Individual PCB congeners exhibit different physicochemical properties and biological activities that result in different environmental distributions and toxicity profiles. The variable composition of PCB residues in environmental matrices and their different mechanisms of toxicity complicate the development of scientifically based regulations for the risk assessment. In this article various approaches for the assessment of risks of PCBs have been critically examined. Recent developments in the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) approach for the assessment of toxic effects due to dioxin-like PCBs have been examined. PCB exposure studies that describe non-dioxin-like toxic effects, particularly neurobehavioral effects and their effective doses in animals were compiled. A comparative assessment of effective doses for dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like effects by PCBs has been made to evaluate the relative significance of non-ortho-and ortho-substituted PCBs in risk assessment. Using mink as an example, relative merits and implications of using TEF and total PCB approaches for assessing the potential for toxic effects in wildlife was examined. There are several advantages and limitations associated with each method used for PCB risk assessment. Toxic effects due to coplanar PCBs occur at relatively smaller concentrations than those due to non-dioxin-like PCBs and therefore the TEF approach derives the risk assessment of PCBs, in the environment. The need for the refinement of TEF approach for more accurate assessment of risks is discussed.

Elimination kinetics and toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorothianthren, a thio analogue of 2,3,7,8-TCDD

In comparison to the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) informations on their thio analogues the polychlorinated thianthrens (PCTA) are very limited. In this study we investigated the kinetics and toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorothianthren (TCTA), the analogue of the most toxic PCDD congener 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). It was found that TCTA is rapidly eliminated in mouse liver homogenate fortified with an NADPH-regenerating system suggesting rapid metabolic degradation by liver monooxygenases. Furthermore, TCTA was rapidly eliminated from mouse liver and whole body. In accordance with this rapid elimination, a weekly dosage of 1mg TCTA per kg body weight (i.p.) over six weeks did not result in weight loss or other signs of overt toxicity in male mice. In rat hepatocytes in primary culture, TCTA was active as inducer of dioxin receptor-regulated cytochrome P4501A1 activity measured as 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD). The relative inducing potency was about 0.0001 in comparison to TCDD. In spite of this molecular effects, the rapid elimination both in vitro and in vivo argues against a consideration of a TCDD equivalency factor for TCTA.

Epidemiological and laboratory evidence of PCB-induced neurotoxicity

The purpose of this review is to provide a selective, but critical, assessment of important findings derived from both epidemiological and laboratory studies suggesting that: (1) exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and related halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons induces significant neurological and behavioral dysfunctions in humans and laboratory animals, particularly following exposure during gestation and lactation; (2) the neurochemical actions of PCBs depend on their structure and the developmental status of the animal at the time of exposure; and (3) the mechanisms responsible for these changes may involve alterations in basic cellular signaling processes and endocrine function that influence the synthesis and activity of important central nervous system neurotransmitters, the organization of the developing brain, and the behavioral responses to these environmental contaminants.

Inhibition of insulin-like growth factor-I responses in MCF-7 cells by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and related compounds

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) stimulated the growth and [3H]thymidine uptake in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells grown in serum- and growth factor-inactivated serum-containing media. Cotreatment of the cells with IGF-I plus 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) resulted in a significant decrease in mitogen-induced cell proliferation and [3H]thymidine uptake. Similar effects were observed for cells treated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD and IGF-I plus 17 beta-estradiol. The relative antimitogenic activities of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and related compounds followed the order 2,3,7,8-TCDD greater than 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) greater than 1,2,7,8-TCDF greater than 1,3,7,8-TCDD which was similar to their aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor binding affinities. The results showed that 2,3,7,8-TCDD did not alter the IGF-I receptor mRNA levels or the KD values for binding of [125I]IGF-I to the IGF-I receptor in MCF-7 cells. However, 2,3,7,8-TCDD significantly decreased the number of IGF-I-induced IGF-I receptor binding sites and this may play a role in the growth-inhibitory properties of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and related compounds and in the 'cross-talk' between the two endocrine-response pathways.

The Ah receptor and the mechanism of dioxin toxicity

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Inhibition of postconfluent focus production in cultures of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a potent inducer of differentiation and an antiestrogen, is shown to suppress in vitro postconfluent cell accumulation in the estrogen-dependent MCF-7 human breast tumor cell line. This dose-responsive suppression is apparent by 14 days of exposure with an EC50 between 10(-10) and 10(-11) M TCDD, and is characterized by reduced cell density (approximately 60% of controls after 14 days). This was attributed to a reduced formation in TCDD-treated cultures of multicellular foci which are characteristic of cancer cell growth in vitro (less than 1/mm2 compared to control levels of 40/mm2). Preconfluent cell growth and viability of MCF-7 cells is not affected by 10(-9) M TCDD. These results suggest that the principle of TCDD's activity may be useful in the study and possibly the management of estrogen-dependent breast tumors.

Uptake of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin from plasma lipoproteins by cultured human fibroblasts

Tritiated 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) added to human plasma in vitro associated with the plasma lipoproteins. The effects of plasma and lipoproteins on cellular uptake of dioxin were studied using normal human skin fibroblasts and mutant fibroblasts from a patient with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The latter cells lack the normal cell membrane receptor for low density lipoprotein (LDL). The time- and temperature-dependent cellular uptake of [3H]dioxin was greatest from LDL, intermediate from high density lipoprotein (HDL) and least from serum. A significantly greater uptake from LDL by the normal cells compared to the mutant cells indicated the involvement of the LDL receptor-mediated pathway. Concentration-dependent studies indicated that the cellular uptake at 37 degrees C of [3H]dioxin varied linearly with dioxin concentration at constant LDL concentration. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) showed that conversion to more polar compounds may have occurred after 24-h incubation with cells. [3H]Dioxin could be removed from cells efficiently by incubation with 20% serum greater than HDL greater than LDL. Since the vehicle of delivery may influence subsequent location and metabolism of this compound in cells, it is concluded that the physiologic vehicles (either serum- or LDL-associated dioxin), rather than organic solvents, should be used in experiments with cultured cells or perfused organs.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) modulates epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding to basal cells from a human keratinocyte cell line

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) modulates the proliferation, differentiation, or both, of epidermal keratinocytes in vivo and in culture. The growth of epidermal cells in culture is regulated by several biochemical mediators including epidermal growth factor (EGF). In this report the actions of TCDD on EGF binding in a basal cell population from a human keratinocyte cell line were examined. TCDD decreased the specific binding of 125I-EGF to basal cells by 40% within 96 hr. This reduction in EGF binding could not be attributed to changes in the state of differentiation as assessed by cell size and morphology, and cornified envelope competence, a marker of terminal differentiation. Modulation of EGF binding by TCDD was concentration-dependent (EC50 = 1 nM) and stereospecific, suggesting involvement of the Ah receptor. Scatchard analysis of EGF binding to the basal cells indicated a single class of high-affinity sites in both control (Kd = 0.14 nM) and treated (Kd = 0.11 nM) cultures and confirmed a decrease in the number of these sites in response to TCDD. The reduction in EGF binding correlated with a decrease in EGF-stimulated DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Comparison of differentiation-competent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lines treated with TCDD supported an association between modulation of EGF binding and enhanced differentiation. The data indicate that basal cells are a target for TCDD. We propose that the modulation of EGF binding in basal keratinocytes by TCDD is one of the critical regulatory events resulting in enhanced differentiation.

Health hazard assessment for chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans other than 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD

EPA is faced with the need to perform health risk assessments of environmental materials containing mixtures of chlorinated dioxins and -dibenzofurans. Preferably, such an assessment must be based on the direct evaluation of chronic health effects of the mixture or on a knowledge of the toxic effects of each of the components. In the absence of such data, the authors have developed two pragmatic approaches that can reasonably be applied to mixtures such as flyash or contaminated soil. The details of these approaches, viewed as interim procedures, are compared and contrasted with those used by other regulatory and public health authorities.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) enhances terminal differentiation of cultured human epidermal cells

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and isosteric halogenated analogs produce a spectrum of pathologic changes in the epidermis of humans. In this study, the actions of TCDD on cultured human epidermal cells were characterized to determine whether these cells are an appropriate in vitro model to examine the mechanisms of TCDD toxicity to human skin. The differential staining properties of TCDD-treated cultures indicated that TCDD decreased basal cell numbers and increased the degree of keratinization. Histologic examination of cross-sections of the cultures confirmed a loss of small nucleated cells and increased cell layering in response to TCDD. TCDD produced no change in total cell number or cell protein, but decreased the number of small (basal) cells and DNA synthesis. TCDD increased the number of cells containing spontaneous envelopes, as well as the number of envelope-competent cells. The quantitative changes observed in these parameters were consistent with a TCDD-induced commitment of proliferating cells to terminal differentiation. TCDD also decreased epidermal growth factor (EGF) specific binding. Maximal changes in EGF binding occurred after 4 days, and in small cell number after 5 days. The decreases in EGF binding and small cell number were stereospecific and concentration dependent (EC50, 1 to 2 nM), implicating the human Ah receptor in mediating these responses to TCDD. These data indicate that TCDD treatment produces hyperkeratinization in cultured human epidermal cells. It is proposed that TCDD acts on epidermal basal cells to enhance terminal differentiation through mechanisms regulated at least in part by the Ah receptor.